Consumer complaint received 2025-03-09 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: Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint AgainsXXXX XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates for FCRA and FDCPA Violations Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates for their failure to adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Despite my lawful disputes, XXXX has neglected its duty to conduct a proper investigation, and Portfolio Recovery Associates has failed to provide the required validation of the alleged debt. 
Unauthorized Reporting & Violation of My Privacy ( FCRA 1681 ) XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates have reported an account on my credit file without my authorization. Under FCRA 1681b, a credit bureau is only permitted to include information when there is a legally valid purpose. I never authorized this debt to be reported, making this an unlawful action. This constitutes identity theft under FCRA 1681c-2. 
Additionally, per FCRA 1681a, consumer reports should not contain financial transactions or experiences that have not been explicitly authorized. Since I never consented to this collection account being reported, it should not be there. No consent means identity theft, and under FCRA 1681c-2, this account should be immediately and permanently removed. 
XXXX Failed to Conduct an Independent Investigation ( FCRA 1681i & FDCPA 1692g ) I previously disputed the Portfolio Recovery Associates account, which is linked to XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. Below are the account details : Debt Collector : Portfolio Recovery Associates Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. 
Account Number : XXXX Balance : {$530.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Collection account, past due as of XX/XX/XXXX XXXX is required under FCRA 1681i to conduct a detailed, independent investigation. This does not mean simply accepting the word of the furnisher. Proper verification includes : Third-party verification from an independent source A comprehensive review of original signed agreements Direct interviews and supporting documentation XXXX has failed to produce any proof that this investigation took place, violating FCRA 1681i. 
Similarly, under FDCPA 1692g, Portfolio Recovery Associates had 30 days to provide : A contract with my signature proving I agreed to this debt. 
A clear breakdown of how the balance was determined. 
Documents proving their legal authority to collect this debt. 
Neither XXXX nor Portfolio Recovery Associates has met these requirements, meaning this account is inaccurate, unverified, and must be removed immediately per federal law. 
Violation of Accuracy Standards ( FCRA 1681e ( b ) ) The FCRA mandates that consumer reporting agencies must maintain maximum accuracy in reporting. Since XXXX has failed to prove that this account is correctly verified, they are in direct violation of FCRA 1681e ( b ). 
Furthermore, retaining an unverified collection account on my credit report harms the credibility of the financial system. Errors in reporting damage consumer access to credit and financial stability. 
Consumers Must Have Confidence in Their Credit Reports The way credit reports are handled should reflect the same level of care and security as a financial institution handling sensitive banking data. Credit bureaus like XXXX should be held accountable when they fail to ensure accuracy and fairness. 
Despite my legal disputes, XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates continue to report unverifiable and inaccurate data, undermining consumer trust in the credit reporting system. 
The CFPB Must Ensure Compliance with Consumer Protection Laws The FCRA explicitly requires credit bureaus to handle consumer data fairly and in a way that respects privacy rights. If I did not give permission for this account to be reported, it is a direct violation of my federally protected rights. 
Congress has also classified consumer reporting agencies as essential to the financial system. However, by disregarding proper investigation standards, XXXX has failed in its duty under federal law. 
XXXX Improper Use of XXXX XXXX does not have my permission to process this dispute through XXXX. Automated dispute resolution systems do not satisfy the legal requirement for an independent investigation under FCRA 1681i. By relying on XXXX instead of conducting a legitimate, independent verification, XXXX is violating my rights under federal law. 
Identity Theft Report is Attached I am including my Identity Theft Report as further proof that this collection account was placed on my credit report without my consent. Under FCRA 1681c-2, a credit bureau must block and remove any fraudulent account once an identity theft report is submitted. XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates have no legal right to continue reporting or verifying this account. 
Requested Actions I am requesting the CFPB to take the following corrective actions : XXXX. Order XXXX to delete this collection account immediately for failure to properly verify the debt. 
XXXX. Order Portfolio Recovery Associates to stop collection efforts and remove the account due to lack of validation. 
XXXX. Hold XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates accountable for violating federal laws and impose financial penalties. 
XXXX. Provide written confirmation that this account has been removed permanently from my credit report. 
If this issue is not resolved in a timely manner, I am prepared to take further legal action, including filing a lawsuit under FCRA 1681n, which allows consumers to seek {$1000.00} per violation. 
Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide an update on the next steps in the investigation. I expect a timely resolution of this matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief