Consumer complaint received 2024-12-21 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Telecommunications debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: Kelsting Group, Inc.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Regarding Illegal Sale of Debt and Personal Information by Pacific Credit Services Dear Sir/Madam , I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Pacific Credit Services , located at [ insert address ], for the illegal sale of my personal information and debt to a collection agency. I am requesting that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau intervene to resolve this issue and ensure that this company is held accountable for its actions. 

Background and Violations : On XXXX, I discovered that Pacific Credit Services had sold my personal information, including my Social Security Number ( SSN ), address, and other sensitive financial details, to an external collection agency without my consent. This action not only constitutes an invasion of my privacy but also violates several consumer protection laws, including but not limited to : The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 16921692p ) : The unauthorized sale of my debt to a third-party collection agency is an illegal practice. Debt collectors are required to have express consent before taking any action regarding consumer debt. The sale of personal information without my consent is an unlawful practice under this Act. 
The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) : Pacific Credit Services actions are also in violation of the FCRA, which mandates that companies must handle personal and financial information with care and only share it under very specific conditions. The unauthorized transfer of my debt and personal information constitutes a violation of my rights to privacy and accuracy under this law. 
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 68016809 ) : This law requires that financial institutions establish privacy safeguards to protect personal financial information. The sale of my personal data to third parties without my consent is a clear violation of these privacy protections. 
California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA ) ( if applicable ) : If this issue involves a California resident, the CCPA prohibits the unauthorized sale of personal data and provides consumers with the right to request the deletion of their personal information from companies databases. 
Request for Action : Given the serious nature of these violations, I am requesting that the CFPB take the following actions : Investigate the illegal sale of my debt and personal information by Pacific Credit Services.

Require Pacific Credit Services to delete all records of this sale from my credit report and any records of my personal information being shared with a third party.

Ensure that Pacific Credit Services takes corrective action, including the removal of any outstanding debt associated with the sale of my personal information and ensuring that this data is not further sold or shared without my express permission. 
Consider enforcing penalties for violations of the FDCPA, FCRA, and GLBA, including potential fines or sanctions for their unlawful practices. 
Demand a formal response from Pacific Credit Services acknowledging the violation and providing proof that the debt has been removed from my credit report and deleted from the collection agencys records.

Penal Codes and Consequences : The unauthorized sale of my personal data and debt may result in significant penalties for Pacific Credit Services, including but not limited to : Civil penalties of up to {$1000.00} for each violation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 
Actual and punitive damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) for mishandling and misreporting my financial information. 
Substantial fines and penalties under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) for violating privacy protections concerning consumer data.

Given the illegal actions taken by Pacific Credit Services, I am asking the CFPB to take prompt and decisive action to remedy the situation and ensure that my rights as a consumer are fully protected. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response and resolution of this issue.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation