Consumer complaint received 2024-07-17 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Auto debt
Issue: Communication tactics — Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language
Company: Brown and Joseph, Ltd
State: CT

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint Against Brown & Joseph LLC for Violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Dear CFPB Representative, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Brown & Joseph LLC for their non-compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and their refusal to provide legally required debt validation documentation. 

On XX/XX/2024, Brown & Joseph LLC sent me a debt collection notice. In response, I sent a certified debt validation letter on XX/XX/2024, which was received by Brown & Joseph LLC on XX/XX/2024, as confirmed by USPS Tracking Number XXXX. 

According to the FDCPA, specifically under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), a consumer has the right to request validation of the debt within 30 days of receiving the collection notice. The debt collector is then required to cease all collection activities until the debt is validated. Despite my compliant and timely request, Brown & Joseph LLC has refused to provide the necessary validation documentation. 

On XX/XX/2024, Brown & Joseph LLC sent me another debt collection notice without providing any verification or documentation of the alleged debt. Under the FDCPA, if a collection agency can not provide proof of the debt, they must cease collection efforts. Furthermore, upon receiving a written request for verification of the debt and the name and address of the original creditor, the collection agency is required to stop its collection efforts until the requested information is provided. 

On XX/XX/2024, I contacted Brown & Joseph LLC by phone to obtain the information I had requested in my certified letter. At the beginning of the call, I stated my first and last name and informed the representative that the call was being recorded. During this call, I asked several representatives whether they were debt collectors. Instead of receiving a straightforward answer, I was met with aggressive and disrespectful behavior. Several representatives argued with me, and the call was repeatedly disconnected. It took multiple attempts before I finally received a response acknowledging that they were debt collectors. I informed them that under consumer law, they are required to identify themselves as debt collectors when asked. 

Given that Brown & Joseph LLC has failed to verify the alleged debt and their representatives have exhibited unprofessional and unlawful behavior, they must immediately cease all collection activities related to this alleged debt and remove any related entries from the credit reports of XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX. Additionally, due to these consumer law violations, I request that Brown & Joseph LLC be required to pay any applicable fees or penalties as mandated by law. 

I request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau take immediate action to investigate this matter and ensure that Brown & Joseph LLC complies with all relevant legal requirements. Your assistance in compelling Brown & Joseph LLC to provide the requested debt validation documentation and cease any further collection activities until such validation is provided is greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation