NOTE: Even though this company is listed as a Collection Agency, they operate like a Telemarketer. They buy old accounts for pennies on the dollar, and any money they collect is found money.in my case, the debt is fictional. The Internet is full of complaints about Asset Acceptance LLC. I'm certain they operate a boiler room-type atmosphere.
Complaint
Asset Acceptance LLC has made what is deemed a permissible" inquiry on my TransUnion credit report, the purpose of which is said to be for collection purposes. As I understand it, this will remain on my credit report for two years. This is a fraudulent claim. I do not, nor have I ever had an account in collection with this agency. Furthermore, I have not given them permission to make entries as to my credit worthiness.
Background
On April 30, Arrow Financial Services sent me a demand for payment of $1619.44, said to have been owed to Holiday Health Spa of California. After which, I received a series of harassing telephone calls from them, insisting that I pay off this bogus debt. I then wrote to Arrow Financial on May 10, informing them I DID NOT owe any amount of money to them, and demanded they cease all collection activities). They did stop the telephone calls, but this was followed up by at least half dozen collection agencies, including Asset Acceptance LLC, harassing me (with different amounts due) for the same account.
This year, I discovered that LHR Inc. Had made a negative entry on two of my credit reports for the same debt, showing I had an account which was in collection. I disputed this with the credit reporting agencies and wrote LHR Inc. On April 14 (See attached letter). LHR responded immediately and the entry was removed (See attached letter). I also discovered the inquiries from Arrow Financial and Asset Acceptance on my TransUnion report, which I contested, but they have refused to remove these entries. I believe that Arrow Financial created this fictional debt, and then sold it to Asset Acceptance, who then sold it to LHR Inc.
The only time I ever had an account with Holiday Health Spa was back in 1992. I have not had an account with them since that time. Furthermore, to my knowledge I never owed Holiday Health Spa money, nor has any claim against me for said amounts ever shown up previously on my credit reports. I believe both of these companies are in direct violation of the FCRA.in addition, Arrow Financial and Asset Acceptance LLC have violated California State code CC Section 1812.88, in which a health spa must advise me that a debt is being assigned for collection. I was never advised of such an assignment.
On June 8th, I spoke with TransUnion and they informed me that they treat inquiries differently than credit information.in order to have these two entries removed, they must receive "authorizations" from Arrow Financial, plus an authorization from me to remove it.
I told TransUnion that this inquiry could not possibly fall under "permissible" category and that the entries were only on their CR, not on Equifax and Experian. It didn't seem to hold any water. I also told them how frustrating this whole process was. I recently filed a statement about this which is included on my TR CR. I informed them I am currently buying a new home and that this might drive my credit score down. They apologized, but essentially said there was nothing more they can do.
I have written a second letter to Asset Acceptance LLC, demanding they remove the fallacious entry, but have thus far received no response. I've also filed a complaint with the FTC. But the FTC contends it is not their function to prosecute violators of the FCRA.
Last year, KCBS TV (Los Angeles) had a news special, about scams such as this. Evidently, certain nefarious companies would get hold of old information on individuals and harass them, demanding payment. Many people would be frightened into paying off these illicit demands. I believe I was also an intended victim. This company has had numerous complaints of abuses. Today, I sent a certified final demand letter, informing them I am currently exploring my legal options, and if I do decide to seek remedy, I will do so to the full extent of the law.
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