Consumer complaint received 2025-01-21 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: CCS Financial Services, Inc.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Credit Collection Services ( CCS ), located at XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX  XXXX, for a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( 8 ), as well as the emotional and financial harm this violation has caused me. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a collection letter from CCS regarding a debt purportedly owed to XXXX XXXX for {$120.00}. The design of the letter allowed their company name, logo, and collection-related information to be fully visible through the envelopes address window. This constitutes a blatant violation of FDCPA 1692f ( 8 ), which prohibits any language or symbol on an envelope that reveals the nature of the communication as debt collection. 

This violation caused me significant embarrassment and distress. At the time, I was in the presence of a business associate discussing potential funding for my newly launched business. I later realized the visible collection letter likely contributed to the associates decision not to proceed with financial support, effectively costing me an important opportunity during a critical phase of my business funding acquisition. 


-- - Background and Impact XXXX  and Emotional Vulnerability In XX/XX/XXXX, I was XXXX  for a XXXX XXXX XXXX, followed by two weeks of daily XXXX  XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX. During this time, I experienced significant XXXX  and emotional challenges, including XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX. These effects have persisted, and I continue to manage overwhelming stress exacerbated by financial and professional struggles. 

The timing of this collection letterjust two months after my XXXXwas particularly distressing. I was still recovering from the XXXX  toll of my XXXX  XXXX  while attempting to rebuild my business. The added embarrassment of having my personal financial issues publicly displayed in front of a business associate deeply undermined my confidence and professional credibility. 

Emotional Distress and Financial Harm As a direct result of this incident, I experienced : Embarrassment : The visibility of the letters content during a business meeting compromised my professional reputation. 

Lost Business Opportunities : The associates decision to discontinue discussions likely resulted from the perception of financial instability created by this letter. 

Emotional Distress : This incident amplified existing XXXX  and contributed to overwhelming emotional strain, including episodes of uncontrollable crying and sleeplessness. 



-- - Legal Violations The FDCPA expressly prohibits the use of visible symbols, logos, or language on envelopes that reveal the nature of the communication as debt collection. The visibility of CCSs name and emblem, along with collection details, through the envelopes window, is a clear and direct violation of 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( 8 ). 


-- - Requested Remedy I respectfully request that the CFPB : 1. Investigate Credit Collection Services for their violation of FDCPA 1692f ( 8 ). 


2. Take enforcement action to ensure compliance with the FDCPA to protect other consumers from similar violations. 


3. Facilitate appropriate remedies for the harm caused to me, including statutory damages of {$1000.00} under the FDCPA and actual damages for emotional distress and financial harm. 



Additionally, I plan to file a formal complaint with my state attorney generals office and reserve the right to pursue legal action to recover damages related to this violation. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and any updates on the investigation. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the information provided above if further details or documentation are required. 

Sincerely,

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