Debt collection -- False statements or representation -- Complaint #18140903
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 18140903
Company: Macdowell & Associates, Ltd.
Product: Debt collection
Sub-Product: Rental debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-Issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount
State: Alabama
ZIP Code: 354XX
Date Received: 2025-12-03T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2025-12-03T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
FDCPA VIOLATION : Attempting to Collect an Amount Not Owed Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), collectors may NOT try to collect any amount greater than what is legally owed. Relevant laws : 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ) ( A ) Illegal to falsely represent the amount or legal status of a debt. 15 U.S.C. 1692f ( 1 ) Illegal to collect any amount not expressly authorized by the contract or permitted by law. Your case : Actual charges : {$4200.00} Collectors settlement offer : {$4800.00} Difference : {$600.00} they can not legally justify This is a clear FDCPA violation because they are inflating the debt. 2. FCRA VIOLATION : Reporting an Incorrect Amount to Credit Bureaus If the amount on your credit reports does not match what the collector says you owe, that triggers FCRA protections. Relevant law : 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) A data furnisher ( collector ) may NOT report inaccurate information. Additionally : 15 U.S.C. 1681i When you dispute an amount on your credit report, the collector must : Conduct a reasonable investigation Correct or delete inaccurate information Respond within 30 days If the collector inflated the debt AND reported it, this is a double violation. 3. FDCPA VIOLATION : Failure to Provide Accurate Itemized Accounting A collector must provide a complete itemized breakdown when you dispute. You already said : They sent photocopies No proof of repairs No receipts No itemized explanation of charges Signature issue No chain of assignment That means they never verified the debt under : 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) They must stop collecting until they provide meaningful verification. And they havent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #18140903 about?
Complaint #18140903 was filed against Macdowell & Associates, Ltd. regarding Debt collection specifically about False statements or representation. It was received by the CFPB on 2025-12-03T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Macdowell & Associates, Ltd. 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 Macdowell & Associates, Ltd.?
Yes, visit the Macdowell & Associates, Ltd. company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/macdowell-associates-ltd 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.