Consumer complaint received 2025-05-14 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern at the CFPB, I am filing a formal complaint against Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC ( Phone : XXXX ) due to serious misconduct and harassment. 

The company has been threatening to sue me and recently had legal documents served to my XXXXXXXX XXXX  at our residence. She was frightened and, believing something had happened to me, told the process server that she knew me and accepted the papers. This was extremely distressing for her, and I believe it was an improper and possibly unlawful method of service. 

In addition, I have received repeated phone calls from Portfolio Recovery Associates in which I have been harassed and threatened. During one of these calls, I informed them that I am a convicted felon. Immediately after this disclosure, they filed court papers against me. The timing of this action appears retaliatory and discriminatory. 

These actions have caused emotional distress to both myself and my family. I am requesting that the CFPB investigate this matter and hold Portfolio Recovery Associates accountable for their behavior. 

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. 


AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY THEFT AND DISPUTE OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCOUNT To Whom It May Concern Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC Phone : XXXX Re : Account Number : XXXX Case Number : XXXX Name : XXXX XXXX Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally dispute and demand the immediate removal of the above-referenced account and related legal case from your records. I am the victim of identity theft, and I have already reported this matter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) for investigation and resolution. 

In XX/XX/XXXX, my wallet was lost, containing highly sensitive personal documents including my Social Security card, drivers license, bank cards, and other private information. At the time, I was employed at XXXX XXXX XXXX at the XXXX XXXX  a high-traffic area where management had documented multiple instances of theft and fraud. Based on my experience at XXXX XXXX, I am aware that credit cards can be requested to be sent to addresses other than the one listed on a government ID, which creates an opportunity for abuse. I have personally assisted contractors with such address arrangements. 

Following the loss of my documents, I promptly notified XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX of potential identity theft and began the process of replacing all identification. In XXXX, I also changed my residence from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Due to severe postal delays and backlogs at both the United States Postal Service and the Department of Motor Vehicles, I did not receive important replacement documents or account notifications in a timely manner. 

In late XXXX, I was notified by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that unauthorized activity had occurred on my account. Around the same time, I began receiving delayed mail forwarded from my previous address, including correspondence from XXXX XXXX. I now have substantial reason to believe that someone residing at or connected to my former address used my stolen personal information to open or utilize accounts in my name without my knowledge, authorization, or consent. 

Additionally, I was XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  during which time my personal belongings including my identity documents were stolen. This incident, combined with the events of XXXX, clearly demonstrates a pattern of risk and unauthorized use of my personal information. 

I did not authorize any party to use my name, Social Security number, or any personal information for the purpose of obtaining credit, loans, or other services. Furthermore, I was not properly served in connection with this legal case. I was informed that court documents were delivered to a minor at my mailing address, which constitutes an improper and legally invalid method of service under applicable law. 

Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2, I am exercising my rights to formally dispute this debt and demand that your office : Immediately investigate this matter in accordance with federal requirements ; Cease all collection efforts and remove any negative reporting associated with this unauthorized account ; Provide written confirmation that this case and account have been removed from your records. 

Failure to act promptly will result in further escalation, including continued coordination with the CFPB and, if necessary, legal counsel. 

I can be reached directly at ( XXXX ) XXXX for any further clarification or to provide additional documentation as needed. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, MD XXXX Phone : ( XXXX ) XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief