Consumer complaint received 2025-04-08 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: AR

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, This letter was written with the assistance of an AI legal tool to help me clearly explain my concerns.

I am submitting this complaint regarding Bank of America and what I believe to be a deceptive and predatory attempt to collect on a debt that was not mine and could not be verified both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their collection efforts appeared designed to pressure, confuse, and take advantage of vulnerable consumers, including individuals with XXXX like myself. 

Prior to the XXXX pandemic, I made a good faith effort to respond to Bank of Americas communications and dispute the debt in question. I clearly stated that I did not recognize or owe the debt and requested verification. Despite this, I was never provided any legitimate proof of the debts validity. The lack of response or resolution was deeply concerning and left me with no clear path forward to resolve or dispute the matter formally. 

Compounding this, I was later named in a lawsuit filed by XXXXXXXX XXXX, in which Bank of America was listed as a garnishee ( I have never worked for Bank of America ). Although the bank ultimately denied holding my assets, its involvement in garnishment proceedings tied to an unverified debt without ensuring proper notice or validation raises serious concerns. 

When the pandemic began, Bank of America escalated its collection efforts at a time when the legal and logistical systems meant to protect consumers had broken down. As someone with both a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, I was unable to safely leave my home. This made it extremely difficult to retrieve mail, access notary services, or defend myself through normal legal channels. 

During this time, I received multiple confusing and legally questionable letters, even though I had already disputed the debt. These were compounded by attempts from associated collection agencies to mislead and confuse me through vague deadlines, inconsistent balances, and intimidating language. This appeared calculated to wear me down and discourage any further attempts to assert my rights.

The pandemic-era conditions enabled the following serious issues : Improper Legal Service : Legal documents were left in my mailbox with no confirmation of receipt or understanding allowing proceedings to move forward without my actual participation.

No Reasonable Access to Notarization : Some responses required notarization, but during the pandemic I had no access to a notary due to courthouse closures and health restrictions.

Risky Mail Retrieval Requirements : Critical documents were held at the post office, requiring me to leave home during a time when doing so put my health in danger a demand that was neither safe nor reasonable.

These systemic breakdowns created a perfect storm in which creditors like Bank of America were able to exploit the public health crisis and move forward with collection efforts that would not have been viable under normal conditions. For someone with serious health conditions and limited access to legal help, this felt not only coercive but predatory.

I live in Arkansas and respectfully request that your office investigate Bank of Americas conduct, especially its attempts to collect on unverifiable debts and its handling of consumer disputes during the pandemic. These practices deserve broader examination as part of a systemic issue affecting medically vulnerable populations. 

Sincerely, 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