Consumer complaint received 2025-05-11 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Telecommunications debt
Issue: Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly — Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company: Amsher Collection Services, Inc.
State: WI

Complaint narrative:
In late XXXX, I purchased a mobile hotspot from XXXX after confirming with their representatives that I would have coverage at my home. However, upon receiving and testing the device, I discovered there was no service at my location. I returned the hotspot on the 14th daywithin their return periodso I would not be locked into a contract. I had to drive approximately an hour and a half to return the device in person, which I did without issue. 

After returning the device, XXXX claimed I owed {$82.00} {$60.00} for service and {$22.00} for a late fee. I did not dispute the charges and intended to pay them. 

On or around XX/XX/year>, I received a phone call informing me that updated debt information had been sent to me. When I said I had not received anything, the representative told me it was emailed to XXXX. That is not my email address, nor is it my mothersthough it includes her nameand I confirmed it is an active email address. This means my debt and account information were sent to a third party in error, which is a serious breach of privacy. 

Despite this, XXXX transferred the debt to a collection agency, Amsher Consumer Services ( amsherconsumer.com ). I filed a formal dispute with Amsher in midXXXX ( around XX/XX/year> ). I did not receive a response for over 45 days. When I followed up, one representative told me the dispute may have been denied due to lack of merit and that I should call XXXX. XXXX then told me they could no longer assist and redirected me back to Amsher. When transferred again, the new Amsher representative claimed they had no record of any dispute at all, directly contradicting the prior conversation.

In addition to this confusion, the first person from Amsher who contacted me about the debt yelled at me on the phone. Later, another representative said that because of the delay, the debt would likely be placed on my credit reportspeaking to me in a threatening tone rather than helping resolve the situation. 

I also tried contacting XXXX to get more information, but they were unable to verify my account because I didnt remember the six-digit PIN I set nearly eight months ago. They told me someone from their account verification team would call me, but no one did. I called back again to request the verification team, and although I did eventually receive assistance, I was ignored for over a week before anyone followed up. 

Im now resubmitting my dispute with Amsher, but neither XXXX nor the debt collector has taken responsibility for the privacy breach or provided clear, consistent support. I feel that Im being ignored, given misleading information, and treated unfairly, and Im asking for CFPB assistance.

Please note I have multiple recorded phone calls after XXXX since I realized I was getting the run around. I tried uploading them in the file upload selection of this form but it is failing to upload. Please reach out for a copy or any other additional information. Thank you.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation