Consumer complaint received 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: COLLECTION ASSOCIATES, LTD.
State: TN

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to provide additional information regarding the complaint I submitted against Collection Associates , LTD., now including clarification of my efforts to resolve this matter both directly with the company and through the XXXX XXXX XXXX. 

Background & Contact with Collection Agency In XX/XX/year>, I received a phone call from a representative at Collection Associates , LTD. regarding an alleged debt. During that initial call, I was informed that there was a settlement offer available, but no details were provided about the original creditor or nature of the debt. I immediately requested that they send a written notice explaining the claim.

A short time later, I received a letter from them referencing the debt and outlining a payoff offer. On XX/XX/year>, I followed up via phone to dispute the account and ask for verification, as I had no knowledge of this debt and no record of doing business with the company they claimed had transferred the account. Unfortunately, the representative was unable to offer any meaningful explanation or proof of where the debt originated. They admitted that the account had been acquired from another company, but they could not identify that company in a way that allowed me to confirm or recognize the debt. 

Impact on My Credit Report Despite my requests for verification and my clear dispute of the debt, Collection Associates , LTD. reported the account to the major credit bureaus. This has negatively impacted my credit file, which I believe is unlawful under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), as no proof has been provided.

Attempt to Resolve Through the XXXX XXXX XXXX I also filed a complaint with the XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX  ) in an effort to resolve the matter amicably. The company responded to the XXXX  by stating that they preferred to work the matter out with me directly. However, despite that claim, no further resolution has been provided by the company. They have not responded with documentation or validation of the debt, and they have not removed the entry from my credit report. 

The XXXX was therefore unable to resolve the issue, as

Collection Associates , LTD. failed to follow through on their statement and did not provide the information I requested. Request for Assistance from CFPB At this point, I am seeking the CFPB 's assistance in ensuring that my rights are upheld and that this account is properly investigated. Specifically, I am requesting the following : That Collection Associates , LTD. provide formal validation of the debt, including a breakdown of the charges, the name of the original creditor, and any supporting documentation.

That all credit reporting be halted immediately until such validation is provided.

That the debt be removed entirely from my credit reports if they are unable to provide full validation or proof that I am legally responsible for the amount claimed.

I appreciate the CFPBs time and assistance in this matter. I have made good faith efforts to resolve the issue independently and through the XXXX, but I am no closer to an answer or resolution. I am committed to cooperating fully and will provide any further documentation upon request.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation