Consumer complaint received 2026-01-07 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: Southwest Recovery Services, Inc.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding the debt collection and credit reporting practices of SOUTHWEST RECOV. I am disputing this account in its entirety because this debt does not belong to me and appears to be the result of identity theft or fraudulent activity. I have taken formal steps to address this matter, including filing an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ).

Despite my identity theft report and disputes, SOUTHWEST RECOV continues to report this alleged debt on my consumer credit reports. This continued reporting is inaccurate, harmful, and inconsistent with federal consumer protection laws.

I do not recognize this account, I did not authorize the underlying transaction, and I did not enter into any agreement that would give rise to the alleged obligation SOUTHWEST RECOV is attempting to collect. At no point did I open, use, or benefit from the account associated with this collection. As such, I deny ownership of this debt entirely. 

After discovering this account on my credit reports, I took immediate action to protect myself and document the fraud. I filed an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission, affirming under penalty of perjury that this debt is not mine and resulted from identity theft. This FTC filing establishes that the account is fraudulent and that I am a victim of identity theft under federal law. 

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), once a consumer reports identity theft and disputes a fraudulent account, furnishers of information are required to conduct a reasonable investigation and must not continue to report information that can not be verified as accurate. Additionally, furnishers must not continue reporting fraudulent accounts once they are aware that the consumer has filed an identity theft report unless they can produce competent evidence proving the consumers liability. SOUTHWEST RECOV has failed to meet this obligation.

To date, SOUTHWEST RECOV has not provided any documentation demonstrating that I am responsible for this alleged debt. I have not been provided with a signed agreement, original application, proof of authorization, or any documentation showing that I incurred or benefited from the debt. There has been no evidence provided that establishes my identity as the party responsible for the account.

Furthermore, SOUTHWEST RECOV has not demonstrated that it has the legal authority to collect or report this debt. There has been no proof of assignment, bill of sale, or chain of title showing that SOUTHWEST RECOV lawfully acquired the right to collect on this account. Without such documentation, the continued collection and reporting activity is improper. 

There are also serious concerns regarding the accuracy of the information being furnished to consumer reporting agencies. The balance being reported has not been itemized, and there is no explanation of how the amount was calculated. I have not received documentation identifying the original creditor with certainty, the date of the alleged default, or the date of first delinquency. Reporting incomplete or unverifiable information misleads creditors and unfairly damages my credit profile. 
Additionally, the continued reporting of this account after an identity theft report was filed may constitute a violation of the FCRA, as well as unfair or deceptive practices under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Reporting a fraudulent debt as valid creates the false impression that I have a legitimate obligation when I do not.

The harm caused by SOUTHWEST RECOVs actions is substantial. This collection account has negatively affected my credit score, limited my access to credit, increased the cost of borrowing, and caused significant financial and emotional stress. These harms are particularly unjust given that the account is fraudulent and not attributable to me.

I am also concerned by SOUTHWEST RECOVs failure to properly acknowledge and address the identity theft claim. Once a consumer reports identity theft, collectors are required to cease collection activity unless they can conclusively prove the consumers responsibility for the debt. Continuing to report or collect without such proof undermines the protections afforded to identity theft victims.

I am requesting that SOUTHWEST RECOV immediately conduct a full and lawful investigation into this matter, taking into account my FTC identity theft report and my disputes. If SOUTHWEST RECOV can not produce clear, competent, and legally sufficient evidence proving that I am responsible for this debt, the account must be deleted from all consumer credit reports to which it has been furnished.

If SOUTHWEST RECOV believes it can substantiate this account, I request that it provide full documentation, including but not limited to : Proof that I opened or authorized the account A copy of the original signed agreement or application A complete payment history An itemized accounting of the balance Proof of assignment or ownership of the debt Verification of the correct date of first delinquency Absent such documentation, continued reporting or collection of this account is improper and unlawful. 

In summary, this complaint concerns the reporting and collection of a fraudulent debt resulting from identity theft, the failure of SOUTHWEST RECOV to properly investigate and validate the account after an FTC identity theft filing, and the ongoing harm caused by inaccurate and unverifiable credit reporting. I respectfully request that this matter be resolved by the permanent removal of this account from my credit reports and the cessation of all collection activity related to this alleged debt.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation