Consumer complaint received 2024-12-13 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: Harris & Harris, Ltd.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Unauthorized Collection on Credit Report by Harris & Harris Ltd Complaint Summary : I am filing this complaint to report Harris & Harris Ltd for placing an unauthorized collection account on my credit report without my knowledge or any prior contact. I have no knowledge of this debt, nor have I ever been contacted by this company about this matter. Despite this, they have reported a collection item on my credit report, which is negatively impacting my credit score and financial standing. 

Timeline of Events : XX/XX/year> : I discovered that Harris & Harris Ltd has placed a collection on my credit report. 
I have never received any notice, communication, or contact from Harris & Harris Ltd regarding this debt. 
I have no knowledge of this debt or the circumstances leading to the collection item on my credit report. 
Consumer Law Violations : Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) : Harris & Harris Ltd has violated the FDCPA by failing to send a proper debt validation notice and failing to contact me prior to reporting this debt. 
A debt collector must provide debt validation upon request, and Harris & Harris Ltd has not done so. 
Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : Harris & Harris Ltd violated the FCRA by failing to ensure the accuracy of the credit reporting process. Reporting a collection item without validating the debt first is a clear violation. 
Failure to Validate Debt : Harris & Harris Ltd has reported this debt to credit agencies without providing the required debt validation notice as required under the FDCPA and FCRA. 
Unfair and Deceptive Practices : Reporting a collection account on a consumers credit report without first contacting the consumer to confirm debt legitimacy or providing a validation violates the FDCPA and FCRAs prohibition against unfair and deceptive practices. 
Failure to Investigate Credit Dispute : Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies and collectors must investigate any dispute brought by the consumer. Harris & Harris Ltd has failed to conduct any such investigation or provide evidence validating this debt. 
Relief Requested : Immediate removal of the collection item from my credit report. 
Verification and validation of this debt to confirm its legitimacy. 
A formal investigation into how Harris & Harris Ltd reported this debt without first contacting me. 
An explanation of the origin of this debt and confirmation that no further collection actions will be pursued. 
Supporting Details : I have no recollection, knowledge, or awareness of this debt or any financial obligation associated with Harris & Harris Ltd. 
I have never been contac

ted by Harris & Harris Ltd in any way about this alleged debt. The collection item has negatively impacted my credit report and credit score, despite me having no knowledge of this debt or the circumstances surrounding it. 
Desired Outcome : I trust the CFPB will investigate this issue thoroughly, ensure compliance with federal laws by Harris & Harris Ltd, and remove this collection from my credit report if it is found to be erroneous. I seek prompt resolution, fair treatment, and transparency regarding this debt claim. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief