ComplaintsforProfessional Finance Company (PFC USA)

• Initial Complaint

  08/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with ASPEN DENTAL. I do not have a contract with the collection agency "Professional Finance Company" trying to collect and report false data to my credit report. They did not provide me with the original contract as requested. A few months prior the company agreed to remove collection, but it is still listed on my reports. My previous complaint ID was ********. ********************** only removed the collection from my Experian account but did not remove it from Transunion and Equifax.

  Customer response

  08/03/2023

  In this attachment you will find the actual letter that was sent to the company via the ***** the date and complaint I'd. You will see that the company responded that the account was verified but never sent in any documentation to actually prove that I am the rightful owner. In addition, you will see the disputes that I sent to *********** as well. This is not my account and it needs to be removed since no physical evidence has been provided and it has been months.

  

  Business response

  08/10/2023

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (PFC) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Ms. *********** complaint.  On 4/8/2021, ************************ agreed to a treatment plan with Aspen Dental (Aspen) and thereafter received services from Aspen.  As part of the treatment plan, ************************ agreed and acknowledged that ***************** Responsibility is based on good faith estimate of my insurance benefits, if any, and that my ***************** Responsibility may change if my insurance company pays more or less than is estimated, or if my Treatment Plan changes during the course of my treatment or fees for services change. In all cases, I accept responsibility for all charges not covered by insurance, including any charges for upgraded procedures or materials.  This agreement has been attached to this response.  Due to the nature of the services provided, further charges were incurred as reflected on the attached itemized statement provided by Aspen.  When Aspen did not receive payment towards these additional charges, the account was placed for collections with PFC on 5/31/2022.  On 6/4/2022, PFC mailed ************************ initial notice of the debt to her ************* address and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  When no response to PFCs collection efforts were received, PFC began credit reporting of the account on 7/31/2022.  Thereafter, PFC began to receive notification from the credit reporting agencies that ************************ was disputing the accuracy of the debt being reported.  For each of these disputes, PFC performed an investigation that showed that the information being reported was accurate and responded through the credit reporting agencies within the allowed time-frame.  However, PFC has no record of receiving any complaints through the **** or other regulatory agencies from *************************  In December of 2022, PFC received a request for further information on the debt through on of Ms. *********** credit reporting disputes.  In respond, PFC mailed verification of the debt to ************************ on 12/30/2022.  In discussing the instant complaint with PFC, ***** has stated that it spoke with ************************ regarding the debt on 10/16/2022 and again on 1/6/2023, when ************************ stated she was going to investigate appealing the charges with her insurer.   ***** did apply a reduction/adjustment of $285.08 to the amount owed on 11/22/2022.  PFC is happy to assist ************************ in resolving her dispute and the Aspen account in an amicable manner. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with US ANESTHESIA PARTNERS OF ****, I DO NOT have a contract with PROFESSIONAL FINANCE Company and they did not provide me with the original contract as I requested.

  Customer response

  08/03/2023

  I wrote a hand written letter to this company and do not have a copy of the original written letter as I mailed it off, I also spoke with this Company in 2022 and May 2023 and they are aware that this debt does not belong to me. This account is still being listed on my credit reports. 

  

  Business response

  08/09/2023

  
  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (PFC) appreciates the opportunity to respond to ****************** complaint.  On 2/23/2021, **************** received services from ** ******************* of ******** (USAP). At the time services were provided, **************** presented with United Healthcare insurance.  USAP made patient advocacy adjustments and charged the remainder to ****************** **************************** leaving a balance to patient responsibility.  When no further payments were made, USAP placed the account with PFC for collection efforts on 10/6/2021.  On 10/9/2021, PFC mailed **************** initial notice of the debt to the ***************************** address that is listed in the complaint and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.   PFC also attempted to reach **************** by telephone but was unsuccessful. Therefore, PFC began credit reporting of the account on 12/5/2021.   PFC received no communications from *************** until 5/16/2023 when his wife telephoned PFC.  During that communication, ****************** wife requested a hold on the account while it was looked into and PFC placed the account on a ****** hold.  ****************** wife also provided authorization for PFC to speak to the *********************** during the call.  PFC received no further communications and then received the instant complaint on 8/4/2023.  Upon receipt of the complaint, PFC contacted USAP to obtain the attached itemized statement verifying the debt.  USAP also confirmed that the only insurance on file was United Healthcare and that VA coverage appeared to have expired on 2/22/2021.  PFC had not previously received a request for verification of the debt, but has verified the debt with the enclosed documentation.  The signed documentation may be available through Summit *************, where the services were performed,as USAP is an ancillary service provider. Of course, if **************** has further information on coverage by the VA, PFC is happy to assist in getting this information to USAP so that the account can be recalled from collections.  PFC looks forward to hearing from *****************  

  Customer response

  08/10/2023

  Complaint: 20416601
  
  I am rejecting this response because: PFC did not provide adequate verification per the law, this documentation they presented does not validate this debt belongs to me. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this furnisher has violated my federally protected consumer rights to provide accurate information 15 USC 1681s-2.

  (B) Reporting information after notice and confirmation of errors

  A person shall not furnish information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if

  1681 s-2 (i) the person has been notified by the consumer, at the address specified by the person for such notices, that specific information is inaccurate; and

  (ii)
  the information is, in fact, inaccurate.
  

  On that call in 2023, the VA claims **** spoke with PFC and my wife was on the call, to gain information on correcting this error, they were made aware that this bill was not my responsibility but in fact covered by the VA. It was to my knowledge that PFC was working with the VA to settle this debt after confirming the error was on their part, and NOT mine.

  In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this furnisher has violated my federally protected consumer rights to provide accurate information 15 USC 1681s-2.

  (1)Prohibition
  (A)Reporting information with actual knowledge of errors
  A person shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate.

  I had prior authorization for this procedure, and have proof of that, this is a treatment that is fully covered under the VA ********** whatever errors were made during the medical claims ****, is not a responsibility of the consumer. 

  This needs to be removed immediately from my consumer report as it is not a debt I owe.

  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business response

  08/16/2023

  PFC appreciates the continued opportunity to resolve ******************** complaint.  PFC forwarded the information provided by **************** to the provider, ** ******************* of ******** ("USAP"), for further investigation.  After contacting the VA, USAP relayed that the VA was unable to locate coverage for **************** using his name, date of birth, and SSN.  USAP did receive information that United Healthcare was the primary payer for the services.  If **************** has any information from the VA in writing at all, PFC is happy to provide this to USAP so that the account can be closed an credit reporting can be deleted.  However, PFC believes that the account has indeed been verified as owing by USAP and that the itemized statement provided by USAP is verification of the debt.  PFC has marked the account as disputed and is happy to delete any credit reporting if **************** can provide something in writing from the VA. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The "Professional Finance Company, Inc." Has been trying to collect a debt that I do not owe, and that they have in writing that I do not owe. They have even go so far as providing proof that I did not agree to pay anything.

  

  Business response

  03/30/2023

  
  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Mr. ******’s complaint.  Mr. ****** received services from ********** ******* ******** (“**********”) on 5/20/2022.  Prior to these services, Mr. ****** was provided a Patient Registration Form and Billing Policy, which Mr. ****** made several unilateral changes to before signing and providing back to **********.  ********** did not agree to these changes to their form or sign off on them in any way.  ********** proceeded to provide services to Mr. ******, billed Mr. ******’s ****** ********** insurance, and an amount was left owing as co-insurance or deductible per Mr. ******’s insurance policy.  When ********** received no payments towards the amount owed, the account was placed with PFC for collection efforts on 10/19/2022.   PFC mailed Mr. ****** initial notice of the debt on 10/24/2022 and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  Thereafter, PFC received a dispute from Mr. ****** wherein he stated the same position as in the instant complaint.  PFC responded by providing verification of the debt.  It is both PFC and **********’s position that Mr. ******’s unilateral changes to **********’s forms do not nullify the amount owed for Mr. ******’s coinsurance or deductible.  Further, even without a contract of any kind, Mr. ****** received the benefit of services provided by ********** and ********** believes the debt is owed under the principle of quantum meruit.  Although ********** believes the account is owing, as of today, 3/30/2023, the Credit Reporting Agencies will no longer include medical debts less than $500 on consumers’ credit reports.  As such, PFC is deleting the account at issue from Mr. ******’s report.  As PFC is in receipt of Mr. ******’s refusal to pay, PFC has ceased further communication regarding the account.  PFC is happy to answer any further questions regarding this matter.

  Customer response

  03/31/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The deductible is $15, which I paid on the date of service,

  As for any "Unilateral" changes they were provided every opportunity to read it,

  and therefore, accepted it as written, including not turning it over for collection.
  
  Regards,
  
  ** ******

  

  Business response

  04/04/2023

  PFC certainly understands Mr. ******'s positions and, as a result, has ceased all communications as to the account at issue.  As previously stated, the account has been deleted from credit reporting due to new rules surrounding the reporting of medical debts under $500 that have been instituted by the credit reporting agencies.  PFC trusts that with the ceasing of all communication and the deletion of credit reporting that this complaint has been resolved.

  Customer response

  04/04/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me, as long as it applies to their client as well.
  
  Regards,
  
  ** ******

   

• Initial Complaint

  02/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with ********* ********* and do not have a contract with Professional Finance co. They did not provide me with the original application like I asked.

  

  Business response

  02/28/2023

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to this complaint.  On 5/14/2021, ********* *********, PA provided services to the consumer.  The consumer’s **** **** insurance was billed, a payment was made, and an amount was left owing as patient responsibility.  When no further payments were received by ********* ********* from the patient, the account was placed with PFC for collections on 4/20/2022.  On 4/24/2022, PFC mailed the consumer initial notice of the debt to the address listed in the complaint and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  The instant complain is the first communication that PFC has received from the consumer.  In response, PFC has marked the account as “disputed” and obtained an itemized statement from ********* ********* that verifies the debt.  PFC acknowledges that there is no agreement between the consumer and PFC.  However, PFC is a business associate of ********* ********* that has been engaged to collect the debt.  See the US Department of Health and Human Services website at ************************************************************************************************************************************************************ for further information.  PFC is happy to work with the consumer to resolve the dispute and the account.

  Customer response

  03/07/2023

  Complaint: ********

  
  

  I am rejecting this response because:

  
  

  I am rejecting the response from Professional Finance Company Inc, based on the following information, As PFC has admitted to being a third-party debt collection agency representing the original creditor. I understand that I do not have a contract with PFC directly.

  
  

  I will be happy to work directly with the original creditor to resolve this matter. However, I cannot pay something that I do not owe to PFC.

  
  

  I want to highlight that debt collectors are obligated to provide accurate information about the debt and the consumer under the FDCPA.

  
  

  I believe that by trying to collect this debt without a valid contract or proof of the debt, PFC may be violating my rights. Therefore, I respectfully request that PFC remove this account from collections and refrain from any further attempts to collect this debt from me as they are in violation of my rights.

  
  

  Regards,

  
  

  ******* *****

  

  Business response

  03/15/2023

  PFC certainly understands the hesitancy to deal with a debt collector.  However, PFC prides itself on being easy to work with and treating consumers with respect.  ********* ********* did previously attempt to bill the account at issue and has now chosen to contract with PFC to attempt to resolve this matter with Mr. *****.  As previously stated, PFC has a Business Associate Agreement with ********* ********* that allows PFC to perform collection functions on ********* *********** behalf.  PFC is required to cease communication with Mr. ***** upon his request and has updated his account to reflect this desire.  At this time, ********* ********* has chosen to keep the account with PFC.  PFC and ********* ********* believe that the provided itemized statement complies with the requirement to verify the debt.  Should Mr. ***** wish to resolve the account in the future, PFC is happy to assist him.  Of course, Mr. ***** is free to contact ********* ********* directly, but they may refer Mr. ***** back to PFC.

• Initial Complaint

  12/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a collections account that appeared on my credit report. I am not liable for this $215 debt with Professional Finance Company. They did not provide me with the original application like I asked.

  

  Business response

  12/20/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Mr. ****’s complaint.  On 10/18/2021, Mr. **** received services from ********** ****** ******** (“***”).  An amount was left owing as patient responsibility and was placed for collection with PFC on 4/21/2022.  On 4/25/2022, PFC mailed Mr. **** initial notice of the debt and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  Mr. **** then telephoned PFC on 11/21/22 to set up payments, but had to terminate the call to attend a meeting.  Mr. **** again called on 12/5/2022 to set up a payment to pay the debt.  However, this payment failed and did not result in the account being paid.  On 12/14/2022, PFC received the instant complaint and reached out to *** for the information requested.  PFC had received no requests for verification of the debt prior to receipt of this BBB complaint.  On 12/19/2022, Mr. **** telephoned PFC and made payment towards the debt, paying the amount owed to *** in full.  On that same day, PFC received the requested documentation from *** and has attached it to this complaint.  At this time, Mr. ****’s account is closed, paid, and will be submitted for deletion from credit reporting.  PFC is happy to answer any further questions regarding this matter.

• Initial Complaint

  11/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with ****** ******** Medical Center and do not have a contract with Professional Finance Company. They did not provide me with the original application like I asked.

  

  Business response

  11/22/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Mr. *********’s complaint.  ****** ******** Medical Center (“******”) provided services to Mr. *********’s minor child on 2/3/20.  Mr. ********* provided his driver’s license and signed discharge documentation stating that he was the child’s parent or guardian at the time services were provided.  These items have been attached with this response.  ****** attempted to bill Mr. ********* but received no response.  As a result, the account was placed with PFC for collection efforts on 11/5/20.  PFC mailed Mr. ********* initial notice of the debt on 11/9/20 and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  PFC reached Mr. ********* by telephone on 11/10/20 and Mr. ********* stated that the account may be related to a personal injury claim.  PFC took down Mr. *********’s attorney information and reached out to the attorney for further information.  On 11/19/21, Mr. *********’s attorney confirmed that the account at issue for Mr. *********’s minor child was unrelated to the personal injury claim and that Mr. ********* was not represented by the attorney for this debt.  On 8/11/22, PFC received a mailing from Mr. ********* requesting verification of the debt.  In response, PFC mailed Mr. ********* an itemized statement from ****** that confirmed the charges and services provided to his minor child.  PFC then received the instant complaint that disputed the verification provided.  Neither ****** nor PFC believe that a signed contract is required to collect the account or verify the debt at issue, as services were provided to Mr. *********’s minor child.  ****** has confirmed that the account is owing and has provided a detailed itemization of the amount owed.  However, PFC has also included the discharge form executed by Mr. ********* at the time services were provided as further verification of this debt.  PFC is happy to work with Mr. ********* to resolve both his dispute and the debt.

• Initial Complaint

  10/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was visiting the health facility. I do have insurance and my insurance have paid the company. Also I am making payment every month from the hospital account. I am currently making payment every month to the hospital account. I also will report this as insurance fraud.

  

  Business response

  11/03/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Mr. *****’s complaint.  ********* ******** provided services on four occasions that have left an amount owing as patient responsibility.  When the amounts were not paid in full, and no formal payment plan was set up with *********, ********* placed these four accounts for collection efforts with PFC.  PFC has attached statements from ********* that explain the charges for the dates of service in question.  For clarity, the dates of service of these charges are 6/28/21, 8/20/21, 10/16/21, and 1/26/22.   ********* has reported to PFC that Mr. ***** is making intermittent payment in various amounts and these payments have been applied to appropriately reduce the balance of the accounts.  ********* has notified PFC that the 8/20/21 date of service charges in the amount of $30.00 has been paid in full.  Again, as no formal payment arrangement was in place, ********* sent the accounts to collection and they are now being serviced by PFC.  ********* did process Mr. *****’s insurance information and the amount remaining appear to be either co-pay or amounts owed towards the insurance deductible.  However, it does appear that Mr. *****’s insurer denied a claim for the 1/26/22 date of service.  Mr. ***** may want to contact his insurer for further information.  PFC has attached statements from ********* that verify the charges and is happy to set Mr. ***** up on a favorable payment arrangement now that the accounts have been sent to PFC for collection.  PFC is happy to answer any further questions regarding this matter.

  Customer response

  11/04/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****<  I did not conduct any business with that organization and I did not gave any authorization to the hospital to share my personal information with anybody.  I am contact the federal government in regards to this issue and the hospital has my insurance information.  Its to the hospital to charge the insurance company.    However, I am making a biweekly payment to the hospital and the hospital is responding to my payment.  I can't make any other payment to a third party company when I did not conduct any business with them.   I wish that they remove my information from my credit report but I also understand that they are doing they job.  Therefore, I will continue doing mine which is contacting federal agency in regards the issue and also i am talking to my insurance company.  If I have to take them to court i will do so because the hospital and collecting agency are acting as one.   After I get information from federal agency I will proceed accordingly with the outcome and I will continue making payment twice amount to the hospital.    thank you  

  

  Business response

  11/15/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the continued opportunity to respond to Mr. *****’s complaint.  ********* has reported that all but two of Mr. *****’s accounts have now been paid.  The rest have been closed in PFC’s office and all collections for those closed accounts have ceased.  The remaining accounts are for dates of service of 10/16/21 and 1/26/22.  The 10/16/21 account was submitted to Mr. *****’s ****** **** insurance and the remaining amount is Mr. *****’s co-pay.  The 1/26/22 account was billed to that same BCBS insurance, but came back as denied.  ********* states that they have just received updated insurance information from Mr. ***** and are billing Mr. *****’s ***** ***** ****** Insurance.  As such, the 1/26/22 account has been placed on hold for insurance to process.  ********* states that the 10/16/21 is appropriately placed for collection with PFC as patient responsibility for co-pay after insurance.  PFC is happy to answer any further questions regarding this matter.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Nick
  Nicholas P****, Esq.
  General Counsel
  PFC USA
  
  

  Customer response

  11/19/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:   I spoke with a person in the billing office and I informed the person while ago about the bank account was changed but never request payment was posted.  I am making two monthly payment and I still in contact with the bank and forward more I in contact with the attorney in general requesting to look into this case.   I will continue paying the bill to the hospital since my business was with the hospital and I never agree with anybody to release my information to any other company.  At this time all I want from you to remove the collect from my credit report since I am actively making paying to the hospital.  
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****

  

  Business response

  11/21/2022

  PFC appreciated the continued opportunity to resolve Mr. *****’s complaint and understands that he wished the account to be withdrawn from collections.  PFC has reached out to ********* to see if they would like to take the accounts back inhouse and ********* has opted to leave the accounts with PFC for servicing.  Please note that one account is undergoing insurance process, so no collection activity is occurring on that account.  ********* has acknowledged that it received intermittent payments from Mr. *****, but they do not meet the criteria for a formal payment plan.  PFC is happy to get Mr. ***** set up on a formal payment plan and, upon completion of those payments, get any credit reporting submissions deleted as if they had never appeared.  ********* does not need consent to place accounts with PFC for collection as PFC is a Business Associate of *********.  For further information, PFC would direct Mr. ***** to the US Department of Health and Human Services at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/268/does-the-hipaa-privacy-rule-prevent-health-care-providers-from-using-debt-collection-agencies/index.html and https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/267/does-the-privacy-rule-prevent-reporting-to-consumer-credit-agencies/index.html.  As ********* has declined to remove the account from collections, PFC is happy to work with Mr. ***** to set up payment plans or discuss arrangements to resolve this complaint.

  Customer response

  11/21/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  I understand that you are doing your part, once my insurance company concluded with the investigation I will be more relax.  I will forward a check to your office next month and get over with this.  Please send me the information where I should send the payment.  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Last year I filed a BBB complaint against PFC for harassment on a claim that was made in error. They filed a negative collection even after I let them know it was done in error and the amount was already paid. Eventually, they sent a letter indicating the listing was in error and has been recalled and PFC would reverse any negative reporting to the credit agency. A year later, they threatened to report me to the collection for the exact same claim. The only difference is they decided to add another $100 and some change without an explanation of what the extra cost is. I have attached the recent threat letter, and the mail from last year indicating they acknowledge it was in error and would remove the collection remark. I am asking they cease threatening and harassing me for payment when they admitted this was in error. I am also requesting they stop all communication to me.

  

  Business response

  11/22/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Mr. ****’s complaint.  ******* ********* ************ (“*******”) has placed two accounts for collection related to services provided to Mr. ****.  The first account was for services provided on 10/15/2019 and Mr. **** is correct that ******* ultimately decided to write those charges off.  ******* provided services again to Mr. **** on 6/3/2020.  ******* billed Mr. ****’s ************ Health Plan insurance, received a payment, but then that payment was recouped when ************ determined that Mr. ****’s coverage had terminated.  ******* has provided a copy of the EOB from ************ showing this recoup, which Mr. **** should have also received.  When ******* received no further payments from Mr. ****, the account was placed for collections with PFC on 6/23/2021.  PFC mailed Mr. **** initial notice of this debt on 6/26/2021 and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  ******* has stated that Mr. **** would need to contact ************ if he was indeed still covered on that date of service.  However, since ************ recouped their initial payment on the 6/3/2020 debt, that debt is still owing and is accurately in collections.  Of course, PFC is happy to work with Mr. **** to get this debt resolved and removed from his credit report.  PFC notes that the 10/15/2019 ******* account had a payment that was also recouped.  PFC has opted not to reopen this account, as it had already informed Mr. **** that the account was closed.

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I declare Under penalty of perjury, (under the laws of the United States, if executed outside of the United States), that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Further, I certify that I am permitted by FEDERAL and STATE LAW to file this dispute. I also understand that knowing and willful misstatements or omissions of material facts constitutes a FEDEAL CRIMINAL VIOLATION punishable under 18 USC 1001. Additionally, these misstatements are punishable as perjury under 18 USC 1621. This item found within my credit report is not related to any transaction that I made. This debt collector is in violation for putting unknown/unauthorize account on my credit report. I never had any business with debt collector nor gave my written consent. This has caused me to suffer and its defamation of my character. Moving forward I would like you to stop reporting to all credit reporting agencies that I owe any amount to your company. Remove all false debts from my reports ASAP. I also like your company to mail me via postal mail all the changes have been made or attempted to be made within 10 days of this complaint. I demand to be compensated as well for pain and suffering.

  

  Business response

  09/14/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. (“PFC”) appreciates the opportunity to respond to Ms. ******’s complaint.  On 2/2/2021, ** ********** ******** ** ***** (“****”) provided services to Ms. ******.  **** billed Ms. ******’s ***** insurance, received a partial payment and contractual adjustment from ***** on 2/27/2021, and the remaining amount was left as Ms. ******’s responsibility.  When **** received no further payments towards the amount owed, the account was placed for collection efforts with PFC on 7/1/2021.  On 7/6/2021, PFC mailed Ms. ****** initial notice of the debt to her 4630 Magnolia Cove address and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  PFC was able to reach Ms. ****** by telephone to discuss the debt on 8/18/2021.  During that call, Ms. ****** agreed to a payment arrangement in which she would mail PFC $20/month to resolve the debt.  PFC received no payment towards that arrangement and reached Ms. ****** by telephone on 10/1/2021.  During this call, Ms. ****** stated she could not make any payments towards the debt until February of 2022.  PFC began credit reporting the account on 10/10/2021 as an open collection account.  On 11/1/2021, PFC again reached Ms. ****** by telephone.  During this call, Ms. ****** disputed the services received and stated that she would only pay if a discount was given on the account.  PFC then marked the account as disputed thereafter and informed Ms. ****** that a 30% discount could be applied to the account if she could make a single payment.  PFC later received a dispute letter from Ms. ****** on 7/6/2022, requesting verification of the account.  PFC responded to the dispute by mailing Ms. ****** an itemized statement from **** and verifying that the balance was indeed owed on 7/11/2022.  Ms. ****** sent in further disputes stating that PFC’s response had been received but insufficient and requesting information that PFC does not believe is required for verification of the debt (e.g. sworn statement that an executive of PFC was present during the creation of the debt, which would have required PFC’s presence during the administration of medical services to Ms. ******).  PFC responded to these additional disputes with the itemized statement and a statement that PFC did not believe it was required to respond with the additional information requested.  As to the instant complaint’s allegations that PFC did not have a contract with Ms. ******, PFC agrees.  However, neither PFC nor **** believe that an agreement with PFC is required to collect or credit report a rightfully owed debt.  For further information, PFC would direct Ms. ****** to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/268/does-the-hipaa-privacy-rule-prevent-health-care-providers-from-using-debt-collection-agencies/index.html and https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/267/does-the-privacy-rule-prevent-reporting-to-consumer-credit-agencies/index.html.  PFC is happy to review any additional information that Ms. ****** would like to provide to assist in a further investigation of her dispute.

  Customer response

  09/15/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have been in distressed about my credit report due to your company are using unfair credit reporting methods. 

  I never had any business with your company nor gave my written consent. This account is an alleged debt from a different company, and it was purchased, assigned or sold to.  You are in a violation of collection of extension of credit/debt.

  As per FTC guidelines reporting this account in my consumer credit report is a collection activity.  therefore, you are in violation under 18 U.S. Code § 894 - Collection of extensions of credit by extortionate means Under (a)Whoever knowingly participates in any way, or conspires to do so, in the use of any extortionate means (1)to collect or attempt to collect any extension of credit, or (2)to punish any person for the nonrepayment thereof, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. Your continued derogatory reporting of this account in my credit report is a form of punishment and hurting my chances of improving my living situation.
  
  15 USC 1681(a)(4) “Infringed Upon a Consumer’s right to privacy”
  
  Cease and desist also means under 15 U.S. Code § 1692c (c) - Communication in connection with debt collection, If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further "communication" with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt,
  
  This is not just limited to the traditional method of communication - "phone calls and emails" "Communication in connection with debt collection" also includes reporting this account in my consumer credit report which is a written communication.
  
  Under 15 U.S. Code 1692j - Furnishing certain deceptive forms - you are sending documentation as if it is from the creditor while in fact it is not true and reporting this account in my consumer credit report not just violate my privacy but also these federals mentioned above.
  
  Cease and desist, delete this account immediately.
  
  Thank you for your time.

  ********  ******

  

  Business response

  09/22/2022

  PFC appreciates the continued opportunity to respond to the complaint.  While PFC disagrees with Ms. ******'s assessment, it has made the business decision to close the account back to **** and cease collections.  This includes submitting deletion of any credit reporting.  However, it can take the credit reporting agencies additional time to reflect this deletion and any such delay is beyond PFC's control.  PFC is unable to speak to any further actions that may be taken by **** as to the debt.  PFC does hope that this closure and ceasing of collections resolves this matter to Ms. ******'s satisfaction.

• Initial Complaint

  09/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On April 28, 2022, received my certified letter requesting validation of the account listed as *********** on my credit report. This collector never provided me with an initial notice, nor did they reply to my request for verification after my letter of dispute. I first discovered this account when reviewing my credit report for accuracy. I did not recall having an obligation to any collector in the amount the debt collector is alleging. Under ***** Consumer Law, where a consumer has disputed the accuracy of an account in writing to a third-party debt collector, the debt collector is mandated to send a letter in writing to the consumer within 30 days either: (1) Denying the inaccuracy of the account; (2) Admitting the inaccuracy; or (3) Stating that the third-party collector has not had adequate time to investigate the inaccuracy. See ***** Finance Code *************. I did not receive a response to my request for information or documentation within this specified 30 days. Meanwhile, due to the debt collector's willful negligence, I suffered significant damages, statutory as well as actual. I am respectfully requesting the removal of the invalidated account at once. I am making every effort to resolve this matter without presenting my case before a courtroom jury.

  

  Business response

  10/19/2022

  Professional Finance Company, Inc. ("PFC") appreciates the opportunity to respond to the complaint.  Services were provided to Ms. ***** on 6/27/2020 by ********** *******.  Thereafter, Ms. *****'s ****** Healthcare insurance was billed, payments and adjustments were made, and Ms. ***** made two payments for $50.00, leaving a remaining balance of $183.14.  When no further payments were made towards the balance, ********** placed the account for collection efforts with PFC on 11/12/2020.  On 11/16/2020, PFC mailed Ms. ***** initial notice of the debt to her *** ******* address and received no indication of returned or undeliverable mail.  PFC attempted to reach Ms. ***** by telephone, but was unsuccessful.  As a result, PFC began credit reporting the account as an open collection item on 1/17/2021.  On 4/29/2022, PFC received a mailing from Ms. ***** requesting verification of the debt and requesting that PFC cease further communications to her.  At that time, PFC marked the account as "disputed" and ceased further communications.  PFC requested verification of the debt from ********** ******* and sent this information to Ms. ***** as requested on 5/20/2022.  A copy of that verification from ********** ******* has been attached to this response.  Nevertheless, PFC has decided to close the account in question and delete credit reporting.  PFC trusts this will end Ms. *****'s dispute and resolve this matter.  PFC is happy to answer any further questions.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩