Consumer complaint received 2024-02-08 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
This company is in clear violation of the law and needs to update their reporting. I don't know who this company is plus they have access to my report and they are in possession of my personal information without written or verbal consent which falls under identity theft. 

Violations By Your Company : Identity theft concerns and deprivation of rights : The absence of verbal or written consent for the collection and reporting of personal information by third-party debt collectors not only constitutes a flagrant violation of numerous laws and consumer rights protections but also infringes upon deeply held religious beliefs and constitutional rights. This includes : 1. Violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1692 et seq. ), particularly Sections 807 and 808, by third-party debt collectors who purchase debt without a contractual agreement with the individual they are reporting on. This violates provisions that prohibit debt collectors from making false or misleading representations and from using unfair or unconscionable means to collect debts.

2. Breach of contract laws as third-party debt collectors lack a valid contractual relationship with the individual they are reporting on, failing to establish a legal basis for collecting or reporting the debt. 

3. Potential violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1681 et seq. ) if the third-party debt collector inaccurately reports or updates debt information to credit bureaus without proper verification or validation, thereby impacting the individual 's creditworthiness unfairly.

4. Failure to comply with state consumer protection laws governing debt collection practices, including requirements for transparency, accuracy, and fair treatment of consumers. 

5. Violation of the Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S. Code 552a ) by disclosing sensitive personal information without proper authorization. Third-party debt collectors are restricted from obtaining or disclosing personal information unless explicitly permitted by law or authorized by the individual.

6. Infringement upon the individual 's rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) if the third-party debt collector reports inaccurate or outdated information to credit reporting agencies without conducting a reasonable investigation into the validity of the debt, leading to potential harm to the individual 's credit reputation. Additionally, the third party lacks the " first-party interest '' necessary to justify the reporting under the FCRA.

Deprivation of religious beliefs and constitutional rights, as protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, by imposing reporting practices that conflict with an individual 's religious beliefs and by infringing upon their right to financial autonomy and privacy, leading to significant damages that deprive individuals of their right to freedom.

These multifaceted violations not only undermine legal protections but also undermine fundamental principles of religious freedom, constitutional rights, and individual autonomy, necessitating urgent remedial action to protect affected individuals.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation