Consumer complaint received 2024-09-27 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC.
State: OK

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/year> I received a letter from Fair Collections & Outsourcing dated XX/XX/year> notifying me that they were a collection agency attempting to collect a debt from an apartment lease. The letter also stated that I had until XX/XX/year> to send them in writing a dispute the debt. I sent by certified mail on XX/XX/year> a letter stating that I was a victim of identity theft. In the letter, I requested that in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, that they stop collection proceedings and that they notify the business where the account was opened that the debt is the result of identity theft. I also requested copies of all records relating to the account, including : account applications made on paper, online, or by telephone, account statements or invoices, records of payment or charge slips, delivery addresses associated with the account, records of phone numbers used to activate or access the account, signatures on applications and accounts, and investigators report. Additionally, I requested they sent me a letter explaining what they have done to : inform the business where the account was opened that the debt is the result of identity theft, stop collection proceedings, and stop reporting information about the debt to credit reporting companies. With the letter, I sent a copy of my FTC Identity Theft Report, a copy of my driver 's license as proof of identity, and CFPB 's notice to furnishers of information. USPS records the letter was delivered and left with an individual on XX/XX/year>. On XX/XX/year>, I received another letter from Fair Collections and Outsourcing dated XX/XX/year>. The letter stated that they needed more proof, including ID Theft Affidavit, Mortgage Statement/Lease Information, and Utility Bills . On XX/XX/year> I sent copies of all requested documents, along with a letter requesting again that they send me all copies of documents relating to this debt and to stop collection proceedings. I also requested again that they send me a letter explaining what they have done to : inform the business where the account was opened that the debt is the result of identity theft, stop collection proceedings, and stop reporting information about the debt to credit reporting companies. Included with the request and documentation was a copy of the Notice to Furnishers of Information. On XX/XX/year>, I received another letter from Fair Collections and Outstanding dated XX/XX/year> that the account has already been reported to one or all of the national credit reporting bureaus and requesting payment for the debt. I have been fully cooperative with them and sent them all the requested information in a timely manner. They have not sent me any of the documents I requested or any information explaining what they have done. They also reported the debt and attempted collection after being notified of the identity theft and receiving supporting documents prior to the deadline provided by them for disputing the debt.

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