Consumer complaint received 2025-02-13 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A.
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint and Request for Assistance Unlawful Debt Collection Practices and Fraudulent Garnishment by Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to formally request your assistance, along with that of the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Ohio Attorney General, and the appropriate XXXX XXXX, in investigating and addressing unlawful debt collection practices and fraudulent legal actions taken against me by Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA. 
Background of the Complaint On XX/XX/XXXXXXXX, I sent a Certified Debt Validation/Verification Letter to Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co. , LPA, located at : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, OH XXXX This letter, as provided in the attachments, requested validation and verification of a debt that the firm was actively attempting to collect from me. The firm received my letter on XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  ( proof of receipt attached ). However, they failed to provide any validation or verification of the alleged debt as required under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and relevant Ohio state laws. Instead, I continued to receive harassing collection letters, including threats of lawsuits and wage garnishment. 
On XX/XX/XXXX XXXX, I sent a second letter reiterating my demand for compliance with federal and state laws, as they continued their unlawful collection attempts. Only after this second notice did the company cease direct contact with me, and complied with the laws ; or so I thought. 

On XX/XX/XXXX XXXX, I received a response from Weltman , Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, which included only copies of credit card statements. This response failed to meet the legal requirements for debt validation. Specifically, they did not provide : XXXX. A forward flow agreement demonstrating the legal chain of custody of the debt XXXX. Documentation from the original creditor confirming ownership and assignment XXXX. A purchase and sale agreement proving when and to whom the debt was transferred XXXX. Evidence that they contacted the original creditor for verification, per Ohio law XXXX. Wet Signatures acquired at the onset of that debt Unlawful Garnishment Without Due Process On XX/XX/XXXX, I received notification from my bank that Weltman , Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA had obtained a garnishment order and attempted to seize funds from my account. 

This garnishment was fraudulent for the following reasons : XXXX. Lack of Due Process I was never served with a complaint, lawsuit, or court summons. I had no knowledge of any court proceeding related to this debt. 
XXXX. Violation of FDCPA and Ohio Law The law firm pursued garnishment without validating the debt, violating my rights under federal and state consumer protection laws. 
XXXX. Fraud on the Court The firm misrepresented the debt and the legal process to the court to obtain an unjustified garnishment order. 
XXXX. Potential Identity Theft Connection Due to multiple identity theft incidents affecting me since XXXX, including the recent XXXX and XXXX  data breaches, which again exposed my name, Social Security number, date of birth, financial, and healthcare information, it is critical that any alleged debt be thoroughly validated before any collection action is taken. 

Request for Immediate Action Given the serious legal violations, fraudulent misrepresentations, and constitutional deprivations of due process, I request that the CFPB take immediate action to : XXXX. Investigate Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA for violations of the FDCPA, Ohio debt collection laws, and constitutional due process protections. 
XXXX. Coordinate with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to determine if fraud charges should be pursued against the firm for misrepresenting debts in legal proceedings. 
XXXX. Advise the Ohio Attorney Generals Office to open an investigation into the firms unlawful practices. 
XXXX. Alert the appropriate XXXX XXXX regarding the unethical and unlawful conduct of the attorneys involved in this case. 
XXXX. Require the reversal and cancellation of the fraudulent garnishment order and any resulting financial damages. 

Conclusion I am appalled that a law firm specializing in debt collectionwhich should be held to the highest legal and ethical standardshas engaged in such egregious violations of my rights, the law, and the integrity of the judicial system. The defined aspect for them seeking payment for a debt is no longer of importance ; it was and is their blatant disregard for the laws, rules, and regulations shown through their actions that display a complete malice towards myself, gross negligence of the law, laws in which they are supposed to be specialized in ; and through their actions ( as documented ) have caused undue financial harm, stress, and a violation of my constitutional due process rights ; and I reserve all of my rights to pursue any and all remedies for their actions against me. 

I urge the CFPB, DOJ, FTC, Ohio Attorney General, and the XXXX XXXX to take immediate corrective action to address these serious infractions.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation