Consumer complaint received 2018-10-23
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Ridge & Valley Realty, Inc. (GA)

XXXX XXXX XXXX from the XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX during the housing crisis. I had to file for Bankruptcy in XXXX and discharged my house, an HOA account and other various debts in order to make ends meet. Fast forward almost seven years later I get a hard inquiry on my credit report from XXXX XXXX XXXX without prior approval or written notification of any intent to collect a debt. The " Debt '' in question was from the HOA at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX, CO. 

The HOA company had not attempted to contact me or seek restitution in over seven years. They sent the " delinquent account '' to collections without first contacting me of their intent nor even offering me the ability to pay said debt. According to House Bill 13-1276 Colorado Governor XXXX passed in XXXX, the HOA had to afford me this option, which they didn't. Also not to mention the fact that the statutes of limitations on that debt is in question. Finally, XX/XX/XXXX, round about, the XXXX XXXX XXXX location at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXX, XXXX XXXX, CO XXXX, went ahead with sending my account into collections without written notification or verification of said debt. 

I had called previously to inquire as to the debt ( a debt that totals {$3800.00} ), they gave me minimal information, told me the debt was sent to them in XX/XX/XXXX, and since I had no idea the debt existed, I disputed the debt. They did not send me notification of my intent to dispute nor did they send me written notification ( which is required by law within 30 days of receiving the debt from the original creditor, the HOA at XXXX XXXX. ) Once the debt went into collection, I called again to inform the collection agency, XXXX XXXX XXXX, that the HOA failed to give me written notification or intent to send the debt to collections which violates HB 13-1276, to which they replied, " All further communication regarding this debt should be discussed with your attorney. '' To which I stated, " Absolutely, have a nice day. '' This is in violation of the FDCPA. 

I called today, the XX/XX/XXXX, to get written verification of the debt, because until that point I have not received said notification. The person on the other end at XXXX XXXX XXXX was friendly enough and said they would send me a copy with a quick " Thank you, have a nice day. '' I feel that this company, ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) having not sent me any written notification of the debt, which they have had since XX/XX/XXXX,  and the fact that they have been very unprofessional in assisting me with this issue, is fraudulent in their attempt to collect said Debt. If I wasn't concerned about my credit score ( I monitor my credit and the only reason I know about XXXX XXXX XXXX. and this debt is because they dinged my credit ; otherwise, we were completely unaware due to the fact that I never received written or oral correspondence until I called them because I was not sure who they were ), I would have never known of their collections, and would be completely unaware of the possibility of a law suit. This company is working to hurt people, their finances, and their livelihood, by working outside the guidelines and laws that protect consumers.