Consumer complaint received 2025-11-13 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official
Company: CAINE & WEINER COMPANY, INC.
State: VT

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Against Cain & Weiner / Collector XXXX XXXX for FDCPA Violations To : CFPB I am filing a formal complaint regarding abusive and noncompliant debt collection conduct by Cain & Weiner, specifically by collector XXXX XXXX, during a phone call on [ date of call ] regarding an alleged XXXX account in my wifes name. 

During the call, XXXX XXXX engaged in multiple violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and Vermont consumer protection standards.

Below is a detailed account of the violations : 1. Refusal to Identify Himself Properly XXXX XXXX refused multiple times to provide his collector identification number, stating he didnt know it. All professional collectors are required to identify themselves.

This violates : FDCPA 807 ( 1 ) False or misleading representation FDCPA 807 ( 3 ) Misrepresenting or obscuring true identity FDCPA 806 Harassing or abusive conduct ( stonewalling identification ) 2. Refusal to Transmit a Consumer-Authorized Settlement Offer to the Creditor I repeatedly requested that XXXX XXXX submit XXXX settlement offer to XXXX, XXXX original creditor. 
He flatly refused to do so. 

He stated things such as : Were not submitting that. 

We cant send this to XXXX. 

This violates : FDCPA 807 ( 10 ) Use of deceptive or misleading representations ( implying he had authority to block communication that must legally go to the creditor ) FDCPA 807 ( 2 ) ( A ) Misrepresenting the collectors authority or the creditors position FDCPA 812 Furnishing certain deceptive forms ( refusing to carry out a task they are obligated to carry out as the creditors agent ) Collectors can not obstruct communication between the consumer and the creditor when they are acting as the creditors representative. 

XXXX. Refusal to Provide Creditor Contact Information When I informed XXXX XXXX that if he would not transmit the offer, I would need the : name department phone number for whoever at XXXX handles settlement decisions. 

He refused and provided none of this. 

This violates : FDCPA 806 ( 2 ) Abuse by refusal to provide meaningful information FDCPA 807 ( 10 ) Misleading representation intending to block lawful communication 4. Refusal to Provide Supervisor Contact Information When I requested the contact information for his supervisor, he refused to provide a number and instead directed me to a voicemail only, without a confirmation or means of following up : This violates : FDCPA 806 Hindering a consumers ability to resolve a debt FDCPA 807 ( 10 ) Misleading or deceptive obstruction Collectors must provide a legitimate contact path for escalations. 

XXXX. Coercive and Unlawful Request for Personal Financial Information XXXX XXXX repeatedly demanded that we : provide personal income and employment details submit financial statements fill out an online hardship form He insisted this was required before he could transmit the settlement offer to XXXX. 

This is false and violates : FDCPA 807 ( 10 ) False representation or deceptive means FDCPA 803 & 805 Privacy restrictions VT Consumer Protection Rule ( CPR ) 104 Unfair collection practices Collectors can not require personal financial disclosures as a condition to perform a basic administrative task ( transmitting a message to the creditor ).

6. Refusal to Put His Refusals in Writing When I stated : I need your refusal to submit the offer in writing, XXXX XXXX laughed and said : Yeah, thats not going to happen. 

This conduct was : unprofessional harassing obstructive And violates : FDCPA 806 ( 2 ) Harassing, oppressive, or abusive behavior FDCPA 807 ( 10 ) Deceptive conduct VT CP Rule 104 Prohibition on abusive practices SUMMARY OF VIOLATIONS ( For Investigator Convenience ) XXXX XXXX committed violations of : 15 U.S.C. 1692d ( FDCPA 806 ) Harassment / refusal to provide meaningful information 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( FDCPA 807 ) False, deceptive, or misleading representations ( 1 ) False identity ( 2 ) ( A ) Misrepresentation of authority ( 10 ) Obstructing communication / deception 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( FDCPA 808 ) Unfair practices Vermont Consumer Protection Rule 104 Unfair or deceptive acts in debt collection Failure to communicate required information to the creditor ( industry compliance violation ) Requested Action I am requesting : A formal investigation into Cain & Weiners practices. 

Review of XXXX XXXX conduct for noncompliance. 

Written confirmation that Cain & Weiner will : identify representatives properly cease obstructive practices follow FDCPA requirements Assurance that settlement offers will be transmitted to creditors without coercion or unnecessary demands.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation