Consumer complaint received 2023-04-18 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly — Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company: RentDebt Automated Collections, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Rent Debt Automated Collections ( hereinafter referred to as " Rent Debt '' ) for their unlawful debt collection practices and unauthorized acquisition and use of my personal information. It has come to my attention that Rent Debt has violated several federal and state statutes in both Texas and Tennessee, specifically regarding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. Sections 1692e, 1692f, and 1692d, the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. Sections 1681b and 1681s-2, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) - Title V Sections 6801-6809, the Texas Debt Collection Act ( TDCA ) - Texas Finance Code, Title 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 392 Sections 392.301, 392.303, 392.304, 392.101, and 392.306, the Texas Business & Commerce Code, Title 2 , Chapter 20 Section 20.05, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act ( DTPA ) - Texas Business & Commerce Code, Title 2 , Chapter 17 , Subchapter E Section 17.46 ( b ) ( 12 ), the Tennessee Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( TFDCPA ) - Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 20 Sections 62-20-105, 62-20-106, and 62-20-107, and the Identity Theft Deterrence Act - Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18, Part 21 Section 47-18-2107.

Rent Debt 's violations include, their procurement of my personal information without a legitimate purpose or my explicit written consent, their use of hostile, abusive, or harassing tactics during debt collection efforts, and their failure to comply with the registration and bonding requirements mandated by Texas law for third-party debt collectors.

I am requesting that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau conduct an investigation into the collection practices of Rent Debt, in addition to the potential violations of federal and state statutes. I am also urging cooperation with the Texas Attorney General 's Office, the Tennessee Attorney General 's Office, and other relevant state and federal agencies to ensure that Rent Debt is held accountable for their actions, ceases unlawful collection attempts, and follows all applicable laws. 

In their response to my complaint, Rent Debt admitted to looking up my last known address, which was registered privately. They also stated that they had not received any disputes from me and attached copies of my final account statement and signed lease for their records. Additionally, Rent Debt confirmed that XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) had not received payment to pay my account in full. However, Rent Debt did not disclose how they obtained my personal information, which includes my address. I request that they provide this information so that we can hold the business accountable for their illegal actions. 

In response to my complaint, Rent Debt admitted to obtaining my last known address, which was registered privately, and that they had not received any disputes from me. They also provided copies of my final account statement and signed lease for their records, but did not disclose how they obtained my personal information, including my address. I request that they provide this information so that Rent Debt can be held accountable for their illegal actions. 

Finally, I demand that RentDebt Automated Collections , LLC disclose which credit bureaus or data brokers it used to obtain my personal data, including my address. Additionally, I request that you provide a detailed account of how your company breached the aforementioned federal and state statutes, as well as any additional laws you may have broken, including the specific subsections that were violated.

I request that the CFPB investigate this matter fully and take appropriate action against RDAC if it is found that they violated any federal or state laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Texas Debt Collection Act , the Texas Business & Commerce Code , the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Tennessee Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Identity Theft Deterrence Act, and the XXXX XXXX guidelines. 

Furthermore, if Rent Debt Automated Collections ( RDAC ) obtained my lease agreement and pictures without my consent, it is a violation of my privacy rights. The unauthorized access of personal information is a serious concern, as it can result in identity theft or other forms of fraud. 

It is unclear how RDAC obtained my lease agreement and pictures, but if they did so without my consent or authorization, it would be illegal. It is possible that they obtained this information from XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) or another source, but without consent, their actions would still be in violation of federal and state privacy laws. 

Therefore, it is important for the CFPB to investigate this matter and determine how RDAC obtained my lease agreement and pictures. appropriate action should be taken to hold them accountable for their actions and protect the privacy rights of consumers. 

ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT IS THE MEDIA FILE THAT RENT DEBT ATTACHED TO THE LAST COMPLAINT WHICH IS PROOF THAT THEY VIOLATED MY PRIVACY RIGHTS Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any further information. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation