Consumer complaint received 2025-03-06 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against Portfolio Recovery Associates ( PRA ) for engaging in unlawful debt collection practices related to an alleged debt reported on my credit file. These actions violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692g ), Regulation F ( 12 CFR 1006.34 ), the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 USC 1681s-2 ), and New Jersey state laws, including the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act ( N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq. ) and the New Jersey Consumer Finance Licensing Act ( N.J.S.A. 17:11C-1 et seq. ). PRAs failure to validate the debt and their continued collection efforts, including credit reporting, have caused significant financial and emotional harm. 

On XX/XX/2025, I received a collection notice from PRA claiming I owe a debt under the referenced account number. Suspecting inaccuracies, I sent a debt validation dispute letter via certified mail on XX/XX/2025, pursuant to FDCPA 809 ( a ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ) and Regulation F 1006.34 ( c ), demanding full verification of the debt and PRAs legal authority to collect it in New Jersey. My letter requested 25 specific items, including : the original creditors information, a signed agreement with my signature ( or E-SIGN-compliant electronic proof ), an itemized accounting of the debt ( original amount, interest, fees, payments, and current balance as of XX/XX/2025 ), the chain of assignment ( bills of sale, assignments, and affidavits from the original creditor to PRA ), proof of PRAs New Jersey licensing ( N.J.S.A. 17:11C-1 et seq. ), and evidence the debt remains within New Jerseys 6-year statute of limitations ( N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 ). I also demanded proof of compliance with FDCPA initial notice requirements ( 809 ( a ), sent within 5 days of first contact ) and Regulation F ( 1006.34 ( c ) ), as well as verification that collection practices are not deceptive under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act ( N.J.S.A. 56:8-2 ). I explicitly requested PRA cease all collection activities, including credit reporting, until validation is provided, per FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) ( 15 USC 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 3 ) ). 

As of XX/XX/2025, PRA has not responded to my dispute, continuing to report the alleged debt to credit bureaus, which has lowered my credit score, resulted in loan denials, and caused me to incur higher interest rates on existing credit. This non-compliance violates FDCPA 809 ( b ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ), which mandates cessation of collection until validation is provided, and FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 8 ) ( 15 USC 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 8 ) ), requiring debt collectors to investigate disputes and correct inaccuracies. Additionally, PRAs failure to provide proof of New Jersey licensing and evidence of non-deceptive practices suggests potential violations of N.J.S.A. 17:11C-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 56:8-2. The lack of response and ongoing credit reporting have caused me financial losses of approximately {$2500.00} ( from higher interest rates and lost credit opportunities ) and 15 hours of my time ( valued at $ XXXX, totaling {$750.00} ), as well as significant emotional distress, including XXXXXXXX  and stress over my financial stability. 



Attachments : - Copy of Debt Validation Dispute Letter ( Dated XX/XX/2025 ) - IDENTIFICATION I appreciate the CFPBs assistance in protecting my consumer rights and holding PRA accountable for these unlawful practices.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief