Consumer complaint received 2025-01-24 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Company: Accredited Collection Service, Inc.
State: NE

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Accredited Collection Services ( ACS ), based in XXXX, NE, for their unethical and deceptive debt collection practices. These actions have led to significant financial harm and hardship, and I believe they are violating Nebraskas Unfair Trade Practices Act ( UTPA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Since XX/XX/year>, I have been attempting to resolve these issues with ACS, as detailed below.

Key Facts : 1. Debt 1 : ACS sued me for a medical debt and demanded full payment, which I could not afford. When I offered a reasonable monthly payment plan, they refused and insisted on full payment, even suggesting I use credit cards or take out a loan. I did neither, as I was trying to avoid further debt. ACS took me to court, and a payment plan was court-ordered, which I have been adhering to. 
2. Debt 2 : A few months later, ACS again threatened to sue me for another debt. They explicitly stated that the court could involve not only a court-ordered payment plan but also garnishments or liens. This caused me significant fear, and I felt coerced into taking on further debt to avoid these consequences. Fearing these extreme actions, I used credit cards to pay off this debt, which led to mounting interest rates. To manage the new debt burden, I was forced to enter debt consolidation, which has added further financial strain. 
3. Debt 3 : Now, while I am still paying off Debt 1 through the court-ordered plan and making monthly payments toward my debt consolidation for Debt 2, ACS is demanding full payment for Debt 3, again threatening court action, garnishments, or liens. They have refused any payment plan options and continue to pressure me to pay everything upfront, which I can not afford. 

Legal Violations : Unfair and Deceptive Practices : ACS advertises payment plans on their website but refuses to honor them, which I believe is in violation of Nebraskas Unfair Trade Practices Act ( UTPA ) ( Neb. Rev. Stat. 59-1602 ), which prohibits deceptive or unfair business practices. 

Violation of FDCPA : Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), debt collectors must avoid deceptive and misleading tactics. ACS has repeatedly misled me by advertising payment plans that they then refuse to accept, forcing me to take out additional loans or use credit cards to meet their demands. This creates undue financial strain and puts me at further risk of financial harm. 

Good Faith Violations : ACSs refusal to accept reasonable payment plans and their pressure to use credit cards or loans to meet debt obligations is not in good faith, which violates the core principle of fair debt collection as outlined in the FDCPA. 

Impact on My Financial Well-Being : ACSs constant demands for immediate payment have not only made it impossible for me to get ahead but have also driven me deeper into debt. By refusing payment plans, pushing for immediate full payment, and suggesting that I accrue more debt, ACS has caused me significant financial strain, leading to the need for debt consolidation and making it harder to keep up with basic living expenses. 

I have made multiple attempts to reason with this business and work out a solution, but they are relentless in their demands and have declined any reasonable offer of payment plans. They continue to be aggressive, pressuring me to use credit cards or loans, which has only added more financial burden. Their refusal to work with me in a fair and reasonable manner has left me feeling helpless and overwhelmed by debt. 

I believe ACSs actions are in direct violation of both state and federal laws, and their practices are causing me considerable harm. I respectfully request that your office investigate these actions and take appropriate action to stop these unethical practices, which are damaging consumers and making it difficult for people like me to recover financially. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me for any further information or clarification.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation