Debt collection -- Attempts to collect debt not owed -- Complaint #20913991
Debt Collector Pursues Incorrect Debt
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 20913991
Company: Fair Collections & Outsourcing, INC.
Product: Debt collection
Sub-Product: Rental debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-Issue: Debt is not yours
State: Maryland
ZIP Code: 20706
Date Received: 2026-04-03T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2026-04-03T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: medium
The risk is medium because the debt collector may have violated the FDCPA by attempting to collect a debt that the consumer claims is not theirs, potentially leading to further disputes and regulatory scrutiny.
Consumer Sentiment: neutral
Topics: Debt collection, Rental debt, Incorrect debt collection
AI Analysis
CFPB complaint 20913991 was filed against FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC. regarding Debt collection (Rental debt), specifically about "Attempts to collect debt not owed". A consumer filed a complaint regarding Fair Collections & Outsourcing, Inc. attempting to collect a debt that was not owed to them. The complaint was received on April 3, 2026 from Maryland. The company responded with "Closed with explanation".
What You Should Do -- Consumer Action Plan
Consumers should dispute any debt they believe they do not owe in writing and keep records of all communication with the debt collector.
Legal Context & Consumer Protection Laws
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive or unfair practices, including attempting to collect debts that are not owed.
Regulatory Insight
This case highlights the importance of accurate debt validation and the potential for regulatory action if collectors pursue debts without proper verification.
Resolution Likelihood
mixed
State-Specific Consumer Protections
The complaint was filed in Maryland, and state laws may also provide additional protections for consumers against unfair debt collection practices.
Industry Comparison
This situation is common in the debt collection industry, where errors in debt assignment or record-keeping can lead to collection attempts on incorrect debts.
Related Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CFPB complaint 20913991 about?
CFPB complaint 20913991 involves Debt collection (Rental debt). The consumer reported an issue with "Attempts to collect debt not owed", specifically "Debt is not yours". This complaint was filed against FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC. on April 3, 2026.
Which company is complaint 20913991 filed against?
Complaint 20913991 was filed against FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC.. You can view all complaints against this company on their profile page at /company/fair-collections-outsourcing-inc.
What was the company's response to complaint 20913991?
FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC. responded with "Closed with explanation". The response was marked as timely by the CFPB.
When was complaint 20913991 filed?
Complaint 20913991 was received by the CFPB on April 3, 2026. It was sent to FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC. on April 3, 2026.
What state was complaint 20913991 filed from?
Complaint 20913991 was filed from Maryland. You can view all complaints from this state at /state/MD.
Was the consumer satisfied with the resolution of complaint 20913991?
Dispute information is not available for complaint 20913991.
What product category is complaint 20913991 about?
Complaint 20913991 is categorized under "Debt collection", specifically "Rental debt". This is one of the product categories tracked by the CFPB.
How was complaint 20913991 submitted?
Complaint 20913991 was submitted via Web. The CFPB accepts complaints through web, phone, mail, email, fax, and referral channels.
What are the consumer's legal options for complaint 20913991?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive or unfair practices, including attempting to collect debts that are not owed. This relates to a Debt collection complaint against FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC. involving "Attempts to collect debt not owed".
How likely is complaint 20913991 to be resolved?
Resolution likelihood: mixed. The company's current response is "Closed with explanation". The company did respond in a timely manner, which is a positive indicator.
What does the risk level mean for complaint 20913991?
This complaint is rated as medium risk. The risk is medium because the debt collector may have violated the FDCPA by attempting to collect a debt that the consumer claims is not theirs, potentially leading to further disputes and regulatory scrutiny.
What regulatory actions apply to complaint 20913991?
This case highlights the importance of accurate debt validation and the potential for regulatory action if collectors pursue debts without proper verification. The CFPB tracks complaints like this one to identify patterns of misconduct across the Debt collection industry.
What should the consumer do about complaint 20913991?
Consumers should dispute any debt they believe they do not owe in writing and keep records of all communication with the debt collector.
Are there state-specific protections for complaint 20913991?
The complaint was filed in Maryland, and state laws may also provide additional protections for consumers against unfair debt collection practices. This complaint was filed from Maryland.
How does complaint 20913991 compare to industry norms?
This situation is common in the debt collection industry, where errors in debt assignment or record-keeping can lead to collection attempts on incorrect debts.
What steps should a consumer take if they receive a debt collection notice for a debt they do not owe?
The consumer should immediately send a written dispute letter to the debt collector within 30 days of the initial notice to request validation of the debt. They should also keep copies of all correspondence.
What are the potential consequences for a debt collector who attempts to collect a debt that is not owed?
A debt collector who attempts to collect a debt not owed may face violations of the FDCPA, leading to potential lawsuits from consumers, fines, and other penalties from regulatory bodies.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated and does not constitute legal advice.