Consumer complaint received 2025-08-01 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Blitt and Gaines, P.C.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
The company refuses to provide written confirmation of a settlement agreement and uses pressure tactics State : Arizona I was served by Blitt and Gaines in relation to a credit card debt collection. I called them initially to request a payment plan to pay off the debt, and they agreed. Later, I called to explore settling the debt for a lower amount. I was told that the lowest settlement amount they could accept was {$3500.00}, but at that time I couldnt pay it. Unfortunately, the representative hung up the call and did not note that conversation in their call logs. 

On XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I called again, now able to pay the {$3500.00} lump sum. I was told that they could no longer accept that amount and that I now owed {$5200.00} due to alleged attorney and court fees. However, I have not attended court, and I have not received a court date. 

Toward the end of that call, the representative agreed to send the {$3500.00} request to a supervisor for approval and told me to call back in 35 business days. On Friday, XXXX XXXX XXXX I called back and was told they would accept the {$3500.00} lump sum settlement. I asked for written confirmation that : The {$3500.00} would be accepted as full and final settlement of the debt The account would be considered settled No further action or collection would be taken They refused to provide anything in writing until after I made the payment and insisted I pay with a debit card over the phone. I declined multiple times, stating I was not comfortable making any payment without a written agreement. I asked several times for a settlement letter to be sent by email or mail. They refused each time and transferred me to a supervisor. 

The supervisor, XXXX, also told me I could not receive a letter until after making the payment, and claimed that I didnt have much of a timeframe to act. He told me I could make the payment and then call back to get the letter afterward. 

I informed him that I was recording the call and he said he did not authorize it. However, I live in Arizona, a one-party consent state, which legally allows me to record the conversation without his permission as long as I am a party to the call. 

I believe Bilt and Gaines is using false information and pressure tactics to coerce immediate payment and to avoid putting anything in writing. Their refusal to send a basic written agreement before accepting payment is unacceptable and leaves me legally unprotected. 

I am requesting that the CFPB intervene to require this company to : Provide written confirmation of any agreed-upon settlement before payment Cease pressure tactics and misleading claims about legal requirements Comply with fair debt collection practices and consumer protection laws I am requesting that this company be required to provide written confirmation of any settlement or payment agreement, and to stop pressuring consumers into making payments without a documented agreement.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation