Consumer complaint received 2025-12-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: INTERNAL CREDIT SYSTEMS, INC
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Debt Collector Misconduct False Amount, Failure to Validate, Limited Payment Method, Misrepresentation of Legal Action Summary of the Issue I am submitting this complaint regarding a debt collector who is attempting to collect a debt in an abusive, misleading, and non-compliant manner in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

The collector is claiming I owe {$170.00}, even though my original account with XXXX XXXX shows that after paying an earlier {$100.00} fee, the remaining balance should only be {$72.00}. The collector has refused to acknowledge documentation showing my membership cancellation and continues to insist the full incorrect amount is owed. 



Details of the Violations 1. Refusal to Provide Any Payment Method Except Phone/Bank Card ( Major Issue ) The collector stated the only way to pay was by providing my card number over the phone. 
He refused to provide : A mailing address A website An online portal Any alternative secure payment method This feels coercive, unsafe, and violates the FDCPA requirement that collectors must not use unfair practices or create unnecessary barriers to paying a legitimate debt.

2. Failure to Provide Mandatory Written Validation Notice The collector claims a validation notice was mailed to me, but it was sent to the wrong address.

Because of that, I have never received : The written notice outlining the amount The name of the creditor The right to dispute The right to request verification Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( a ), they must send this notice to my correct address before taking further action. 



3. Attempting to Collect an Incorrect Amount The amount they are attempting to collect does not match : My contract My actual payment history XXXX XXXX stated cancellation terms Attempting to collect an amount that is not valid violates 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( 1 ), which prohibits collecting any amount not expressly authorized by the agreement or permitted by law.

4. Misrepresentation of Legal Action The collector repeatedly referenced : Legal matter The attorney will move forward We will take you to court These statements appear designed to intimidate me rather than reflect any real imminent legal action. This violates 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 5 ) and ( 10 ), which prohibit false threats and deceptive practices.

5. Refusal to Acknowledge My Contractual Cancellation Despite being provided correct documentation showing : My cancellation request My {$100.00} payment My understanding of the remaining balance The collector refuses to acknowledge any of this and insists XXXX XXXX will not speak with me. This impedes my ability to verify the debt and appears intentionally obstructive.

What I Am Requesting from the CFPB 1. Investigate the collectors violations, including failure to properly validate the debt and coercive payment practices.

2. Require the debt collector to : Provide accurate written validation to my correct address Confirm the true balance with the original creditor Stop making misleading statements about legal action Offer legitimate payment methods compliant with federal law 3. Issue penalties or corrective action for repeated FDCPA violations.

4. Ensure this collector does not continue these practices with other consumers.

Supporting Evidence I have : A copy of my original gym contract Proof of my {$100.00} payment Call recordings where the collector refuses alternative payment methods and references legal threats Voicemail transcription of the misleading legal claim Notes showing he admitted a validation letter was sent to the wrong address I can provide these upon request.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation