Consumer complaint received 2025-07-15 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: COLLECTIONS USA, INC.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this urgent complaint against Collections USA and XXXX XXXX XXXX in Arizona for their predatory pursuit of an invalid debt tied to an unjust lease break fee, stemming from a lease I was forced to terminate due to the landlords blatant failure to maintain a habitable living environment. Collections USAs recent communication, an email dated XX/XX/year>, compounds their misconduct with deceptive and unlawful practices, including a coercive confidentiality notice and improper collection attempts during an unresolved dispute. Their actions, alongside XXXX XXXX negligence, have caused me immense distress and financial strain. I implore the CFPB to investigate immediately, halt Collections USAs illegal practices, and prevent this baseless debt from damaging my credit. 

Relentless noise disturbances at XXXX XXXX XXXX disruptive tenant behavior rendered my home unlivable. As a work-from-home professional, I was unable to perform my job or find peace. I diligently submitted multiple formal complaints through XXXX XXXX designated online tenant portal, allowing them 30 days to resolve these lease violations, as required by Arizona law ( A.R.S. 33-1361 ). Shockingly, XXXX XXXX claims they never received my complaints, blaming their defective systema failure that is theirs, not mine. Their repeated refusal to provide portal records, despite my persistent requests, suggests obstruction and bad faith, further exacerbating their breach of my right to quiet enjoyment ( A.R.S. 33-1310 ). This neglect forced my constructive eviction, leaving me no choice but to vacate an uninhabitable home. 

Despite this, XXXX XXXX imposed an unjust lease break fee of {$2900.00}, which Collections USA is now aggressively pursuing. I promptly disputed the debt in writing, demanding full validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692g ). Collections USAs initial response was wholly inadequate, providing only a partial lease copy and a bill that I was never provided by XXXX XXXX. Their follow-up email, dated XX/XX/year>, vaguely claims to have attached the information requested but fails to address the debts illegitimacy, rooted in XXXX XXXX breach. By continuing to demand payment without proper validation, they violate FDCPA requirements to cease collection until verification is provided ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ).

Worse, the email contains a coercive confidentiality notice, invoking the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) to impose baseless legal obligations on me, such as indemnifying Collections USA for data misuse or notifying them of misdelivery. This intimidating and misleading language could confuse or frighten consumers, constituting an unfair practice under the FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C. 1692f ) and potentially misrepresenting the GLBAs scope ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e ). Additionally, Collections USA is deceptively attempting to collect the full debt from both me and my boyfriend, as if we each owe the entire sum independentlya predatory tactic that misrepresents the debts nature and violates FDCPA protections ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e, 1692f ). 

These XXXX XXXX negligence, Collections USAs inadequate validation, coercive communication, and double-collection attemptshave left me feeling trapped and powerless in a situation I tried tirelessly to resolve responsibly. Their ongoing harassment threatens my financial stability and looms over my credit, which remains untainted but at risk. 

I urgently request that the CFPB : Investigate Collections USAs unlawful practices, including their misleading confidentiality notice, inadequate debt validation, and improper collection attempts, as well as XXXX XXXX role in imposing an invalid debt. 

Order Collections USA to immediately cease all collection activity on this alleged debt.

Ensure this baseless debt is not reported to credit bureaus, safeguarding my financial reputation.

Impose penalties to deter such predatory behavior and protect other consumers.

I am simultaneously filing complaints with the Arizona Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission to ensure comprehensive action. I have meticulously documented my complaints, correspondence, XXXX XXXX refusal to provide portal records, and Collections USAs email, and I am prepared to provide these to support your investigation. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I trust the CFPB will act decisively to uphold my rights and shield others from similar abuses.I have attached what they provided as " validation '' for your review.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation