Consumer complaint received 2025-04-07 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was paid
Company: Fairway Collections, LLC
State: WA

Complaint narrative:
CFPB Complaint Issue : Improper collection activity and failure to validate debt after formal dispute Company : Fairway Collections , LLC XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, WA XXXX Account Number : XXXX Complaint Summary : We are submitting this complaint regarding improper and potentially unlawful debt collection practices by Fairway Collections , LLC. On XX/XX/year>, we sent a certified dispute letter to Fairway Collections regarding a debt they claim is owed in connection with legal services from XXXX XXXX XXXX. That letter was received and signed for by XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/year>, and included a formal dispute and demand for validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Despite this timely dispute, Fairway Collections issued a new demand letter on XX/XX/year>, increasing the claimed amount from {$500.00} to {$910.00}, citing unexplained legal fees and accrued interest. This letter failed to include a complete itemized breakdown or any signed agreement that legally substantiates the debt. To date, we have not received any signed agreement or documentation that validates this alleged debt. 

The legal service agreement names XXXX XXXX XXXX as the client, but it is not signed by him. The only signature on the document is XXXX XXXX yet she is not listed as the client, and there is no documentation establishing her as financially responsible. Although XXXX XXXX had direct contact with XXXX, she was initially named in the lawsuit as XXXX Doe XXXX. XXXX Collections is now only pursuing XXXX XXXX XXXX, but he never signed any agreement either. Both of us are actively disputing this debt and are working together to challenge its validity. Our original dispute letter, sent by certified mail, was signed by both XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, with XXXX also indicating XXXX Doe XXXX next to her signature. 

The original debt collection lawsuit was served on XX/XX/year> less than XXXX hours after XXXX filed a motion to disqualify Attorney XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX XXXX from representing her former employer in a separate legal matter : her unemployment appeal hearing against XXXX XXXX XXXX. Just XXXX hours before that hearing, XXXX XXXX contacted XXXX attorney and claimed the firm had no record of XXXX ever being a client. Yet the legal services agreement now being used in this debt collection clearly contains XXXX XXXX printed name and signature. 

It is also important to note that Fairway Collections is physically located next door to XXXX XXXX XXXX the same employer against whom XXXX had filed legal claims. The timing of the lawsuit ( less than XXXX hours after the motion to disqualify XXXX XXXX XXXX ), combined with the physical proximity of the involved parties, raises further concern about possible coordination or retaliatory conduct. 

This situation raises serious concerns about : Improper use of identity. 
Retaliatory legal and debt collection activity. 
Inaccurate and contradictory representations by the law firm and collection agency. 
Continued collection efforts after a formal dispute, without proper validation. 
Possible abuse of legal process to harass or intimidate. 

Relief Requested : Immediate investigation into Fairway Collections actions and documentation.

Cease and desist all collection activity until legally sufficient validation is provided.

Explanation of balance discrepancies and demand for itemized documentation.

Review of potential FDCPA violations, misidentification, and retaliatory conduct.

Correction or removal of any negative credit reporting related to this disputed debt.

A formal, written response from Fairway Collections detailing the legal basis and supporting documentation for pursuing this debt. 
Assurance that no further legal action or collection efforts will be taken without proper validation and due process.

Referral to appropriate oversight agencies for further review of XXXX XXXX role in the origination and handling of this debt. 

We respectfully request the CFPB to investigate these concerns and ensure that any collection activity conducted by Fairway Collections complies fully with federal and state consumer protection laws. 

Thank you, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation