Consumer complaint received 2024-12-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit
Company: BC SERVICES, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
BC Services , Inc . 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX RE : Case # XXXX Writ of Continuing Garnishment letter received XX/XX/year> garnishment active XX/XX/year> Please see this letter in response to the case listed above. My wages are currently being garnished by XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX. This abrupt action caused a hardship with my living situation as the sole provider in my household I'm unable to pay rent with 25 % of my pay being taken. 
I asked for information pertaining to the accuracy of the date, amount and nature of the charge I am being accused of as well as a copy of the document that authorizes BC services to collect on my behalf. By the statute stated below, they are operating illegally and garnishment services must cease at once! 
Collections are not inherently illegal, but certain practices in debt collection are regulated or prohibited under federal and state laws. The most notable federal laws include : XXXX. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1692-1692p The FDCPA regulates debt collection practices to prevent abuse, harassment, and unfair treatment. Under this act, the following practices are illegal for debt collectors : Harassment or Abuse : Using threats, profanity, or repeated calls to harass a debtor ( 1692d ). 
False or Misleading Representations : Misrepresenting the amount of debt or impersonating a government official ( 1692e ). 
Unfair Practices : Attempting to collect unauthorized fees or contacting third parties without permission ( 1692f ). 
Contacting You After a XXXX XXXX : Continuing communication after you request in writing that the collector stop contact ( 1692c ). 

XXXX. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 The FCRA governs how debt-related information is reported to credit bureaus. It prohibits : Reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus ( 1681s-2 ). 
Failing to investigate disputes about incorrect credit information ( 1681i ). 

XXXX. State Laws Many states have additional laws that regulate debt collection. For example : XXXX XXXX Fair Debt Collection Practices Act : Mirrors the FDCPA and adds protections against creditor harassment. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : Prohibits threats, coercion, and other abusive tactics in XXXX. 

When Debt Collection Becomes Illegal Debt collection is considered illegal if : The debt is beyond the statute of limitations ( varies by state ). 
The debt was discharged in XXXX  and collection attempts continue. 
The collector does not verify the debt when requested under the FDCPA. 
The collector does not comply with licensing requirements in states where licenses are mandatory for debt collection. 

I believe this debt collector is acting illegally, which is why I'm filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and also consulting an attorney to address potential violations. 

Signed, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation