Consumer complaint received 2024-12-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Communication tactics — You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Company: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Portfolio Recovery Associates has been calling me daily, often multiple times a day, despite my informing them that I am unemployed and currently unable to make payments. They have also repeatedly contacted my parents, even though I have clearly communicated that they already have my contact information. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692c ( b ), contacting third parties like my parents about the debt without my consent and for reasons beyond locating me is a direct violation. This aggressive tactic, combined with the excessive frequency of calls, constitutes harassment under 15 U.S.C. 1692d, which explicitly prohibits conduct intended to annoy, abuse, or harass in connection with the collection of a debt.

Similarly, A.G. Adjustments, which is managing a separate debt, has engaged in equally aggressive tactics, including sending threatening letters and persistent communication. One letter from XXXX XXXX, representing A.G. Adjustments, detailed an outstanding balance of {$1900.00} and provided instructions for immediate payment. While the letter outlined various payment methods, the tone and phrasingsuch as FAILURE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE MAYfelt unnecessarily hostile. Combined with frequent calls and relentless attempts to pressure me, this behavior crosses into bad-faith territory, exacerbating an already difficult situation.

Recently, I suspect that either Portfolio Recovery Associates or A.G. Adjustments sent a representative to my home. This in-person visit appeared to be a deliberate scare tactic designed to intimidate me into immediate action. While I can not confirm which agency was responsible, the act itself was deeply distressing and added another layer of undue pressure. I have been completely transparent with both agenciesI am unemployed, I do not have the financial means to pay at this time, and I have explicitly stated that I intend to repay these debts as soon as I secure employment. Their actions are not only unnecessary but are actively hindering my ability to focus on improving my financial and personal situation. 

I suffer from XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), a recognized medical XXXX that significantly impacts my daily functioning. It is far more than the word XXXX might imply. I have undergone numerous medical treatments for this condition, which is as debilitating as any terminal illness in its effects on my ability to work and function. The constant harassment and intimidation by these agencies, including phone calls, letters, and suspected in-person visits, are worsening my condition and making it even harder to recover and secure stable employment. 

On top of this, I was illegally terminated from my previous job at XXXX while on XXXX leave, which added another significant hurdle to my ability to rebuild my life. They even terminated my health insurance during this time, leaving me to face not only unemployment but also significant personal and medical challenges without support. Do you understand how much I have had to overcome in my life, only to now face these aggressive, predatory practices? I have fought so hard to overcome real challengesloss, health battles, and systemic obstaclesbut this is not one of those challenges. This is not an obstacle to rise above ; this is absolute cruelty and unusual punishment.

I currently have no income. I am working without pay at a startup in an attempt to rebuild my career, despite the difficult job market. At this point, I do not believe these debts should be considered valid or collectible, as the agencies tactics directly violate the principles of fair and lawful debt collection under the FDCPA. Their harassment has not only caused further harm to my health but also undermined my efforts to recover financially and move forward in life.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation