Consumer complaint received 2025-03-15 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Electronic communications — Frequent or repeated messages
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a formal complaint against Portfolio Recovery Associates ( PRA ) for their illegal debt collection practices, false credit reporting, and unauthorized access to my credit file, which violate multiple provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1692 ] and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681 ].

Violations Committed by PRA : 1. PRA is Attempting to Collect a Debt They Do Not Own FDCPA Violation [ 15 U.S.C. 1692g ] PRA is attempting to collect a debt that I do not owe to them.

Under FDCPA 1692g, a debt collector must provide validation of the debt upon request before attempting to collect.

Despite my formal requests, PRA has failed to provide any legal proof that they own this debt, including : A signed contract or agreement proving I owe this debt to PRA.

A full payment history showing the original balance, interest, fees, and transactions.

Proof of purchase of the debt, including documentation showing how much PRA paid for it. 
Since no signed contract exists between myself and PRA, they have no legal standing to collect this debt.

2. PRA is Falsely Reporting an Unverified Debt to Credit Bureaus FCRA Violation [ 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ] PRA is knowingly reporting false and unverified information to XXXX and XXXX, damaging my credit profile.

Under FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), a company must only report accurate and verifiable information to credit bureaus.

PRA has not verified this debt, yet they continue reporting it, which
is a clear violation of federal law.

FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) requires that if a debt can not be verified, it must be removed from my credit report immediately.

Despite my disputes, PRA refuses to remove the unverified account, causing financial harm and preventing me from obtaining credit.

3. PRA Pulled My Credit Without Permission FCRA Violation [ 15 U.S.C. 1681b ] On XX/XX/year>, XXXX performed a soft pull on my XXXX credit file without my consent or permissible purpose. 
Under FCRA 1681b ( a ), a company must have a valid legal reason to access a consumers credit file, such as : A signed credit application or contract A court order or subpoena A legitimate business transaction initiated by the consumer Since I never applied for credit with PRA or gave written consent, this credit inquiry was unauthorized and unlawful.

Unauthorized credit inquiries harm my credit score and violate consumer privacy laws under the FCRA.

4. PRAs Continued Reporting and Collection Efforts Are Deceptive FDCPA Violation [ 15 U.S.C. 1692e ] PRA is misrepresenting the character and legal status of this debt by falsely claiming they have the right to collect it.

PRA knows they have not validated this debt yet continues their collection efforts, which is deceptive and illegal under FDCPA 1692e ( 2 ) ( A ).

PRA is engaging in unfair collection practices, including : Falsely reporting an unverifiable debt Failing to correct errors on my credit report Continuing collection efforts without proving ownership Formal Demand for Immediate Action : Immediate Removal of This Debt from My Credit Reports Since PRA has failed to validate the debt, it must be deleted from XXXX and XXXX immediately. 
Provide Full Debt Validation in Compliance with the Law PRA must send me : A signed contract proving I owe this debt to them.

A full account history showing the original balance, payments, and fees.

Documentation proving PRA legally owns the debt, including how much they purchased it for. 
Remove the Unauthorized Credit Inquiry from My XXXX Report Since PRA had no legal reason to pull my credit on XX/XX/year>, the inquiry must be deleted immediately. 
Cease All Collection & Reporting Efforts Until the Debt is Verified PRA must stop all collection activity, including phone calls, letters, and credit reporting, until they provide proper legal validation.

Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance : If PRA fails to comply with these demands within 15 days, I will take the following actions : File additional complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and my states Attorney General. 
Seek legal action for FDCPA and FCRA violations, including : Statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation Punitive damages for willful violations Actual damages for financial harm caused by PRAs illegal reporting Demand deletion of this account through all credit bureaus ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX ). 
PRAs actions are illegal, deceptive, and financially harmful. I expect a written confirmation of resolution within 15 days, or I will escalate this matter through legal channels.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation