Puget Sound Collections

As stated,  after a verbal dispute was initially received and patients identification was a match, verification of the debt was forwarded to the guarantor and the account
was reported disputed to credit reporting agencies as required.  No further action was taken as we had not received any written dispute after verification was submitted
or documentation to support such a dispute for further review.
 
This original creditor will receive a copy of the complaint with a request to review the account they submitted to our office for collection.

Complaint: [redacted]
Account#:[redacted] is my wife.Sincerely,[redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because: I did not receive any statement in the mail and clearly, as the debt still shows on my credit report, it was not reported to them in March. I would like for this to be reported again, and to have a notice mailed to me for my records as well. 
Sincerely,[redacted]

Information requested was provided to the complainants attorney when requested.  The law concerning prohibiting communication directly with a consumer that is represented by legal counsel is very clear.  Ms. [redacted] was advised of this and became angry when she was instructed that all communications were to be directly through her legal counsel and not to contact our office directly. Should she have any questions concerning the balance in collections that is related to her accident -- she is to contact her attorneys office.   Previously, Ms [redacted] indicated to our office all accounts were included in her case, however, the attorneys office has since indicated this is not correct and has sent Ms [redacted] information on the balance due that is not subject to their representation.  Her attorneys office indicated they will instruct her that the balance due for services provided by [redacted] on 9-18-14 are her responsibility.

Our records indicate [redacted] Inc. dba [redacted] assigned an account in June 2017 for charges under the name of [redacted].Ms [redacted] contacted our office on Monday 9-18-17 in which she was provided the Miranda and a disclosure that the call...

was recorded.  During this call she disputed the account and demanded the original creditors telephone number.  The agent indicated that she did not have the original creditors 'telephone number' but stated the dispute would be noted and validation of the debt would be sent by mail.   The complainant told the agent she wanted all further communication in writing and she would 'Google' the phone number and then hung up on the agent.  The original creditor also had contact from the complainant today and instructed her to communicate with our office concerning the debt they assigned.  The original creditor has  provided our office with verification of the debt for [redacted] of a vehicle registered in her name. The complainant contacted our office as well today and stated that she relinquished her rights to the vehicle and is not responsible for the debt assigned.  The complainant was informed that documentation may be submitted to this office for research as the Department of Licensing verified that the complainant was the registered owner of the vehicle.

Washington state is a marital community property state.  As such, debts incurred while married are the responsibility of the spouse.  The patient is represented by an attorney.  Our firm negotiated a settlement with the attorney and when funds are received, the account will be updated...

to a paid status with the credit reporting bureaus.

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:You received a fax directly from the dealership where I traded the vehicle, containing legal documentation that I relinquished all rights and ownership of the vehicle on 1/19/2012.  As I do not legally own the vehicle, and have provided documentation to support this, I would like my credit bureau report updated immediately.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

The complainant has made similar complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as well as the Attorney General's office.  His allegations are false and without merit.  I will attest that I have never spoken to the complainant despite his assertions that I promised to...

remove items previously reported to the credit reporting bureaus.
The facts are that verification of debts assigned to our office for collection were sent to the complainants attorney in April 2016 and to him directly in May 2016.  Verification provided detailed information on all charges and credits from the original creditor(s) which reconciled to the balances due in collections.
The complainant sent our office correspondence received June 29, 2016 outlining payments he made on accounts in January 2015 - Months before accounts were assigned to our office.  These payments were researched with the original creditor and confirmed to have been applied to other charges not assigned to collection. 
As required, credit reporting bureaus were notified of the consumers dispute.  Our agency did not agree to remove the account(s) from the complainants credit report.  We were offered payment in exchange for removing previously reported items and declined based on our practice and policy to report accurate information to credit reporting agencies
Respectfully,
Angela V[redacted]
Manager
P.S.C., Inc.

Multicare Health Systems / Good Samaritan Hospital assigned to our agency in 2012 various balances due for services provided to the complainants family.   Charges assigned are balances due after insurance processed the claims.  Medical providers may assign unpaid accounts to...

a collection agency.  There is no "contract" between the consumer and the collection agency but a contract between the original creditor (medical provider) and our agency as a business associate for collection services of unpaid debts.We have reconfirmed with the providers records that the charges are due and owing.   Verification of the charges outlining the fees/payment and balance due will be mailed to the complainant.

This complainant also recently complained to the [redacted].  A copy of our response is listed below.PSC denies the complainants allegations purported in his complaint. There were a total of calls placed in order to reach the complainant since March 2015. There was 1 attempt, 1 contact and 1 message...

left between March 11, 2015 and June 8, 2015. On March 11, 2015 an attempt was made to reach the complainant at the number the original creditor provided as a place of employment as the home number was disconnected. We were advised that he transferred to a different location and they provided a forwarding phone. A call was placed to the number provided on May 20, 2015 by our agent, [redacted] , and the consumer stated he was busy and would call our office back the morning of May 22, 2015 - he was provided our telephone number for a return call. He did not offer an alternative phone number or indicate not to contact him at the number called. When no response was received, a follow up call was made June 5, 2015. A message was left. During that call a female indicated the consumer was not in and offered to take a message. The message clearly stated that a return call to [redacted] from "P.S.C." when he had a "free moment" and [redacted] indicated he was in the office until 5pm. In review of the call recordings neither the complainant nor the person answering the phone on June 5, 2015 indicated not to call to complainant. Further, P.S.C., Inc. denies any allegation that an agent indicated that we had someone waiting for an appointment. Mr. [redacted] has made no attempt to contact our office directly.

A second payment confirmation will be mailed to the complainant as a courtesy.
As indicated, our firm reported the paid status to the credit reporting bureaus in March 2015.  The proper procedure for Mr. [redacted] to follow, as suggested during his call to our office is to dispute the account with the credit bureaus directly.

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:Again, please direct all correspondence regarding this matter to my attorneys.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:1) Mr. [redacted] never authorized the charge of his credit card.  2) The account is also in my name, [redacted] A. [redacted].  3) Mr. [redacted]' credit report has not been reported with this delinquency.  Mine has for some reason we don't understand and cannot get explanation.4) As of Dec 1, 2017, this delinquency still shows on my, [redacted] A [redacted]' credit report although it was stated by the company that it was reported for removal Nov. 13th.  5) I am requesting proof of removal request.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

In response to Ms [redacted]’ complaint:
·         September 16, 2015 the complainant was provided an offer to settle her Judgment in full as a Writ of Garnishment had just been served days prior.  It was agreed that she would follow up with our firm within...

5 days and we would release the Writ upon payment of $3,729.00.   However, Ms [redacted] did not remit the settlement amount and therefore, the garnishment commenced.  
·         December 14, 2015 the complainant contacted our firm again after she terminated with her employer and requested a payment plan in lieu of a subsequent garnishment. 
·         January 4, 2016 she indicated that she would submit her application for payments by facsimile or mail.  
·         Our firm did not receive the application until January 21, 2016. 
·         January 22, 2016  our agency contacted her and advised her that we would accept payments of $300.00 monthly.  Payments were to begin on her next pay cycle and was directed to download an auto deduction/request for recurring payments from our website. 
·         February 1, 2016 her request for recurring payments was received, however she did not authorize a payment to start until March 1, 2016.   As a courtesy we accepted this offer in lieu of resubmitting a garnishment.   
Angela V[redacted]
Manager
Puget Sound Collections
License #[redacted]@pugetsoundcollections.com
Direct Number [redacted]
Main Office Number 253-566-1800
253-566-8546 Facsimile

Re: [redacted] File #: [redacted] Accounts were assigned to our office for collection in September 2009 for services rendered in April 2009. Our records do not indicate any dispute made when he spoke with our office in November, 2009. To the contrary, the complainant made payments as listed...

below: 12-08-09 PMTS: 70.00 01-11-10 PMTS: 50.00 02-05-10 PMTS: 50.00 03-05-10 PMTS: 50.00 Charges for children, including step children are chargeable upon the marital community under authority of RCVV 26.16.205. Should the complainant wish to provide documentation to support a legal separation or divorce filing prior to the dates of service for the charges (April 2009), we will revisit removal of the items reported as paid. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [redacted].

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:
 
At the of service with [redacted] and all others, I provided my [redacted] and Group Health insurance information. After treatment I provided the information again and so did my prior attorney [redacted] back in 2012 and again when I received a bill in 2013. I gave them my military Id and a copy of my insurance card for billing at the time I was seen. I also had to complete new patient paperwork where I also provided my medical insurance information as well. Furthermore, I have not received any documents stating any charges were process and what the current balance is.Sincerely,[redacted]

The hospital could not have checked Medicare as that information was just given when we reached out. Second of course nothing would go through if your running contessa [redacted] with a different persons SSN for the claim. And we cannot contact the hospital as once the debt leaves their hands it is sent to your office and then after a year or so it is sent to another collection agency which keeps everything on one's credit. I tried to come to see payment agreement but what I was asked to pay for a bill I never knew about was too much for me to handle. Being an Active duty service member this has to stop happing to Service members who are always on the move and at times can't keep up with their moving around. 
Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
Because this business admitted there is no signed contract between myself and them, therefore they are not owed nothing. They have been ask to provide a contract between myself and them there is no contract. Your attempt to exploit me for money that is not owed to you is fraud   I demand this account be deleted
Sincerely,
[redacted]

My response ON those dates I was court ordered ..No contact For a Domestic violance charge..So I had a court ordered legal seperation verifiabe thru Des Moines court. And that was for Three yrs While I was in Domestic violence class in Tukwila wa.. That sounds Like court ordered legal seperation..And Divorce..Sincerely [redacted]

Complaint: [redacted]I am rejecting this response because:  The complaint response doesn't at all address my stated concerns.  East Pierce Fire and Rescue says that they do not bill residents of their district for services.  They claim that they do not bill, that they send a statement of charges and that they are just on a fishing expedition for insurance information.   I gathered information from East Pierce Fire and Rescue for my complaint.  The quotes are from their own, active website.   The last line of my complaint has the line 
 "Residents may receive a statement – not a bill – from our billing service requesting information to submit to the insurance company"  I also submitted the statement, "You're right – here are no out-of-pocket costs for residents who live within our district."
I need an adequate explanation of how I am being held responsible by the "provider, a taxing entity" for payment.
As for Assurant Health, I haven't had coverage with that company since 2015.  They don't have anything to do with this and is a distracting tactic by PSC.  They stopped offering insurance in WA state after 2015 and in the fall of 2016 actually
announced that they were getting out of the health insurance business altogether.
Sincerely,[redacted]