Consumer complaint received 2024-03-03 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery Inc.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern ; The short story- I have been asking the collection agency since XX/XX/XXXX to provide a copy of the invoice so I could validate whether the invoice is correct, fraudulent, or in error. To date, this collection agency has not provided any invoice to detail the service provider/services provided. XXXX has removed the derogatory remark on my credit report. XXXX simply punted and " updated '' the dispute. I always pay my bills promptly. I won't pay for a bill I can't validate as legitimate. I want the collection agency and XXXX to remove the derogatory remark from my credit report and stop re-selling this debt no one can seem to provide proof exists. 

The long story - A letter dated XXXX was mailed to my daughters address at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX FL XXXX, stating I owed a {$1000.00} debt since XXXX to XXXX XXXX XXXX, original account number XXXX. 

I was in XXXX XXXX and did not receive the letter until my return to the XXXX XXXX. On XXXX, I opened my mail, and read the collection notice from Lockhart, Morris and XXXX. I called immediately, spoke to XXXX and requested a copy of the invoice. I wanted to confirm if this was a legitimate, or a fraudulent, attempt to collect money. To date, no invoice has been provided. 

On XXXX, I received a credit alert that Lockhart, Morris and Montgomery placed a derogatory remark on my credit report. That same day I called Lockhart, Morris and Montgomery again, and spoke to XXXX. I advised her I had previously reached out in good faith to try to resolve the situation, and placing a derogatory remark was not the way to amicably resolve the situation. She was to refer it to a supervisor. 

As background, I XXXX XXXX XXXX on XXXX at XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX Florida, caused by slipping on a wet/greasy floor. I went to the XXXX XXXX and an XXXX XXXX, and my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. All medical bills were submitted directly to me at my daughters address. I conveyed those bills to my attorney, XXXX and XXXX, and XXXX, the insurance company representing the restaurant. All known bills were paid by me and reimbursed by the insurance company. The case was closed XXXX year later in XXXX of XXXX. Below is the contact for XXXX and XXXX, and XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX TEL : ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX A previous collection agency told me the original medical bill was mailed to my former office address XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX FL XXXX They did not provide a copy of the invoice either. I had not occupied that office for over 9 months prior to my injury. At the time of the injury, the USPS time period to receive forwarded mail had expired. XXXX, if this was a legitimate medical bill, I never knew about it. The time to submit my medical expenses and be reimbursed expired XXXX year after my injury in XX/XX/2023. 

I have proactively contacted the XXXX collection agencies that did send notice to my correct address. I asked both for an invoice. To date, neither company has sent me an invoice. 

I also called XXXX XXXX XXXX, explained the situation, asked if this was a legitimate bill and requested a copy. They explained they had been sold to XXXX XXXX XXXX and did not have access to any old records and could not provide me with any information. 

Therefore, I am disputing this debt/collection/derogatory remark since the collection agency has not provided me with an original detailed invoice, as requested, since XXXX. 

I have perfect credit, always pay my bills and am never late. Please remove this derogatory remark from my records. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for clarification. Thank you! 

XXXX XXXX

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