Consumer complaint received 2024-10-14 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Telecommunications debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Eastern Account Systems of Connecticut, Inc.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Dear XXXX XXXX This is not a Duplicate please read the entirety of this letter. 

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the handling of a debt by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and Eastern Account Systems. On or between XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX reported debt. However, XX/XX/XXXX & XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX deleted the debt from my credit report due to inaccuracies. Please notice dates circle screenshot pictures where it says clean slate XX/XX/XXXX on collections. Which is the around the time XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX removed/deleted the debt. 

However, to my dismay, I discovered that Eastern Account Systems reopened the same debt on XX/XX/XXXX and reported it XX/XX/XXXX shortly after it had been deleted. 

This sequence of events raises serious concerns about potential violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), particularly the prohibition on re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts. The actions of Eastern Account Systems appear to contradict the regulations set forth in the FDCPA. 

I have attached documentation that supports the deletion of the debt by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and the subsequent reopening by XXXX Account XXXX. This includes correspondence, credit report information, and any relevant communication with the involved parties. 

I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau conduct an investigation into this matter and take appropriate enforcement action against Eastern Account Systems if violations are found. Additionally, I seek guidance on how to address this issue and ensure that my rights under the FDCPA are upheld. 

This situation appears to be a case of attempting to collect a debt multiple times, which is potentially illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Here 's why : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX reported the debt ( XX/XX/XXXX ) then removed/deleted the debt on all XXXX credit bureaus ( XX/XX/XXXX ) due to reporting inaccuracies. 

2. Eastern Account Systems reopened the debt ( XX/XX/XXXX ) shortly after, with a slightly different amount ( {$470.00} ), which was later corrected to {$470.00} after 6 months of inaccuracies. Also with an unknown & inaccurate account number. 

3. Eastern Account systems has violated the FDCPA 's prohibition on re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e ).

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) prohibits debt collectors from re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts. This means that once a debt has been deleted from a consumer 's credit report or has reached a certain age, debt collectors are generally not allowed to reset the clock on the debt or re-report it to credit bureaus as if it were a new debt. 

Section 1692e of the FDCPA specifically addresses false or misleading representations, including reporting inaccurate information. Re-aging or re-reporting a debt that has been deleted from a credit report or has aged beyond the applicable reporting period could be considered deceptive and misleading under this provision of the FDCPA.

The prohibition on re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts is intended to prevent debt collectors from unfairly extending the reporting period of a debt or misleading consumers and credit reporting agencies about the status of the debt. This provision aims to ensure that accurate and truthful information is reported regarding the collection of debts and to protect consumers from deceptive debt collection practices.

It's important for debt collectors to comply with this provision of the FDCPA to ensure fair and accurate reporting of debts and to protect the rights of consumers. I believe that a debt collector has violated this provision, I may consider seeking legal advice or filing a complaint with regulatory authorities. 

This raises concerns : - Resurrection of a deleted debt : Removing and then re-reporting the same debt can be considered a violation of the FDCPA. 

- Multiple reporting : Reporting the same debt multiple times can be seen as an attempt to collect a debt multiple times. Potential violations : 1. FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ) : Prohibits false or misleading representations, including reporting inaccurate information.

2. FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( 1 ) : Prohibits unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect a debt.

3. FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) : Requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes and correct inaccuracies. 

Account number XXXX allegedly owed to XXXX ( {$470.00} ). I previously disputed this debt, and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX removed it due to reporting inaccuracies. 

demand : 1. Immediate removal of this debt from my credit reports. 

XXXX. Confirmation that the debt is considered paid or withdrawn. 

Since XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX removed the debt ( account number XXXX ) and Eastern Account Systems is reopening it. 

I demand : XXXX. Requesting debt validation ( again ), emphasizing the previous removal/deletion. 

XXXX. I Cite the FDCPA 's prohibition on re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e ). 

XXXX. Again I am Mentioning the potential violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) due to inaccurate reporting. 


Additionally : Eastern Account Systems, I have previously disputed this debt, and XXXX XXXX removed it due to inaccurate reporting. EAS attempt to reopen and collect this debt is unacceptable. Violates the FDCPA 's prohibition on re-aging or re-reporting deleted debts ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e ).

Again Please provide : 1. Verification of the debt, including proof of re-assignment from XXXX. 

2. Explanation for re-opening a previously deleted debt.

Failure to provide this information and justify re-opening the debt will lead me to file complaints with the CFPB ( again ), FTC, and my state Attorney General 's office.

Due to the excessive complaints. I expect Eastern account solutions to please respond within 5 days. I demand that EAS remove/delete the debt and cease/ stop all collection and communication. 

AGAIN This is not a duplicate complaint I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt resolution. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation