Consumer complaint received 07/21/2015 about Debt collection (Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)) with AFNI INC. (NY).
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not mine

Complaint: XXXX XXXXAfni Account # XXXX XXXX, 2015I am writing because I would like to open an investigation against Afni Collections, ( a debt collection agency for XXXX ), at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, IL XXXX . The reason for the request, is that there was an account opened with XXXX, at an address that I NEVER resided at- as the account was not opened by me. 

The discovery was made, when I went to apply for credit and was denied. After reviewing my credit profile I realized there was a collection account on my profile for an account that I had not opened. 

I called the collection agency associated with the account ( AFNI ), to advise them of the discrepancy, and inform them that the debt was not mine, and that I never resided at the address that the service was opened. I also advised them that I was upset that my credit was affected as a result, and maintaining a good credit profile was is important to me. I was advised to pay the debt, and I felt the only way to regain good standing with my credit profile was to pay the debt ( even though I did not open the account. ). 

I offered to make a settlement on the account, they did not accept the settlement amount that I offered, and provided a counter offer. I eventually accepted and paid the counter offer- because I was desperate to preserve my credit profile. 

Afni advised that they would NOT remove the item from my profile, because this is NOT what they do- ( even though I made EVERYONE I spoke with aware that I did NOT open the account, and NEVER resided at the address where service was opened ). Because I felt I had no other recourse to attempt to restore my credit, I paid the settlement amount. I stated that this was not fair because I NEVER LIVED at the address where service was opened. 

During my initial telephone conversation with AFNI ( XXXX XXXX, 2015 ) - I gave them my address and telephone number, ( the ONLY address I have resided at for the last 5 years ). Shortly there after, I received a letter dated XXXX XXXX, 2015- stating that I had 30 days to reply to the letter, or they would assume that the debt was valid, and report it to the credit bureaus. However, they had ALREADY reported the debt to the credit reporting agencies- prior to me receiving the letter- giving me NO opportunity to respond- AND they advised me that they would NOT remove the item from my credit report. 

Tell them that you are requesting that this agency be required to remove this item from tourncredit entirely and be instructed to stop extorting funds from people under the threat that they will and can ruin their credit. 

At this time I am requesting that this agency be required to remove this item from my credit report entirely, and be instructed to stop extorting funds from people under the threat that they will ( and can ) ruin their credit!!!! 

Again, I am also requesting that the practices of this agency be investigated, as I am certain that they are in complete violation of the FTC Consumer Protection act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation