Consumer complaint received 2023-09-22 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: Zions Debt Holdings
State: NV

Complaint narrative:
I received phone calls, text messages, and one notice on the mail dated XX/XX/XXXX from ZION DEBT HOLDINGS. With so many scammers, I initially dismissed the calls and texts, but with the notice, I did a bit of research and was not fully convinced. The more I delved into the details of the written notice, I saw that much of the information was not accurate, which further made me suspect that this was indeed a potential scam. Thus, on XX/XX/XXXX I formally responded to the notice by disputing the claim in writing in order to stop any further collection, as it is stated in the notice ( see attached document ). I was glad I took a screenshot of my email to them and confirmation of receipt, since they provided no other proof or thread that a client contacted them. Among my concerns listed were that my account number was not accurate, I was not a client of XXXX on the date XX/XX/XXXX that they list I received service on the notice- which is further supported by my bank statements due to being enrolled in auto-pay. My last recurring payment was on XX/XX/XXXX. Lastly, the base amount of {$47.00} owed from the XX/XX/XXXX " service provided '' was an amount I NEVER managed with XXXX XXXX 

On XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX from Zion Debt Holdings simply emailed four attached documents that contained 1 ) my original contract with XXXX from XXXX 2 ) a new invoice from Zion Debt Holdings with the breakdown that total {$130.00} 3 ) a letter dated XX/XX/XXXX from XXXX, stating XXXX XXXX  purchased my debt in XX/XX/XXXX. 
4 ) a " customer billing history '' starting from XX/XX/XXXX showing all payments and credits made on my account. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, after thorough review of the documentation, I replied to XXXX XXXX 's email that the payment history provided was inaccurate and that I finalized payments in XX/XX/XXXX. And I asked for advisement. Later that night, I checked my bank account that also provided my credit score and realized that Zion Debt Holdings had already proceeded to report the claim to my credit. 
From the initial written notice, I was under the impression that this claim was in the process of being disputed. I was not afforded a reasonable time to respond to her email, nor was I notified that they were going to proceed with reporting the claim to the credit bureaus thus AFFECTING MY CREDIT. I received the email on XX/XX/XXXX from Zion Debt Holdings, and according to my bank, they reported the claim on XX/XX/XXXX. NOT EVEN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS for my credit to be affected - something I take great pride in. 


On XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX, I ATTEMPTED to contact XXXX XXXX company via phone, but since the automated phone system recognized my number and when asked to confirm which home address I was calling in regards, I was automatically redirected to Zion Debt Holdings. I spoke to a representative named XXXX. He pulled up my account and verbally reviewed my " debt. '' We spoke about : ->How this debt was not even possible if I was enrolled in Auto-Pay from the very beginning in XXXX. My account was canceled and closed in XX/XX/XXXX and I never received any other requests for payments from XXXX beyond that - I would have had no problem paying. I requested further documentation from him on proof of request for payments. He stated that I could contact XXXX. I mentioned that I indeed attempted to contact them, but it only redirected me to the Zion Debt Holdings phone number. He said he could only go off of the information listed. 

->Given the information, I brought to his attention that according to the " Customer Billing History, '' it states that I have an Outstanding Balance of ZERO dollars. And that the services rendered on XX/XX/XXXX, are actually a CREDIT to my account of {$47.00}, not a charge/debit as they are claiming. XXXX was unresponsive. 

XXXX As shown on the attachment of the mail written notice, I also mentioned to XXXX that I considered making the payment of {$47.00}, plus {$24.00} in interest because that is what was listed, but I believe it was always very SUSPICIOUS how it came to be the magical number of owing them {$130.00}. XXXX stated that it was {$60.00} of late fees. However, I argued that I only knew that until I was given this NEW INVOICE in the XX/XX/XXXX email, but not prior. And yet, your company was already asking for the full amount of {$130.00} in the XX/XX/XXXX letter, even if I paid prior to the deadline of XX/XX/XXXX. I asked if he would have given me a refund of {$60.00} if I paid prior to XX/XX/XXXX and XXXX didn't respond - further proof that Zion Debt Holdings intended to act disingenuously. 

XXXXI told him I knew he was just doing his job, but this was all very upsetting and I shared that I would be filing a claim. XXXX gave me the address for Zion Debt Holdings for where to forward the complaint. 

XXXXHe also clarified that with debt collectors, they don't keep adding to the debt, it will remain that amount on my credit report. I asked to make sure I wouldn't be surprised with additional interests or more hidden fees. 

XXXX never gave me the opportunity to pay in a timely manner despite having been a loyal paying customer for years with an established recurring-payment plan. I've never defaulted on payments and my credit score reflects that I would never deliberately ignore a financial responsibility. I wholeheartedly disagree with all these actions taking place behind my back. From XXXX not notifying me if I indeed had a supposed debt, and then Zion Debt Holdings adding secret fees, in addition to damaging my credit without allowing reasonable time for me to dispute. 

I truly appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

Company public response: Company believes the complaint provided an opportunity to answer consumer's questions
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation