Consumer complaint received 2020-07-11
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Blitt and Gaines, P.C. (IL)

This is in regards to XXXX XXXX, XXXX/Blitt & Gaines. I had a previous case with them, that was dropped on XX/XX/2020, after I complained to the Illinois Attorney General 's Office, & within three weeks ' time - the beginning of XX/XX/2020 - I received another letter from XXXX/Blitt claiming a different debt. I requested documentation for proof of debt & proof that they were, in fact, authorized to collect the alleged debt. While waiting for that documentation, I received a 2nd letter at the beginning of XX/XX/2020, claiming still another debt owed. Once again, I requested documentation for proof of debt. After a month went by, I called B & G to find out where the requested documentation was. I was told, at that time, that documents for both cases would be forthcoming. I waited another month, & no documentation arrived. I called a total of 5 times requesting documentation, each time asking it be sent certified mail for proof. No documentation was ever received. The last time I called was XX/XX/XXXX, & I was told by XXXX XXXX at B & G that documentation would be sent. 

In the meantime, on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a summons. XXXX was listed as the filing attorney. When I had spoken with him on the XXXX, he made no mention of filing suit, & instead told me that he would be sending out the documentation, knowing full well, at that time, that suit had been filed by him that day. 

Upon receipt of the summons, I immediately called B & G, & the person I spoke with told me that the requests I had made were " not worded correctly, '' & that I didn't " use the proper terminology. '' When I asked that the case be delayed/dropped until I receive the appropriate documentation, I was told that I " better show up to court, '' & I " will receive the documentation at that time. '' I then said I am requesting arbitration or mediation, & I was told that was not an option. However, I am well aware that it is, in fact, an option. 

Then on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a phone call from my bank stating that someone had attempted to access information regarding my bank account, but they were unable to, as I have security measures in place for just such an intrusion. I called B & G to tell them that they were way out of bounds for calling my bank, & both people I spoke with denied that B & Gwere the ones who had attempted to access the information. On that same call, the rep let it slip that they may attempt to come after me with another case, but she caught herself before I could get any more information from her. 

In addition, on XX/XX/XXXX, I checked my credit, & found that XXXXB & G reported a judgment to the credit bureaus, even though the last case  they brought against me was dropped & no judgment was placed. 

As of today, XX/XX/2020, I have yet to receive proof of debt or proof that they are authorized to collect the alleged debt. My attempt to exercise my right to arbitration or mediation, if need be, has been ignored. Each time I have advised the reps at B & G that I wished to record the calls, I have been threatened to be hung up on or just hung up on. Obviously, they don't want me to be able to defend myself with proof of the multiple requests for proof of debt and arbitration/mediation requests I have made or to use anything they might say against them. 

Clearly, this firm is trying to overwhelm, harass & threaten me because of the fact they had to drop the previous case. I am currently out of work due to COVID, & they are causing me great distress. This is mental abuse, at this point, & judging by the comment of the last rep I spoke with, they do not intend to stop. They are as shady as they come, and they obviously prey on people who can not afford an attorney, & they try to bully them into paying debt that is not owed by threatening them with legal action, or in my case, filing a lawsuit without the proper verification of debt or option of arbitration or mediation, if necessary. This is the exact same MO they used in the last case, i.e., they didn't send proof of debt, then tried to sue me. XXXX XXXX Blitt & Gaines are predators, & they should be investigated & sanctioned for  their unscrupulous business practices. I hope you will take the appropriate action against this firm. Thank you.