Consumer complaint received 2025-06-27 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: United Collection Bureau, Inc.
State: IN

Complaint narrative:
On Saturday, XX/XX/year>, I noticed over {$2000.00} was withdrawn from my XXXX bank account. I immediately went to my local XXXX branch, but they couldnt tell me who placed the levy or hold. They gave me a number to call, but that line wasnt available until Monday. 

On Monday, XX/XX/XXXX, I called the IRS, who told me the levy wasnt from them. I then called the Indiana Department of Revenue d was informed that I had an outstanding balance of {$790.00} that had been transferred to a third party. I was informed that my account could possibly be in the negatives for up to a month and gave me the number of the third party debt collector. That number was incorrect. I then tried calling the number XXXX gave me but was on hold for over an hour while at work, and then accidentally disconnected. After another attempt, I called my bank again and asked to be transferred to someone who could help but was accidentally transferred to XXXX. I briefly spoke to them, began crying, and they hung up. I called my bank again and was finally given what appeared to be the correct number for United Collection Bureau Inc. ( UCB ). 

Later that same Monday, I spoke to XXXX separate UCB representatives. I was told conflicting and confusing information including that XXXX had to wait a week to see how much they could collect, then it would take XXXX additional days to process, and only then could I call back to possibly work out a payment plan. It was made clear that any funds in my account would be seized in the meantime. I was also told the levy could not be reversed once it had begun, but no one gave me a legal explanation for why. This felt like a tactic to stall and prevent me from protecting my money. 

I then visited my bank in person again and spoke to the branch director, who told me that the issuing party ( UCB ) is normally the one responsible for lifting a levy which directly contradicts what UCB told me. 

Afterwards I was on hold for another hour before I was finally able to get ahold of the number XXXX had given me, which happened to be their legal team in charge of handling Levies and Holds. They told me that the business who placed the levy was the only XXXX who could reverse it, not them. Luckily I was informed I would not be charged overdraft fees while my account is on hold due to levy. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I called UCB again. I was told there was a possibility they could not reverse the levy and to call back Friday, XX/XX/XXXX. I was again hung up on without being asked if I needed anything else. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I called UCB and asked again why the levy could not be reversed. I was told, simply, once its started, it cant be stopped. When I asked why it couldnt be reversed, the representative just repeated that it couldnt. I explained that my job income is currently unstable and that Im actively job searching to make ends meet. I expressed that had I had known about my outstanding balance before I would have set up a payment plan earlier to avoid any of this happening. I then asked to be sent documentation showing all previous attempts to notify me, and she refused saying she could not give me that information, but could send me a single notice ( unclear whether it was the first or final one ). She said it should arrive by the end of the business day. Then, without asking if I needed anything else, she abruptly said bye and hung up. 

I still have no documentation proving : What this debt is for and how it was calculated to be as such Any and all attempts made to contact me The legal authority under which the levy was issued I am experiencing financial and emotional harm. My account has been frozen, Ive been denied transparency, and Im not being allowed to address the debt until after my funds are taken. I feel Ive been misled, shut out of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and treated with disregard throughout this process. 

Im requesting full written validation of the debt, a clear explanation of the levys legal basis, a record of prior contact attempts, and an investigation into UCBs handling of this matter. 

Thank you for your time.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation