Consumer complaint received 2025-09-28 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc.
State: WA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : FORMAL DEMAND FOR DEBT VALIDATION, NOTICE OF POTENTIAL FRAUD/EXPLOITATION, AND NOTIFICATION OF VULNERABLE ADULT STATUS Dear, Collection/Creditors Agencys This letter constitutes a formal demand for strict proof and validation of the alleged debt, as is my right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. This is not a refusal to pay, but a challenge to your legal right to collect, given the serious issues detailed below. 

I. Denial of Contractual Relationship and Demand for Validation Be explicitly advised that I have no contract or agreement with your company. My contract, if one exists, was solely with the original creditor, /merchant [ Name of Original Creditor, if known ]. 

Furthermore, no payment or acknowledgment of this alleged debt shall be construed as the formation of a contract, implied or express, with your company, nor shall it be construed as reviving the statute of limitations on this debt.

Pursuant to the FDCPA, specifically 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), all collection activities and communications must immediately cease until you provide the following verification : * Written Verification/Validation of the Debt : Documentation showing that I am the party obligated to pay the debt.

* The Original Contract or Agreement bearing my signature ( or other legally enforceable instrument ) which evidences my agreement to pay the original creditor.

* Proof of Assignment/Chain of Title : Documentation proving that you are the true creditor and legally entitled to collect this specific debt from me, including documentation that the debt was validly and completely assigned or sold to you by the original creditor, [ Name of Original Creditor, if known ].

* A complete accounting of the debt, detailing the principal amount, all interest charges, fees, and payments made, demonstrating the current balance is accurate.

Failure to provide the requested validation within 30 days of your receipt of this notice requires you to immediately cease all collection attempts and confirm in writing that the debt has been dropped. Any collection activities during the validation period that " overshadow or are inconsistent '' with my right to dispute the debt would violate 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ). 


II. Demand for Business Legitimacy and Authorization To confirm your legal authority to operate and collect debts from a resident of Washington State, you are required to provide the following documentation of your business legitimacy : Proof of Licensing and/or Registration in Washington State : Provide the Washington State Collection Agency License Number and a copy of the active license required under RCW 19.16. 

Federal Tax Status Verification : Provide documentation verifying your business is registered with the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) as a legitimate entity ( e.g., your Employer Identification Number or other IRS registration information ). 

Consumer Profile and Registration Information : Provide documentation of your company 's registration and/or business profile with recognized consumer protection entities, such as the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and registration records with the Washington Secretary of State. 

III. Notification of Prior Fraud, Exploitation, and Dispute You are hereby formally notified that there have been serious issues with identity fraud and financial exploitation against me in the past. My credit report contains and has contained evidence of fraudulent activity. Past individuals have taken advantage of me in a financial way. 

Therefore, even if your records indicate a valid debt, this account may be the result of a fraudulent transaction, identity theft, or financial exploitation. This debt is disputed on the grounds that it may not be mine and may have been created without my legal authorization or capacity. You must now investigate this possibility before proceeding. 

IV. Notification of Vulnerable Adult Status ( Washington State Law ) Be advised that I meet the criteria for a " vulnerable adult '' as defined under Washington State law, RCW 74.34.020, due to a functional, mental, or physical inability to care for or protect myself. 

You are hereby notified that I qualify for and/or receive Social Security XXXX XXXX, confirming that I face significant functional challenges. This status, combined with the history of exploitation and fraud ( Section II ), mandates a heightened XXXX XXXX of care and compliance with all consumer protection laws regarding my account. 

Washington State takes a serious view of the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. RCW 74.34.200 creates a cause of action for damages against any person who engages in the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Financial exploitation under RCW 74.34.020 includes the illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adults funds or assets. 

Any attempt to coerce, mislead, or pressure me into paying an unverified, unlawful, and potentially fraudulent debt, or any failure to comply strictly with consumer protection laws, may be viewed as attempted financial exploitation under Washington law, and will be reported to Adult Protective Services ( APS ) and the Office of the Attorney General. 

VI. General Consumer Protection Laws Be aware that all your collection efforts must also comply with : * The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq., prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices. 

* The Washington State Collection Agency Act ( RCW 19.16 ), which governs the conduct of debt collectors in this state.

* The Washington State Consumer Protection Act ( RCW 19.86 ), which prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices. 

Any further communication or collection efforts that violate these laws will be reported to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), and the Washington Attorney General ( WA AT ), Washington State Adult Protective Services ( WA APS ). 

Failure to provide any of the requested validation above within the 30-day statutory timeframe, or your failure to strictly comply with the documentation demands of this letter, will be construed as an admission that the debt is invalid and not legally owed. Accordingly, you must immediately cease all collection activities and consider this alleged debt to be null and void. Any collection activities during the validation period that " overshadow or are inconsistent '' with my right to dispute the debt would violate 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ). 

I require strict legal compliance. I look forward to your prompt response with the requested validation documentation. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX WA ID # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Washington XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation