Consumer complaint received 2025-08-07 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company: Penn Credit Corporation
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
Debt Collection Complaint : Failure to Notify, Incomplete Validation, and Improper Credit Reporting Company : Penn Credit Corporation Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX Account Balance : {$880.00} I am disputing a collection account placed on my credit report by Penn Credit. I was never properly notified of this debt prior to its reporting. At the time they mailed their single notice ( XX/XX/XXXX ), I was living out of state in Texas, yet the letter was sent to an old New Jersey address. 

I only discovered the collection through XXXX XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX. No phone calls, emails, or voicemails were ever sent to notify me of this debt. On XX/XX/XXXX, a Penn Credit representative admitted over the phone that calls were made to a number that was not mine, but refused to provide the number or dates of contact. They also stated that Penn Credit does not leave voicemails or send emails and told me that the item would not be removed from my credit report because we know what youre trying to do, which I found inappropriate and dismissive.

In response to these claims, I reviewed my phone records and I have no record of any calls from Penn Credit during the period they claim to have contacted me. This confirms that no proper attempt was made to notify me of the debt before it was reported to the credit bureaus.

When I formally disputed the debt and requested full validation under FDCPA 1692g, Penn Credit responded only with a basic itemized bill showing two separate charges ( {$400.00} and {$480.00} ), but ignored all other parts of my request, including : Proof of their authority to collect, Contact attempt records, Any signed agreements, A breakdown or explanation of how these two charges were calculated and combined. 

XXXX XXXX also failed to notify me of this balance. I only ever received a bill from the college bookstore which I paid in full. I was actively enrolled and receiving financial aid when the original charges occurred, but I was never informed of an aid adjustment or tuition balance. XXXX XXXX stated they sent a revised award notice on XX/XX/XXXX, but the last email I received regarding my award was dated XX/XX/XXXX. They also claim to have sent a 60-day collection letter on XX/XX/XXXX and a 30-day letter on XX/XX/XXXX, but when I contacted the college on XX/XX/XXXX, I was told that they do not mail physical bills, and that all billing is handled through the student portal or in person. 

Since I did receive and pay the bookstore bill without issue, I would have done the same had I been properly notified about this tuition-related balance. I only became aware of the {$880.00} charge after it had already gone to collections and impacted my credit. 

I would also like to note that had I been properly notified, I would have paid this balance immediately. I am currently able and willing to pay it in full. My concern is not about the payment itself its about not being given the opportunity to resolve the matter before it was reported. I am simply requesting the removal of this account from my credit report due to the lack of notice and failure to provide complete validation. 

I am requesting that this account be removed from my credit reports due to : Lack of proper notification, Failure to provide full and accurate validation, XXXX the debt without verifying contact methods or honoring my dispute. 

I would appreciate a written response addressing each issue, and confirmation that the account has been deleted from all credit bureaus.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation