Consumer complaint received 2026-02-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding inaccurate and unlawful credit reporting by Portfolio Recovery Associates, a collection agency that is reporting a collection account on my credit reports that does not belong to me. This account is the result of identity theft, and I have formally reported this matter by filing an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ).

Despite being notified that the account is fraudulent and does not belong to me, Portfolio Recovery Associates continues to report the collection account as derogatory. This has caused significant and ongoing harm to my credit profile, financial standing, and personal well-being.

DISCOVERY OF THE FRAUDULENT ACCOUNT I became aware of the issue after reviewing my consumer credit reports and discovering a collection account reported by Portfolio Recovery Associates. The account was reported
as past due, unsatisfied, and in collections. I did not recognize the account, did not recall ever opening or authorizing it, and had no knowledge of the alleged debt.

Upon further review, it became clear that this account was not the result of my actions or financial behavior. I did not apply for, open, authorize, or benefit from the account being reported by Portfolio Recovery Associates. The appearance of this collection account was unexpected and alarming.

CONFIRMATION THAT THE ACCOUNT IS NOT MINE After discovering the collection account, I took immediate steps to determine whether the debt was legitimate. I reviewed my personal records and financial history and found no evidence that the alleged account belonged to me. 

Because the account was unfamiliar and inconsistent with my financial activity, I concluded that the account was the result of identity theft or fraudulent use of my personal information. I did not give consent for any creditor to open this account, and I did not authorize Portfolio Recovery Associates or any other entity to collect or report it.

FTC IDENTITY THEFT REPORT FILED In response to the fraudulent nature of this account, I filed an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). This report documents that the account being reported by Portfolio Recovery Associates is not mine and that my identity was used without my permission.

The FTC Identity Theft Report is a formal legal document that establishes my status as a victim of identity theft. Under federal law, this report places an obligation on furnishers and collection agencies to block and remove fraudulent information from consumer credit reports once they are notified.

PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES CONTINUED REPORTING Despite the fraudulent nature of the account and the steps I have taken to report the identity theft, Portfolio Recovery Associates continues to report this collection account on my credit file.

Portfolio Recovery Associates has failed to provide : Proof that I opened or authorized the account A signed application or contract bearing my consent Evidence that I benefited from the alleged account Proof that the debt is legitimately mine Documentation rebutting my FTC Identity Theft Report Instead of ceasing collection and reporting activity, Portfolio Recovery Associates has continued to furnish derogatory information, treating the account as if it were valid.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTIONS Federal law provides specific protections for victims of identity theft. Once a consumer reports identity theft and provides an FTC Identity Theft Report, collection agencies are required to take appropriate action, including blocking and removing fraudulent information.

Portfolio Recovery Associates continued reporting of this account demonstrates a failure to comply with these protections. The company has not shown that it conducted a meaningful investigation into the identity theft claim or that it reviewed original documentation establishing consumer responsibility.

Merely asserting that an account was verified without addressing the identity theft claim is insufficient and inappropriate.

LACK OF VALIDATION AND DOCUMENTATION Portfolio Recovery Associates has not produced any documentation demonstrating that the account is legitimate. Specifically, the company has failed to provide : A valid contract or agreement bearing my signature Proof of identity verification at the time the account was opened Billing statements showing my use of the account Evidence linking me to the alleged debt Without such documentation, there is no lawful basis for Portfolio Recovery Associates to continue reporting this account.

INACCURATE AND HARMFUL CREDIT REPORTING The fraudulent collection account reported by Portfolio Recovery Associates has had a serious negative impact on my credit reports. The account is reported as derogatory, past due, and unsatisfied, which significantly damages my creditworthiness.

This inaccurate reporting has affected my ability to : Obtain fair credit terms Access financial opportunities Maintain accurate consumer records Feel secure about my financial identity The harm is ongoing as long as the account remains on my credit reports.

FAILURE TO MEET MAXIMUM POSSIBLE ACCURACY Portfolio Recovery Associates is obligated to ensure that any information it furnishes to consumer reporting agencies meets the standard of maximum possible accuracy.

Reporting a fraudulent account that is the result of identity theftafter the consumer has filed an FTC Identity Theft Reportfails this standard. The information is not only inaccurate, but materially misleading.

EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL IMPACT Beyond financial harm, this situation has caused significant stress and XXXX. Discovering that my identity was used fraudulently and that a collection agency continues to report a debt that is not mine has been distressing and time-consuming.

I have had to spend substantial time monitoring my credit, filing reports, and disputing inaccurate information instead of focusing on my normal personal and financial responsibilities.

ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE I have acted in good faith by identifying the fraudulent account, filing an FTC Identity Theft Report, and disputing the collection account. Rather than resolving the issue, Portfolio Recovery Associates has continued reporting the account without providing proof that it belongs to me.

This lack of resolution has forced me to seek assistance through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

WHY THIS IS A CFPB MATTER This issue falls squarely within the CFPBs oversight responsibilities because it involves : Identity theft Improper collection activity Inaccurate credit reporting Failure to block fraudulent information Ongoing consumer harm The CFPBs involvement is necessary to ensure that Portfolio Recovery Associates complies with federal consumer protection laws and corrects its reporting practices.

REQUESTED OUTCOME I am requesting that Portfolio Recovery Associates be required to : Recognize the account as fraudulent and the result of identity theft Permanently delete the collection account from all consumer credit reports Cease all collection and reporting activity related to this account Ensure the account is not reinserted in the future Comply with identity theft protections and credit reporting laws CONCLUSION The collection account reported by Portfolio Recovery Associates does not belong to me and is the result of identity theft. I have taken the proper steps to report this fraud by filing an FTC Identity Theft Report. Despite this, Portfolio Recovery Associates continues to report the account as derogatory, causing ongoing harm.

I am not refusing to pay a legitimate debt. I am asserting my rights as a victim of identity theft and requesting the removal of fraudulent information from my credit reports. Continued reporting of this account is inaccurate, unfair, and unlawful.

I respectfully request the CFPBs assistance in ensuring that Portfolio Recovery Associates corrects this matter and removes the fraudulent collection account from my credit reports permanently.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief