Consumer complaint received 2024-07-03
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Collected or attempted to collect exempt funds
Company: Army and Air Force Exchange Service (IL)

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) on behalf of Army AirForce Exchange Service ( AAFES ). 
Debt Amount : Alleged principal balance of {$1500.00}, with an unexplained increase to {$1800.00}. 

Key Issues : Insufficient and Illegible Statements : XXXX provided only the last four alleged statements, which are not legible. A complete record of all statements and transactions from XXXX to present is required. 

Incorrect Principal Balance Information : Documentation indicates a " principal balance '' starting in XXXX, which is erroneous and inconsistent. 

Outdated Address : AAFES sent initial communications to an address from 7 years ago, despite updated information with credit bureaus and DFAS. This violates FDCPA principles for reasonable contact efforts. 

Missing Contracts : No contracts or signed agreements bearing my signature were provided to substantiate the debt. 

Verbal Threat of Lien : XXXX representatives verbally threatened to place a lien on my Social Security Number if the debt is not paid. Such threats are illegal under the FDCPA and were not communicated in writing. 

Unexplained Account Balance Increase : The balance increased from {$1500.00} to {$1800.00} without any statements on interest accrual, rate of accrual, or other associated fees. 

Attempts to Resolve : Initial Request for Debt Verification : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX requesting detailed debt verification and documentation. 

Email Follow-Up : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Details : After receiving illegible and inaccurate " statements '' from XXXX on behalf of AFFES, I sent an e-mail requesting proper validation. 

Follow-Up Call : Date XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to confirm receipt of the initial email. Was informed by a representative that my account was placed in a " resolved '' status, but no written confirmation or details were provided. 

Second Email Follow-Up : Date : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  : Forwarded the original email again without attachments, reiterating the request for written confirmation and detailed debt verification. 

Willingness to Settle : Expressed willingness to settle the account but not for an exorbitant amount of interest and fees. 
Highlighted the lack of transparency and effort from AAFES to resolve the matter directly. 
Explained my status as a XXXX XXXX  currently out of work due to military service-related XXXX and the impact of the unresolved debt. 

Requested Actions : Provide legible copies of all statements and transactions since XXXX. 
Provide an accurate and complete accounting of the debt, including all payments, charges, fees, and interest. 
Provide copies of any judgments, contracts, or signed agreements. 
Update my address in records and send all further communications to my current address. 
Communicate any legal actions in writing and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. 
Cease all collection activities, including interest accrual, until proper debt verification is provided. 

Conclusion : Despite my efforts to resolve this matter at the lowest level, including attempts to pay the principal balance only, I have been met with threats and a lack of transparency. My willingness to settle is not an admission of guilt or acknowledgment of owing this debt. I am seeking CFPBs assistance to ensure compliance with FDCPA and resolve this matter fairly. 

I also have three recordings of XXXX employees threatening legal action without cause and also stating that AFFES will be the one to do it, not them as they don't have the authority. Yet they have the authority to threaten legal action? I also was refused by AFFES to contact them and to go through XXXX, yet they can apply a federal offset to my SSN without first working with me?