Consumer complaint received 2025-11-17 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Banking errors
Company: PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
Details of the Dispute and Harassment The alleged debt stems from a transaction with XXXX, which was canceled and repaid in-store. I possess a receipt for the in-store purchase and an email from XXXX clearly stating that I do not owe any amount regarding the online/canceled transaction. 
Despite this clear evidence, PenFed has pursued collections and has engaged in the following unacceptable conduct : Failure to Appreciate Dispute : A representative of PenFed made it clear that the institution " did not appreciate the extra work '' involved in my filing of accurate and necessary disputes, suggesting a bias against the legitimate exercise of my consumer rights. 
Harassment and Unreasonable Contact : A debt collector, whose " Badge Number '' I was given, engaged in conversation that continued on purpose past a disclosed available time, causing me to be late returning to my employment. This is a clear tactic of harassment. 
Targeting of a XXXX XXXX : The collector was harassing an individual the bank knows to be handicapped. This constitutes an escalation of abuse aimed at a vulnerable consumer. 
False Representation/Bad Business Practice : PenFed is attempting to collect on a debt for which I have documentation ( receipt and email from XXXX ) proving it is not owed, demonstrating a use of " false pretenses '' and " bad business practices. '' Failure to Provide Validation Notice : I was never offered a proper debt validation notice allowing me 30 days to dispute and forcing you to document the debt, as required under federal law. 
Legal Citations and Rights The actions described above constitute violations of my rights under both federal and state law : Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692, et seq. ( if a third-party debt collector is involved, or if the creditor uses a name suggesting a third party ) : 15 U.S.C. 1692d ( Harassment or Abuse ) : Prohibits conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person. The intentional extension of a collection call past an inconvenient time and the targeting of a known XXXX individual could be construed as violations. 
15 U.S.C. 1692e ( False or Misleading Representations ) : Prohibits the false representation of the character, amount, or legal status of any debt. Attempting to collect a debt that is demonstrably not owed is a violation.

15 U.S.C. 1692g ( Validation of Debts ) : Requires a debt collector to provide written notice with the amount of the debt, the creditor 's name, and a statement of the consumer 's right to dispute the debt within 30 days. Your failure to offer this is a serious procedural violation.

South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, Title 37, Article 5, Part 1, Section 37-5-108 ( Unconscionable Conduct ) : This state law applies to both original creditors and debt collectors and prohibits the use of " unconscionable conduct in collecting a debt, '' which includes using or threatening to use force or criminal prosecution, or communicating at frequent intervals or unusual hours so that it is a reasonable inference that the primary purpose was to harass. The alleged abusive phone call falls under this prohibition.

Demands for Immediate Action I hereby make the following demands, to be completed immediately and without hesitation or excuse : Cease and Desist : Immediately cease all further communications and collection activities regarding this alleged debt, as permitted by 15 U.S.C. 1692c ( c ).

Credit Report Removal : Immediately remove any and all negative or adverse items pertaining to debt collection or delinquency involving XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, from all Consumer Reporting Agencies XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) .

Written Validation : Provide full and complete written validation of the alleged debt, including the original account agreement, an accounting of the charges, and proof that the amount is due despite the XXXX cancellation and payment documentation I hold. 
Demand for Tort Relief Due to the demonstrable and ongoing harassment, use of false pretenses, and the targeting of a handicapped individual, I am reserving all rights to pursue the maximum statutory and actual tort relief under law.

Under the FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C. 1692k ), I am entitled to actual damages ( for lost wages and emotional distress ) and statutory damages up to {$1000.00}.

Under the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code ( Section 37-5-108 ), I am entitled to actual damages and a penalty of not less than {$100.00} nor more than {$1000.00} for unconscionable conduct in collecting a debt.

Furthermore, I am explicitly stating that should any additional issue or expense occurincluding, but not limited to, a delay in credit correction or a repeat of the harassmenta suit will be filed in Small Claims Court ( XXXX 's XXXX ) seeking relief, including the maximum allowable statutory and punitive amount, in addition to actual damages for time and XXXX. 
You are required to respond to this demand in writing within seven ( 7 ) business days of receipt of this letter, outlining the steps taken to fully comply with all my demand Sincerely. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation