Consumer complaint received 2026-05-14 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Telecommunications debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: CAINE & WEINER COMPANY, INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) and the debt collector Caine & Weiner for an unexplained and excessive premium increase that I did not authorize, failure to provide required notice and documentation related to the alleged charge, referral of the alleged charge to a thirdparty collector, and inaccurate collection reporting to consumer reporting agencies. I request CFPB investigation and appropriate enforcement or referral to state insurance regulators if warranted. Policyholder name : XXXX XXXX Progressive policy number : XXXX Caine & Weiner account/reference # : XXXX Initial premium before issue : {$250.00} per month Alleged premium after change : {$2400.00} per month Date I first learned of the increase/collection referral : when premium was canceled My residence : I live with my father, who maintains his own independent auto insurance policy with XXXX I did not add or request coverage for him on my policy. On or about XXXX, XXXX increased my monthly premium from approximately {$250.00} to approximately {$2400.00}. I did not receive anything stating the increase was due to my failure to sign an optout or similar form related to coverage for my father, who lives with me. I was never informed by XXXX that I needed to sign any form to opt out of coverage for my father, nor did I receive a copy of any optout form, declaration endorsement, or written notice advising that my premium would increase for this reason. I did not sign, authorize, or request any such form. I contacted XXXX on immediately when I was notified of cancellation and asked for an explanation and documentation. XXXX failed to produce an executed optout form, proof of notice, or a clear itemized explanation justifying the $ XXXX increase. Despite my requests for verification and documentation, XXXX referred the alleged unpaid premium ( or surcharge ) to Caine & Weiner on or about. Caine & Weiner subsequently began collection activity and is currently reporting this alleged debt as a collection account to one or more credit reporting agencies ( XXXX ). I dispute the validity and accuracy of the alleged debt and any adverse credit reporting. I have not received adequate validation under applicable law and the reporting is causing, and threatens to cause, material harm to my credit, employment prospects, and financial wellbeing. Legal basis for complaint ( statutory citations and alleged violations ) Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. If Caine & Weiner is a debt collector as defined by the FDCPA, its continued collection or reporting of an unvalidated, disputed debt may constitute violations of 1692g ( failure to provide debt validation/verification upon dispute ), 1692e ( false, deceptive, or misleading representations ), and 1692f ( unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt ). Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. Furnishers ( Caine & Weiner and XXXX ) have duties under 1681s2 to report accurate information and to investigate and correct information when a consumer disputes it with a furnisher or when a credit bureau provides notice of a dispute ; credit reporting of inaccurate information violates 1681e and 1681i ( reinvestigation/notification requirements ). State insurance law and policy contract requirements, Insurance companies generally must provide policyholders with notice of policy changes, endorsements, cancellations, and premium adjustments and may be subject to state insurance statutes and administrative rules regarding notice and consent. XXXX failure to provide notice or produce documentation demonstrating my agreement to any change may violate those provisions ; please refer this matter to the appropriate state insurance regulator if within CFPB authority. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules and consumer protection principles, Possible unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices ( UDAAP ) in connection with insurance charges, collection, and reporting. I am requesting you to Investigate whether XXXX and/or Caine & Weiner violated federal consumer protection laws ( including FDCPA, FCRA ) and CFPB rules or guidance, and if appropriate, refer the matter to the relevant state insurance regulator or state attorney general. Require Caine & Weiner and XXXX to provide to me, and to CFPB, documentation validating the alleged debt, including : A complete, signed copy of any optout form, endorsement, or other signed documentation claimed to authorize the surcharge or premium increase. An itemized accounting showing how XXXX arrived at the alleged balance and how the $ XXXX monthly premium became {$2400.00} monthly ( including effective dates ). Copies of any written notices, mailed communications, or email/text messages sent to me about the change, including dates and delivery method. Documentation of assignment/transfer of the alleged debt from XXXX to Caine & Weiner ( if applicable ). Require Caine & Weiner and XXXX to immediately cease collection activity and remove any collection reporting to all consumer reporting agencies unless and until they can validly and timely produce the documentation described above. Require correction or deletion of any adverse entries placed on my credit reports that can not be validated, and require the furnishers to notify credit reporting agencies of the deletion and that the information was disputed by me. Require XXXX to refund or credit any improperly charged premiums or surcharges and to correct my policy record and any downstream consequences ( including insurance score, surcharges, or cancellations ) caused by this error. Provide me written confirmation of the results of your investigation and any corrective actions taken. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Please acknowledge receipt of this complaint and advise me of the next steps. I ask that you forward this complaint to the appropriate state insurance regulator and to any other federal agencies as you deem appropriate. If CFPB needs additional documents or specific date/time information, please contact me at the information above. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation