Consumer complaint received 2024-11-01 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Notification didn't disclose it was an attempt to collect a debt
Company: F.H. Cann & Associates, Inc.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX XXXX for improper handling of my financial aid and tuition refund exception, which has led to an unjust debt collection action, potential credit harm, and emotional distress. I am seeking compensation of {$6000.00} for the financial and emotional impact these actions have caused. 

Complaint Background Approved Tuition Refund Exception : On XX/XX/scrub>XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX approved my request for a tuition refund exception for the Summer 2024 semester. This approval meant that I would not be financially responsible for tuition charges associated with the courses I withdrew from during this semester. Despite this, a balance of {$700.00} was placed on my account. 

Recalculation of XXXX XXXX and Lack of Transparency : The college recalculated my XXXX XXXX award based on my last attendance date ( XX/XX/year> ), which resulted in the {$700.00} balance. However, at the time I accepted the XXXX XXXX, the college did not clearly communicate any repayment conditions or financial obligations that could arise upon withdrawal. This lack of transparency led me to believe the grant was non-repayable, placing me in an unexpected financial bind. 

Unjust Debt Collection Action and Lack of Written Notice : XXXX XXXX XXXX transferred this disputed balance to a debt collection agency without providing me with written notice. Additionally, I did not receive any prior notification from the college indicating this debt would be sent to collections. This action has caused me considerable distress and created a risk to my credit score. 

Registration Block on My Account : Due to this disputed balance, I am currently unable to register for classes, which has interrupted my educational progress and negatively affected my academic plans. I have complied with all document requests, and I have no prior history of unpaid obligations, making this situation unjust and disruptive. 

Request for Compensation Due to the financial, emotional, and academic impact of XXXX XXXX XXXX actions, I am requesting {$6000.00} in compensation, broken down as follows : Emotional Distress : {$1500.00} For the stress and emotional impact caused by receiving an unexpected collections notice, compounded by the lack of clear communication and administrative errors. 
Potential Harm to Credit and Reputation : {$1500.00} For the risk posed to my credit score by the collections action, which could negatively affect future financial and educational opportunities. 
Administrative Errors and Lack of Communication : {$2000.00} For XXXX XXXX XXXX failure to provide clear terms regarding the XXXX XXXX and the resulting administrative burden on my part to resolve this matter. 
Inconvenience and Time Spent : {$1000.00} For the time and resources I have dedicated to disputing this debt, gathering documentation, and working to restore my account status. 
Desired Resolution To resolve this matter, I respectfully request that the CFPB : Require XXXX XXXX XXXX to Clear the {$700.00} Debt : This debt stems from administrative and communication errors regarding the tuition refund exception and XXXX XXXX terms, and should be removed from my account. 

Ensure Removal of Any Credit Reporting : I request confirmation that this debt will not appear on my credit report, as the collection action is disputed and based on unclear terms. 

Award Compensation for Financial and Emotional Impact : I am seeking {$6000.00} to account for the documented emotional distress, potential credit damage, administrative errors, and time lost due to XXXX XXXX XXXX mishandling of my aid. 

Attachments : I have included copies of relevant documentation, including : The email approval of my tuition refund exception. 
Notification of the recalculated grant balance. 
Communication with F.H. Cann & Associates , Inc. regarding the collections action. 
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I trust that the CFPB will assist in holding XXXX XXXX XXXX accountable for the undue harm caused by their mismanagement of my financial aid.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation