Consumer complaint received 2024-11-10 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: W&A Intermediate Co., LLC
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a complaint against Wakefield & Associates , LLC regarding their debt collection practices for an alleged debt on behalf of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Despite my previous request for validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), Wakefield & Associates , LLC has failed to provide adequate documentation or justification for this debt, which may also involve a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( HIPAA ). 
Summary of Violations and Requests 1. Incomplete Debt Validation : On XX/XX/year>, I sent a debt validation request to Wakefield & Associates , LLC ( tracking # XXXX ), which was received on XX/XX/year>. Despite their acknowledgment on XX/XX/year>, they have failed to validate the debt fully, as required by the FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ).

2. Request for Comprehensive Validation Details : I have formally requested specific information, which includes : o The name and address of the original creditor.

o Proof of debt transfer or chain of custody to verify assignment legitimacy.

o Dates of delinquency, last payment, and any relevant breakdown of charges and principal.

o Information on the statute of limitations and assurance that the debt is within the enforceable period.

o HIPAA authorization if this debt involves protected health information ( PHI ).

3. HIPAA Concerns : Given that this debt may involve medical information, Wakefield & Associates , LLC may have breached HIPAA regulations by sharing my PHI without proper authorization.

4. Lack of Licensing Confirmation : I have also requested that Wakefield & Associates , LLC provide evidence of their authority to collect debts in Illinois, but this request remains unfulfilled.

5. Potential Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Violation : Without validated proof of debt, Wakefield & Associates , LLC should not report this debt to credit bureaus. Reporting unvalidated debt information is an FCRA violation, and I have asked them to remove any inaccurate data until proper validation is provided. 
Request to the CFPB I respectfully request the CFPB to : Compel Wakefield & Associates , LLC to remove this debt from my credit report if they are unable to provide proper validation, as required by law. Reporting unverifiable debt may constitute a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and adversely impacts my credit standing. 
Investigate potential violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( HIPAA ) by Wakefield & Associates , LLC, given their handling of this debt, which may involve improper collection practices and unauthorized disclosure of protected health information ( PHI ).

Impact and Request for CFPB Action Wakefield & Associates, LLCs continued attempts to collect without validating the debt have caused undue stress and confusion. They are in violation of the FDCPA for failing to cease collection efforts despite my pending dispute. I am requesting the CFPB to investigate these practices, ensure that Wakefield & Associates , LLC halts all collection efforts, and confirm that any credit reporting activities cease until this matter is properly resolved. 
Thank you for your attention to this complaint. I trust that the CFPB will act to protect my rights under the law. 
Complainant : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX  XXXX XXXX, IL XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation