Consumer complaint received 2024-12-03 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company: Aldous & Associates, PLLC
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
CFPB Complaint Against Aldous & Associates Subject : Violations of FDCPA, FCRA, and Louisiana Debt Collection Laws Complaint Summary : I am submitting this complaint regarding Aldous & Associates for their unlawful collection practices, which violate federal and state laws. Below are the key issues and supporting details : 1. Failure to Validate Debt 12 CFR 1006.34 ( b ) ( 5 ) and 15 U.S.C. 1692g Aldous & Associates failed to provide validation information within five days of their initial communication, as required under 12 CFR 1006.34 ( b ) ( 5 ) and 15 U.S.C. 1692g. Without validation, I can not verify the legitimacy of this alleged debt. 

2. Lack of Opportunity to Dispute Debt 12 CFR 1006.34 ( c ) ( 4 ) ( i ) I have not been provided with adequate notice of my right to dispute the debt or clear instructions for disputing it. This denies me a basic consumer protection afforded by law. 

3. Unauthorized Practice of Debt Collection in Louisiana According to XXXX  XXXX  XXXX, Aldous & Associates is not licensed to collect debts in Louisiana, my state of residence. Collecting or attempting to collect debts without proper licensing violates state law and undermines the legitimacy of their claims. 

4. Reporting of Time-Barred Debt Violation of Louisiana Statute of Limitations The alleged debt is more than three years old, exceeding Louisianas statute of limitations for open accounts. Reporting a time-barred debt to consumer reporting agencies is misleading and violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

5. False and Misleading Practices Violations of 15 U.S.C. 1692e and 12 CFR 1006.34 ( d ) Aldous & Associates used deceptive and misleading practices by reporting this debt without complying with validation or disclosure requirements. This creates a false impression of legitimacy and harms my credit standing. 

6. Failure to Ensure Accurate Reporting Violations of 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 and 12 CFR 1022.42 As a furnisher of information to consumer reporting agencies, Aldous & Associates is required to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information they report. Failing to validate the debt before reporting it violates these legal obligations. 

7. Violation of FCRA Rules on Obsolete Information 15 U.S.C. 1681c The alleged debt is reported beyond the time limits allowed by the FCRA, as it exceeds Louisianas statute of limitations. Including outdated or misleading information in my credit report harms my consumer rights. 

8. Unauthorized Credit Inquiry Violation of FCRA Permissible Purpose Rule ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ) Aldous & Associates performed an unauthorized soft pull on my credit report. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681b, entities must have a permissible purpose, such as written authorization or a legitimate business need related to a credit transaction initiated by the consumer. I did not authorize this inquiry, nor is there a legitimate business purpose. This unauthorized inquiry constitutes a violation of the FCRA and further damages my credit profile. 

9. Failure to Provide Proof of Legal Authority and Ownership of Debt Aldous & Associates has failed to provide : The purchase order agreement between the original creditor and themselves, demonstrating that they own or have legal authority to collect on this alleged debt. 
Proof that they are licensed and bonded to collect debts in Louisiana, as required by state law. 

I am prepared to provide : A copy of my credit report highlighting the disputed entry and unauthorized credit inquiry. 
Relevant state statute information on Louisianas debt collection and statute of limitations. 
Correspondence or lack thereof from Aldous & Associates. 
Additional Notes : I respectfully urge the CFPB to investigate these practices and take appropriate action to prevent further violations against myself and other consumers. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation