Consumer complaint received 2024-11-17 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: ProCollect, Inc.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Subject : Formal Complaint Against ProCollect , Inc . Multiple Violations of Consumer Protection Laws and XXXX XXXX Compliance To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint against ProCollect , Inc., regarding their egregious violations of federal consumer protection laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and XXXX XXXX Compliance Guidelines, related to an alleged debt that they reported to the credit bureaus without following proper legal protocols. Their actions are not only unlawful but have caused me significant harm, including undue stress, credit denials, and reputational damage. 

Violations Committed by ProCollect 1. Failure to Provide Initial Communication Before Reporting ( FDCPA and CFPB Debt Collection Rule ) 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( a ) of the FDCPA requires that debt collectors provide a written notice of the debt within five days of the initial communication, detailing the amount, creditor, and my rights to dispute or request validation. ProCollect failed to send any written notice prior to reporting this alleged debt.

The CFPB Debt Collection Rule mandates that debt collectors must contact the consumer before furnishing information to credit bureaus and wait at least 14 days to ensure their communication was not returned as undeliverable. ProCollect did not attempt to contact me prior to reporting this fraudulent account, violating this requirement.

2. Failure to Validate Debt Before Verification ( FDCPA 1692g ( b ) ) After I disputed the alleged debt, ProCollect claimed to have verified it without providing proper validation as required by law. This verification was arbitrary and non-compliant with XXXX XXXX reporting standards, which require accurate and substantiated data. 

3. Reporting False or Misleading Information to Credit Bureaus ( FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ) ProCollect furnished information to credit bureaus without ensuring its accuracy or legitimacy, violating FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), which mandates the reporting of accurate information.

Despite being notified of the dispute, ProCollect continued to report this account as verified, without conducting a proper investigation, violating FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - ( E ). 

XXXX. Non-Compliance with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX compliance guidelines require furnishers of data to credit reporting agencies to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of their reporting. 
ProCollect failed to : Validate the alleged debt with proper documentation before reporting.

Update the status of the disputed account in compliance with the Consumer Data Industry Association ( CDIA ) XXXX XXXX guidelines. 
Follow the Compliance Condition Code XB, which should be applied to disputed accounts. ProCollect has blatantly ignored these obligations.

Impact on Me as a Consumer Stress and Harm : ProCollects unlawful actions have caused undue stress, damaged my financial reputation, and resulted in denied credit applications.

Violation of My Consumer Rights : Their behavior demonstrates a clear disregard for federal laws designed to protect consumers like me.

Relief Requested I request the following actions be taken immediately : XXXX. Immediate Removal of the Fraudulent Account : ProCollect must delete this account from all credit reporting agencies ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX ). 
2. Investigation and Enforcement : The CFPB must investigate ProCollects systematic violations and hold them accountable through enforcement actions.

3. Consumer Protection : Require ProCollect to cease all collection efforts and comply with XXXX XXXX and federal consumer protection laws. 

Next Steps Should this issue remain unresolved, I am prepared to escalate the matter by filing lawsuits for violations of the FDCPA, FCRA, and state consumer protection laws. I will also seek damages for emotional distress, legal fees, and any financial harm caused by their misconduct. 

I trust the CFPB will take swift action to address this matter and prevent further harm to consumers like me. Please let me know if additional information is required to assist in your investigation.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation