Consumer complaint received 2025-02-14 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was paid
Company: Gurstel Law Firm, P.C.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I was sued by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ) which I never knew after for the past almost 3 years asking for documentation for the allege debt. The suit was filed on XX/XX/XXXX and on XX/XX/XXXX I responded. 
XXXX. Summary of Complaint I am filing this complaint against XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, along with the agencies involved in the collection of a disputed debt. These agencies include Gurstel Law Firm, XXXX XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX. The debt in question, initially claimed to be {$9400.00}, was settled with a final payment of {$4200.00}. However, XXXX XXXX  has failed to acknowledge this payment, leading to improper collection actions, misrepresentations, and legal service violations. 

XXXX. Disputed XXXX XXXX The debt amount of {$9400.00} is incorrect. I made a payment of {$4200.00} to settle and close the account, yet XXXX Bank has refused to acknowledge this payment. Prior to the escalation of the debt, I questioned certain charges and requested documentation, but my requests went unanswered. Customer service provided no resolution. 

XXXX. Attempts to Resolve the Issue XXXX : I temporarily lost my job and attempted to obtain information about my account by sending multiple inquiry letters to XXXX XXXX, as my online access was restricted. No adequate response was provided. 
XX/XX/XXXX : I was contacted by XXXX XXXX XXXX, who claimed to have control over my account and promised to investigate within 120 days. However, I never received any updates, and my follow-up calls went unanswered. 
XX/XX/XXXX : I was contacted by XXXX XXXX from XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ext. XXXX ), who claimed her company had held the debt since XX/XX/XXXX. A review of my credit report confirmed they accessed my records on that date. However, XXXX admitted that Gurstel Law Firm had falsely represented XXXX Bank in an attempt to collect money. Multiple agencies can not legally hold the same debt simultaneously. 
XXXX. Improper Legal Service of Documents Legal documents were improperly served at my residence. The process server attempted to deliver documents to my XXXX niece, who is not authorized to accept legal papers. After she refused, the server left the documents on the ground outside my door. I never received a mailed copy as required by law. This improper service violates California Code of Civil Procedure 415.10, which mandates that service be made directly to the named party or an authorized agent.

5. Improper Conduct by Gurstel Law Firm The day after the improper service, I contacted Gurstel Law Firm. Initially, they could not locate my file. After providing my case number, they continued to struggle to find it. Eventually, after confirming my birthdate and the last four digits of my Social Security number, they acknowledged that I was the wrong person and admitted the improper service. 

XXXX. Consumer Harm and Relief Sought The failure of XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to acknowledge my settlement payment, the misrepresentation of debt ownership, and the improper legal service have caused unnecessary stress, confusion, and damage to my financial standing. I request the following actions : XXXX XXXX  must acknowledge and correct the balance to reflect the {$4200.00} settlement payment. 
All collection activities by XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX XXXX must cease immediately. 
The improper service of legal documents must be addressed, and any court actions taken based on the faulty service should be dismissed. 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should investigate the handling of my account and ensure compliance with fair debt collection and legal service procedures. 
XXXX. Supporting Documents Copies of letters sent to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  from XXXX. 
Payment receipt email for {$4200.00}. 
Documentation from XXXX regarding submission of documents due to a data leak. 
I declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this complaint is true and correct. 

I sent this letter letter to XXXX to no response. 
Subject : Dispute of Alleged Debt and Request for Resolution Dear XXXX Customer Service, I am writing to formally dispute an alleged debt that has been incorrectly attributed to my account since XXXX. I have repeatedly contested this debt and have documented several calls to your customer service department regarding this matter. Last year around the fall I received a call from a woman stating she was from XXXX XXXX  and now had the account. I explained everything that happened and that she stated she would do the due diligence to investigate which would take up to 120 days yet no response. When I would call the number it would just ring and what I found online appeared to be shady. When I would try to log in my account just to get a reputable number to speak to someone I kept getting rerouted and here I am now contacting you. On XX/XX/XXXX I received this attached letter from said company which in fact there is nothing online per what they are stating. I do not owe what the highest balance is which I have been contesting over almost XXXX and half years. Unfortunately, despite my persistent efforts to resolve this issue, it remains unresolved, and I have not received any satisfactory response from your side. 

I have previously requested copies of any documents bearing my alleged signature that purportedly substantiate this debt. To date, I have not received any such documents. This lack of response and failure to provide the requested documents not only hinders my ability to verify the legitimacy of the debt but also reflects a concerning lapse in your follow-up procedures. 
Furthermore, this alleged debt continues to negatively impact my credit report. I have sent multiple letters to the credit bureau companies contesting this debt, yet the issue persists due to the lack of resolution and communication from XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 

I request the following actions to rectify this situation promptly : 1. Provide copies of any documents that supposedly bear my signature and relate to this alleged debt.

2. Conduct a thorough review of my account to verify the legitimacy of this debt.

3. Remove the disputed debt from my credit report if it is found to be invalid.

4. Provide written confirmation of the steps taken to resolve this issue.

I expect a prompt response to this matter. Should this issue remain unresolved, I will have no choice but to escalate my complaint to the relevant regulatory authorities and consider legal action to protect my rights. 
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and provide a detailed response within 30 days. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt and thorough response. 

No response from them at all.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation