Consumer complaint received 2024-07-06 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Rowland Avenue Management, Inc. A/KA Columbia Debt Recovery, LLC d/b/a Genesis
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX Dispute of Debt Collection Practices by Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis ( ACCOUNT XXXX ) Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally dispute the debt collection practices of Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis, related to an alleged debt they are attempting to collect from me. I have thoroughly researched this matter and have identified several issues that I believe render their actions unlawful and necessitate immediate intervention. 

Firstly, Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis claims to hold a North Carolina Insurance Permit ( permit number XXXX ). However, I have verified that this permit is invalid. Enclosed with this letter is documented proof of this invalidity. Given this, Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis lacks the legal authority to collect any debt within the state of North Carolina. 

Additionally, they are attempting to charge interest on a debt that I do not owe to them. The original debt did not accrue interest, making this practice not only unjust but also a direct violation of debt collection laws. Specifically, their actions violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S. Code 1692e, which prohibits any false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of any debt. This includes misrepresenting the amount, legal status, or character of the debt. 

Moreover, there have been several instances where Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis, and other collection agencies, have been found to engage in unlawful debt collection practices. For instance, in the case of United States v. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), the court ruled against the debt collector for misrepresenting the amount of debt and attempting to collect unauthorized fees and interest. Similar rulings can be found in FTC XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), where the court found the collection agency guilty of unfair practices, resulting in significant penalties. 

In addition to these issues, Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis continues to report on a monthly basis that this debt is a new delinquent debt. This practice is particularly egregious as I have no contract or agreement with them at all. This repeated false reporting is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( b ), which mandates that furnishers of information must not report inaccurate information and must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.

Their continued false reporting is not only harmful but also unlawful. Courts have recognized the severity of such practices. For example, in XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX ( XXXX Cir. XXXX ), the court held that the continuous reporting of a debt as delinquent, despite being disputed, was a violation of the FCRA and caused significant harm to the consumer. 

Given these precedents and the invalid permit issue, Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis 's actions are both harmful and unlawful. These unfair practices have adversely affected my credit report, causing undue harm and distress. Under the FCRA, 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( a ), furnishers of information to credit reporting agencies are required to provide accurate information. Their failure to do so is in direct violation of this statute. 

I have no contract or agreement with Columbia Debt Recovery LLC DBA Genesis. Therefore, I am requesting that this erroneous debt be immediately removed from all credit bureaus. These incorrect entries are causing significant damage to my creditworthiness and financial health. 

In conclusion, I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate these practices and ensure that this incorrect debt is deleted from my credit reports without delay. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX and Statutes Referenced : - **Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S. Code 1692e** : Prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading representations in debt collection.

- **Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( a ) ** : Requires furnishers to provide accurate information to credit reporting agencies.

- **Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( b ) ** : Mandates that furnishers must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information. 

Case Studies Referenced : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation