Hi, I wanted to share the following experience during a CFPB complaint in order to see if anyone has ever experience a similar situation.
Context:
I filed a complaint against a debt buyer/debt collector after multiple attempts to resolve the matter directly with the debt buyer.
In my dispute I attached all documents I had submitted via USPS certified mail, return receipt to the debt buyer/debt collector, any prior written disputes sent to their third-party debt collector, including cease-and-desists.
In total I submitted 15+ attachments of everything I had documented to my complaint (since those would be sent to the debt buyer/debt collector).
In its reply to my complaint, the company (debt buyer/debt collector). Misrepresented itself by stating it was not a debt collector, contradicting how they represent themselves on their own website, their multi-state NMLS registration with active licenses as a "Collection Agency", and licensed as such in the state I reside in as well.
This debt collector, used the response as a loophole to include a settlement offer with a due date, potentially violating an active cease-and-desist they had received over 30+ days (proof is in the signed PS Form 3811 "green return receipt").
For clarity the above is not meant as a negative feedback about the CFPB, on the contrairy it is to identify how a debt collector used space meant to be an unofficial neautral space and a goverment bureau to continue attempting to collect. I do not expect the CFPB or or any agency to recover money or represent me, with that said consumers should be aware of what at least one debt collector has done, and know they should document everything including the responses made through the CFPB by a company.
In the “Feedback” section [to CFPB] which is forwarded to the company even if the case [complaint] is closed, I called the company out [professionally but firmly]
I have submitted a separate complaint on this debt collector specifically for violating an active Cease-and-Desist in which I attached the Cease-and-Desist, the USPS PS Form 3811 (green return receipt signed card), Print-to-PDF copy of their NMLS license which identifies them as Collection Agency in multiple States, and a copy of the response they made in the prior complaint.
Friendly reminder to everyone, the CFPB uses all complaints even if they closed (automatically closed if a company responds). A closed complaint doesn’t mean it magically goes away for that company. It is used by the CFPB’s database by the FTC and State Attorney Generals (among others), to track complaints and issues we consumers bring up to identify patterns a company (like debt collectors) continue to have by consumers.
Print-to-PDF any complaints and or responses and save them just in case these junk debt buyers/debt collectors attempt to come after you, it will help you identify any false statements they make down the line.
P.S. it was not one of the well known debt collectors.