Consumer complaint received 2024-12-10 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit
Company: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A.
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Washington, XXXX XXXX Subject : Formal Complaint Regarding Debt Collection Practices by Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Complainant : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, PA XXXX Date : XX/XX/XXXX Dear CFPB, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Weltman , Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, a firm that has engaged in unlawful and deceptive debt collection practices. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a dunning notice from Weltman , Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, identifying themselves as debt collectors attempting to collect on an alleged debt. In compliance with my rights, I immediately accepted the notice, retained it for evidence, and used it to gather pertinent information ( see Exhibit A ). Following this, I sent an email requesting specific documents, including original transaction documents and the elusive application agreement ( see Exhibit B ). My email also included a demand for compensation due to their deceptive practices, wrongful intent, and criminal behavior. The email reads : " HELLO AND ATTENTION DEBT COLLECTOR! We've received your claim, but we're not falling for it. You're trying to create an issue for your own gain, but we see through your tactics. Your approach won't work here! We are the entitled security holder for the consumer credit transaction, and if you purchased this debt, let me inform you, I have not been paid! 
Here 's the deal : If you can prove your authority to collect any debt from ME, we'll consider paying. But you need to come prepared with all the original transaction documents, including the elusive credit application! Don't forget your license to collect debts in this state, your bond, and proof of insurance! 

Additionally, since you've wasted our time and tampered with our personal information, you owe us compensation. We're demanding {$5000.00} for your trouble, and that's the minimum we'll settle for. If you refuse to compensate us for your actions, we'll take this to small claims court and pursue triple damages, the maximum we can claim! 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  We're ready to protect our rights and seek justice. Any attempt to sue me will be frivolous as you can not file suit against a consumer. Attached is the dunning notice you sent me, which lacks proper authorization. Wendy provided me with your name, and I noted the day I received it.

Failure to respond will be considered as you waiving your defense to my claims as the entitled security holder. '' Subsequent to this email, I received a billing statement, which serves as evidence of a contract but fails to prove its validity or that an agreement exists. Their failure to supply the required information confirms that they do not have a valid original contract, thereby making their collection efforts invalid.

During this period, I fell ill and was in a near-death state twice. To recover, I sought assistance from a spiritual shaman and opted to stay with the shaman until XX/XX/XXXX. Fast forward to XX/XX/XXXX, I discovered that this debt collector, who is actually an attorney, filed a complaint in Pennsylvania on behalf of the alleged original creditor " XXXX '' on XX/XX/XXXX ( see Exhibit C ). The docket number for this case is XXXX. Upon reviewing the complaint document, it clearly states, as highlighted in red, that a " COPY '' of the contract was put on file, which violates Rules of Evidence XXXX ( see Exhibit D ). This attorney, lacking first-hand knowledge, also violates this rule. Moreover, this attorney has not provided proof of having a delegation of authority from the XXXX of Directors to represent the plaintiff. The lawyer who has represented this company since XXXX is XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX. The dunning notice clearly indicates that Weltman , Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, as debt collectors, are not part of the company ( XXXX ). 

Additionally, I was not served with this lawsuit. Had the attorney conducted a proper investigation, they would have found my email address and contacted me directly. Instead, they took a last-ditch effort to move the court, even though my communication was an attempt to settle any potential debts. As a bar card-carrying attorney, there is no excuse for violating civil procedural rules and due process by filing a complaint with a copy of the contract, knowing they do not possess the original document or a certified copy. This makes the copy inadmissible, as it does not self-authenticate. Moreover, there were no witnesses to me signing a contract or receiving consideration for the supposed agreement. This highlights the importance of having the original document, as allowing " copies '' without proper verification could lead to fraudulent claims. 

As such, I require that the default be set aside due to these violations and lack of proper representation. This is a clear abuse of power as I was unwell at the time but am now recovered and am filing my complaint with the CFPB. 

I became aware of this situation when I was denied an extension of credit for a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX due to the suit filed against me, which is reflected on public record. This has resulted in significant damages, including the inability to purchase the vehicle worth {$94000.00} and a negative impact on my credit report, affecting my dealings with secondary reporting companies like XXXX. 

Furthermore, I seek compensation for the following : {$94000.00} for the inability to purchase the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX due to the negative impact on my credit report. 

{$15000.00} initially demanded from the debt collector for failing to provide the required information and engaging in deceptive practices. 

{$20000.00} for the time wasted, emotional distress, and interference with my personal life due to the invalid debt claim. 

In summary, I request the CFPB to investigate Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA, for their unlawful and deceptive practices, and to ensure compliance with federal laws. I also seek the removal of the incorrect debt information from my credit report and appropriate compensation for the damages incurred. 

Attachments : Exhibit A : Dunning Notice Exhibit B : Email Correspondence Exhibit XXXX & XXXX : Complaint Document Exhibit D : Highlighted Contract Copy Exhibit XXXX : Entree of appearance : XXXX XXXX XXXX Exhibit F : Complaint filed Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation