Consumer complaint received 2016-08-11
Product: Debt collection — Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Disclosure verification of debt — Not given enough info to verify debt
Company: ERC (OH)

I received a missed call from phone number ( XXXX ) XXXX. I called back XXXX/XXXX/XXXX at approximately XXXX EST. I spoke with a female by the name of XXXX who first to identify she was speaking to the correct person, verified my address but it was an address that I lived at about 7 years ago in a different state than I currently live I became very curious at that point so when she asked if that was still my current address I was a little dishonest and said yes because I wanted to see where she was going with the call seeing she mentioned an address so old. She then informed me that the company she was with was ERC and they were attempting to collect a debt on behalf of XXXX XXXX XXXX. I immediately remembered that the only time I was involved with XXXX XXXX XXXX was when I attempted to get their internet service which was XX/XX/XXXX I tried to get cable service through XXXX which did not offer Internet service so the rep with XXXX informed they set up for internet through XXXX XXXX XXXX. A week later a rep showed up to install my satellite for cable and I also received my materials from XXXX XXXX XXXX for my internet service via XXXX the same day. Unfortunately the Apt manager said I was not allowed to have a dish installed and explained why. So the XXXX XXXX rep took his equipment back. I mailed XXXX their equipment back. Nothing was ever installed including the satellite and internet equipment For XXXX XXXX XXXX. I also called XXXX to be sure they understood what was going on and I was informed there was nothing more I had to do. As far as ERC the rep XXXX gave me the amount of the alleged debt that I owe and when I asked why XXXX XXXX XXXX is claiming I owe this amount her exact words were " I do n't know why '' I asked her why she was calling to collect a debt if she could n't tell me what the {$200.00} charge was for she then attempted to confirm the last XXXX of my social which made no since to do at that point in the call after I explained to her what happened with XXXX and explain that there were no services rendered by XXXX nor XXXX XXXX XXXX. At this point I 'm confused as to how a debt collector can call to collect a debt but ca n't explain what you are being charged for which is my biggest complaint. Also I have never received any calls or notices from XXXX XXXX XXXX nor have I received any notices from ERC. I informed XXXX that I am disputing the validity of the debt. She stated that ERC will be sending the account back to XXXX XXXX XXXX but that still does n't satisfy me and I do n't believe they are actually going to return the account to XXXX XXXX XXXX. I was continuing to speak with XXXX to reassure they will stop all attempts to collect and return this alleged debt to XXXX XXXX XXXX and she hung up on me. I was yelling or being rude to her. I also find it very unprofessional that they have their reps calling to collect a debt but ca n't explain what the debt is for. I really hope since the CFPB is cracking down on debt collectors, that this is one that actually catches their eye as something that should be investigated with ERC collections. I have also taken a look at their XXXX complaints they have had over XXXX and XXXX revolve around billing and collection issues, and if you read them you 'll see several complaints similar to mine. They making attempts to collect on debt and they ca n't even explain what the debt is for. Wow!!