Consumer complaint received 2017-05-12
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC (NJ)

Portfolio Recovery Associates sent me letters regarding a debt of {$1200.00} regarding account numbe  XXXX   XXXX   with former creditor   XXXX   XXXX  . I called and ask for proof that this debt was mine because I do not have knowledge of this debt. The rep,  XXXX , in   XXXX   who assisted me said their company brought the debt from the original creditor and a electronic file was received. I asked can I please be mailed a copy of the contract that was allegedly signed by me proving I owe this debt from  XXXX . I then received another letter exactly like it, which did not contain any of the requested information. It only gave basic information about me and the creditor who charged it off, nothing more. This is not proof of a debt. This debt is also on my credit report.
I called again on   XXXX   XXXX  , asking again for this information and the rep I spoke to did not have this information. Then a supervisor name   XXXX   got on the phone and was rather rude in assisting me due to me questions. The supervisor mentioned to me they have basic information ( name, address, birthdate, job they had listed and email address ). I explained that is public record information and that is not my email address. I asked again for a contract, which the supervisor stated they did not have, but have a statement from the original creditor and terms and conditions page. I again asked is it signed by me and asked well can you provide banking information, canceled checks, money orders or cards used to make payments and this was not in the file either. Neither supervisor or the rep could even tell me what kind of debt it was. One said a computer maybe and one stated maybe a line of credit.
I asked to show proof of the debt and   XXXX   mentioned she see the request in the file, but she did n't think the first rep told me it had to be in writing and then provided me with the address and said I had 10 days to respond. I was told by a friend its actually 30 days. The supervisor then rudely mention that I could of opened this up online as far as she knew and that this has been " kicked around and it normally comes back favorably in their favor '' as well as their legal department does n't take these things lightly. I found this to be threatening and insulting and then I stated, but you ca n't prove that I did. I 'm asking for PROOF not public information that anyone could get and fraud happens all the time.
I am very confused for several reasons. One if I allegedly owe this debt they are a third party who obviously brought this debt, meaning the debt was charged off by the original creditor and the debt was not with Portfolio Recovery Associates, nor do I have a obligation or contract with your company. Secondly, they do not have valid documentation from the original creditor proving this debt. I am sending in a written request on today 's date.
I am requesting the entire file on this debt and the proof that this is mine and any transcript conversations as well to be sent to the address on the letter. I am also asking that if any legal steps or legal filings has been taken that it by law has to be sent to me by certified mail with me signing for it and that it is ceased due to proving this alleged obligation.
No legal documents should go beyond me receiving it and being made aware. It is my right that if they can not prove this debt is mine to stop harassing me regarding payment and to have it removed from my credit report.