Consumer complaint received 2025-01-18 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: LA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a complaint against Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC, regarding their inaccurate reporting of a debt on my credit report with the account number ending in XXXX. I do not recognize this account, and I have no knowledge of owing them any debt. Despite disputing this account directly with the company, they have not provided any documentation or evidence to support their claim, which raises serious concerns about their compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC has failed to validate the alleged debt as required under federal law. I have requested proof of the debt, including details of the original creditor and any agreements demonstrating my obligation to pay, but I have not received an adequate response. This lack of transparency calls into question the legitimacy of their claim and their practices as a debt collector. 

Additionally, I am requesting that Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC immediately delete this account from my consumer report and cease reporting it to any other consumer reporting agencies. Federal law requires that only accurate and verifiable information is included in consumer reports. This account does not meet those standards, and I demand its removal without delay. 

I am also concerned about how Portfolio Recovery Associates obtained my personal information. Federal law restricts access to consumer reports to those with a permissible purpose, and I have not provided consent for them to access or use my data. This raises significant concerns about whether their actions were lawful and whether they are in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Moreover, I am uncertain if Portfolio Recovery Associates is properly licensed or authorized to collect debts in my state. They have not provided any evidence to confirm compliance with local regulations, which further adds to my concerns. 

This situation has caused unnecessary stress and negatively impacted my credit score, limiting my ability to access financial services. Their failure to provide proper validation of the debt and the continued presence of this account on my credit report have created ongoing frustration and uncertainty. 

Recently, XXXX and XXXX have faced legal action for violating consumer protection laws, which demonstrates the seriousness of such violations. Should this matter remain unresolved, I will not hesitate to pursue legal action to protect my rights as a consumer. 

I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate Portfolio Recovery Associates for potential violations of federal laws, including the FCRA and FDCPA. I ask that they be required to immediately remove the disputed account ending in XXXX from my credit report, stop reporting this account to other consumer reporting agencies, and provide a full explanation of how my personal information was obtained. I also urge a review of whether their access to my information and debt collection practices comply with state and federal laws. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a resolution that ensures my consumer rights are upheld. I have attached the letter I sent to them and a copy to show how it looks on my consumer report.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation