Debt collection -- False statements or representation -- Complaint #15196677
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 15196677
Company: Grant Mercantile Agency
Product: Debt collection
Sub-Product: Medical debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-Issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount
State: Illinois
ZIP Code: 604XX
Date Received: 2025-08-10T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2025-08-10T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
I am filing a complaint against Grant Mercantile Agency , Inc., located at XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, CA XXXX, regarding their attempt to collect interest charges on a debt without any legal or contractual basis potentially violating both the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Illinois Interest Act ( 815 ILCS 205/2 ). I received collection notices from Grant Mercantile Agency , Inc. on XX/XX/2025 and again on XX/XX/2025 regarding account # XXXX, which relates to a bill from XXXX XXXX XXXX. On XX/XX/2025, I sent a written request for debt validation asking for : - The name and address of the original creditor ; - A detailed breakdown of the amount owed, including any interest or fees ; - A copy of the original contract or agreement authorizing interest or fees beyond the principal balance. On XX/XX/2025, Grant Mercantile responded with a fee breakdown, a billing statement from XXXX XXXX XXXX, and a signed billing authorization. However, nowhere in the billing authorization or any other document is there any mention of interest, late fees, or collection-related charges. There is also no contract that authorizes the collection of any interest or fees beyond the principal amount. Despite this, the agency is attempting to collect a balance that includes interest, without any valid contractual or legal basis. Under the FDCPA ( 15 U.S. Code 1692f ), it is unlawful for a debt collector to attempt to collect any amount not expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law. Under Illinois law ( 815 ILCS 205/2 ), interest may only be charged if authorized by contract or awarded by a court judgment neither of which apply in this case. Additionally, for background context : this ambulance transport was not voluntarily requested. It was initiated at the direction of a behavioral health facility that threatened to contact XXXX if I transported my daughter to the XXXX XXXX which was located across the street ) by myself, due to their lack of available beds. I felt coerced into accepting the ambulance service under duress. The facility has since acknowledged responsibility for initiating the ambulance and agreed to pay the bill, but they have not yet followed through with payment. I am continuing to address that separately. Nonetheless, Grant Mercantile Agency , Inc. is attempting to collect unauthorized interest from me despite having no contract, no judgment, and no statutory basis to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #15196677 about?
Complaint #15196677 was filed against Grant Mercantile Agency regarding Debt collection specifically about False statements or representation. It was received by the CFPB on 2025-08-10T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Grant Mercantile Agency respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with explanation". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Debt collection) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Grant Mercantile Agency?
Yes, visit the Grant Mercantile Agency company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/grant-mercantile-agency to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.