Consumer complaint received 2025-12-26 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly — Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company: Key 2 Recovery, Inc.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
This letter constitutes a formal dispute and demand for validation of the alleged debt referenced above, as provided under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, including California Civil Code 1788.17. 

I am in receipt of your correspondence regarding an alleged outstanding debt that you claim to be collecting on behalf of XXXX  XXXX University XXXX in the amount of {$1600.00}. Your letter states that I must write to you by XX/XX/2025 to dispute this alleged claim. I do not acknowledge the validity, accuracy, or ownership of this alleged obligation, nor do I waive any rights by issuing this notice. This request is made solely to compel you to provide the legally required documentation to substantiate both the alleged debt and your authority to collect it. 

Address and notice concerns : Your letter was sent to an address that is not my personal residence and is associated with a relative. During the relevant time period, I was living abroad, which materially increases the likelihood that any prior notices were not received timely. I am concerned about the risk of improper third-party disclosure and communications in connection with collection activity. The FDCPA restricts communications with third parties in connection with the collection of a debt. 



1. Demand for Legal Validation of the Alleged Debt Under federal law, when a consumer disputes a debt and requests verification within the applicable validation period, the collector must obtain verification and mail it, and must cease collection until doing so. In addition, California Civil Code 1788.17 requires California debt collectors to comply with specified FDCPA provisions and subjects them to FDCPA remedies. 

Accordingly, you are required to provide competent documentary support establishing that : any obligation exists as alleged, the amount demanded is accurate, and you have the lawful authority to collect on this specific account.

2. Proof of Legal Standing, Authority, and Chain of Assignment As a third-party debt collector, you must provide clear and competent proof of your legal standing and authority to collect on this specific alleged account. California Civil Code 1788.17 incorporates FDCPA provisions governing debt collector conduct and remedies. 

If you contend that your authority arises from any placement, portfolio arrangement, intermediary handling, or other servicing relationship, you must prove that authority through complete documentary evidence demonstrating the chain of assignment and the applicable forward flow or servicing/placement authority for this specific account.

3. Dispute of Credit Reporting and FCRA Compliance If you have furnished information regarding this alleged debt to any consumer reporting agency, I dispute it in full. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2, furnishers have duties regarding accuracy and dispute handling, including the duty to provide notice of a dispute when furnishing information and duties upon notice of a dispute. 

In addition, reporting or furnishing information in a manner that misstates the character, amount, or legal status of an alleged debt may implicate the FDCPAs prohibitions on false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

4. Cease and Desist Notice You are hereby notified in writing that I refuse to pay this alleged debt and that I demand you cease further communication with me regarding this alleged debt, except as permitted by law.

To the extent applicable under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), you must also cease collection activity until you obtain verification and mail it as required.

5. Statute of Limitations Notice ( No Admission ; No Waiver ) Without acknowledging the validity of the alleged debt, and without admitting any dates, liability, or enforceability, I further dispute th
at any claim is legally actionable. In California, an action on a written contract is subject to a four ( 4 ) year statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure 337. To the extent the alleged higher education obligation you reference is founded upon an instrument in writing, it is subject to that four-year limitations period. Any attempt to sue, threaten suit, or otherwise misrepresent the legal status of a time-barred claim may violate the FDCPA, including 15 U.S.C. 1692e.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation