Consumer complaint received 2025-06-11 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: OK

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Deceptive and unlawful reporting and collection activities by Portfolio Recovery Associates ( PRA ) Summary : I am filing a third and escalated complaint against Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC ( PRA ) for continued violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), despite multiple prior disputes and formal complaints filed through the CFPB.

PRA has now updated my credit reports ( with both XXXX  and XXXX  ) to falsely reflect a balance decrease of {$1.00} from {$500.00} to {$500.00} despite me never having made a single payment toward this alleged debt. This is a deceptive and misleading practice designed to give the impression that I am paying down the debt, which I am not, and may create the appearance of account activity that does not exist. This raises serious concerns of furnishing knowingly inaccurate or misleading information to credit reporting agencies in violation of federal law.

Background and Pattern of Conduct : This is not my first complaint regarding this matter. PRA has demonstrated a consistent and unlawful pattern of behavior. In my previous two CFPB complaints, I documented that PRA : Failed to provide a signed contract or application showing I agreed to the alleged debt.

Could not produce a valid bill of sale or assignment agreement showing a legal right to collect.

Submitted incomplete and unverifiable credit card statements and a non-notarized letter from XXXX XXXX as proof, which would not be admissible in court. 

Has continued to report the debt to the credit bureaus despite it being formally disputed. 

Ignored my cease-and-desist request by making contact after I explicitly revoked consent. 

Misrepresented the status and nature of the debt on my credit reports. 

Despite their own admissions that they rely solely on what the original creditor provides, PRA has no actual legal evidence that they own or have the right to collect on this debt.

New and Ongoing Violations : In addition to the above, PRA is now engaging in fabricated balance reductions, which appear to simulate payments that never occurred. This is deceptive and may mislead credit scoring models, lenders, or any future legal inquiry. This deceptive reporting constitutes : 1. FDCPA Violations : 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ) ( A ) : Misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of the debt.

15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 8 ) : Communicating false or misleading credit information, especially when known to be disputed.

15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) : Failing to cease collection efforts and validate the debt properly.

15 U.S.C. 1692f : Using unfair or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect a debt.

2. FCRA Violations : 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information furnished.

15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ) : Failing to conduct a proper reinvestigation after being notified of a dispute.

Deceptive Furnishing of Account Updates : PRAs actions create the appearance of active resolution or consumer acknowledgment of the debt, which is factually false.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation