Consumer complaint received 2025-03-13 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Electronic communications — Frequent or repeated messages
Company: Halsted Financial Services, LLC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the debt collection practices of Halsted Financial, a debt collection agency. Over the past several days, I have been contacted by this agency via text message about an alleged debt. These communications did not provide proper validation of the debt, and the messages contained threatening language. I believe this constitutes a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Additionally, I am requesting that Halsted Financial immediately withdraw any claims related to this alleged debt, cease and desist all communications via text or email, and only provide resolutions via written mail. Furthermore, I have revoked my power of attorney with XXXXXXXX XXXX, and I have never authorized any third party to handle my affairs, making their actions a direct violation of my rights and privacy. 

Details of the Complaint : Lack of Written Validation and Notice : On XX/XX/year>, at XXXX XXXX, I received a text message from Halsted Financial. A second text message was sent on XX/XX/year>, also at XXXXXXXX XXXX. Both messages contained threats that the matter would be referred to a law firm in my state to initiate a lawsuit against me. However, at no point have I received any formal written communication or validation of the debt. According to the FDCPA, the collector is required to provide written validation of the debt within five days of initial contact. Neither of these text messages included the necessary details, such as the amount owed, the name of the creditor, or my rights to dispute the debt. 

Threatening Legal Action Without Proper Documentation : The text messages contained threatening language about the possibility of legal action, specifically mentioning that the matter would be referred to a law firm for potential legal action. This has caused me significant stress, as the debt has not been properly verified, and I am unsure whether this debt is valid. The threats were made without any documentation or explanation of the debt, which is both misleading and a violation of the FDCPA. 

Emotional Stress and Harm : The constant threats of legal action and the failure to provide any written verification of the debt have caused significant emotional distress. As a result, I have experienced considerable anxiety, sleepless nights, and a sense of being harassed. The stress from these unverified threats has negatively impacted my mental health and overall well-being. 

Potential Financial Harm : Beyond the emotional toll, I am concerned about the financial harm caused by these threats. If Halsted Financials actions result in a lawsuit or legal fees for a debt that may not even be legitimate, I would face unnecessary financial strain. Furthermore, I fear that these actions could impact my credit, causing long-term damage to my financial standing. 

Request for Immediate Withdrawal and Cease and Desist : Due to Halsted Financials failure to provide proper written validation of the debt and their unlawful use of threats, I am formally requesting that they immediately withdraw any claims regarding this alleged debt. The lack of verification, coupled with the threats made, is in direct violation of the FDCPA, and I expect the agency to cease all further collection efforts until the matter is resolved in accordance with the law. 

Additionally, I request that Halsted Financial cease and desist all communications with me via text or email. Any further communications should be sent via written mail only. I also want to emphasize that I have revoked my power of attorney with XXXXXXXX XXXX, and I have never given them any authority to act on my behalf. Their communications have violated my privacy and rights, and I demand this be corrected immediately. 

Given the clear violations of the FDCPA, I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) investigate this matter and take appropriate action against Halsted Financial.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation