Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff, P.C. CFPB Complaints

2000 Latest Complaints

Date Received	Timely Response	Product	Issue	State / Zip	Submitted Via	Tags
09/12/2022	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Threatened to sue you for very old debt	CT 06010	Web
I opened a credit card through my local bank in XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and they had XXXXXXXX XXXX a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX issue me a credit card labeled a XXXXXXXX XXXX I had used it occasionally for about 2 years and then somehow it was misplaced or lost and I I made a call to XXXX and then wrote a letter to them about 6 month later stating I thought i may have lost my card and to cancel the card. XXXX must of misplaced or never processed my written request back in XXXX and the card went from {$600.00} estimated to a much higher balance near {$1900.00} or more without me realizing it until calls were coming in telling me i was overdue on payment I had been making all aking for the amounts i thought I owed online. The online epay does not provide a balance or show me any statement information so I was in the dark for three years and eventually they sent me to XXXX XXXX XXXX agency to collect {$2000.00} they said I owed when it should have only been {$600.00} and closed out way back when I sent in a written concern that the card may have been lost back then. I wasn't sure if I had even owed anymore money and was skeptical about the debt collection agency being legitimate or not, I tried several times to speak with XXXX reps and the credit card loss area and they refused to speak to me because i was a debt collection matter and sent me each time to XXXX XXXX which I refused to speak to not knowing who they are and why they were calling on an XXXXXXXX XXXX credit card matter XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX mostb anks have their own colllection departments until they write off the amount owed XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I never dispusted that I had owed {$500.00} or a bit more at one point but i had paid over {$3000.00} or more in payments over a 3 years period then cut back when I was XXXX and tried to negotiate a settlement twice with XXXX for the {$500.00} but they kept on insisting its {$1900.00} or {$2000.00} total. Once XXXX validated XXXX XXXX was real last year I set up a {$22.00} payment per month for a year but then i was XXXX XXXX and could not make anymore payments being XXXX and XXXX XXXX I tried to get a waiver of the reminder of the payments since the bank wrote off the account in XXXX or XXXX and sold it for pennied to the collection agency with the wrong debt information that they never resolved based on my letter stating those were not my charges other than about {$500.00} which I had paid of 5 times over in payments -- -- -- -- I never authorized XXXX to share my personal inforamtion with a third party and I tried to resolve the dispute with no help on their side in resolution of the issues -- -- -- -- I also tried to resolve the issues with XXXX XXXX several times and eventually had to stop talking to them they would not listen or help. They made illegal calls to my wifes work place looking for me and to my fathers house where I do not reside and I think a call attempt was made to my neighbor but she asked not to get involved or be mentioned so I can not prove that. Recently withink the last 30 days I received a notice of lawsuit from Connecticut Superior court that I am being sued in small claims by XXXX XXXX through an XXXX XXXX Connecticut XXXX XXXX lawyer who has been fined several times by already for illegal debt collection practices -- -- -- -- - the lawfirm is The Law Office of Howard Lee Schiff XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CT XXXX -- phone XXXX they are suing me on misinformation and monies i do not owe of {$1800.00}. -- -they were hired by XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX Virgina XXXX I have spoken to other law firms in the area and this is the big millions of dollar money makers that XXXXXXXX XXXX in VA and the XXXX XXXX and a couple other law firms in Connecticut have set up together to intimidate and scare consumers who are down on their luck or have become XXXX or are XXXX which I am both to cave in and give them any money they claim even when it was not resolved property by the bank that initially was involed for following up on complaints and suspicous activity in the first place. I attempted in good faith one last time today to call the Bank Credit Card loss services who refused to speak to me and transfered me over to XXXX in XXXX XXXX XXXX who again refused to speak to me her number is XXXX she transfered me to XXXX XXXX after I told XXXX to let me talk to her legal department without any luck to ask why they never called when I sent the letter in back in XXXX or investigated my complaints and claims of charges that i was not sure got on there for such a larger amount then what I had owed, then i was transferred to XXXX XXXX who refused to listen or answer me for the illegal calls they made to my wifes work and my fathers house trying to hunt me down. XXXX tried to transfer me to Howard Lee Schiffs attorney office and I hung up and called myself and spoke to XXXX XXXX to try and explain the misunderstanding and the banks error and she could not help me other than telling me they can send me an affidavit letter to have me sign about the issues and claims I am making but i would need to provide a police report as procedure to negotiate any debt or remove any from what she was trying to explain in a roundabout way without legally getting in trouble, I called the police stating asked them about the policy there about filing lost credit cards if I had only realized it was lost like 2 years later and they said it be to late to do so -- -- -- -- So the law firm told me thats their required procedure or they can not help me -- -- -- -so I am stuck getting dragged into court to try and pay for charges they should have reviewed and removed.
04/07/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Taking/threatening an illegal action Threatened to sue on too old debt	ME 040XX	Web
On XXXX/XXXX/2016 XXXX XXXX ( Maine Bar # XXXX ) Appeared in XXXX XXXX District Court to represent XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX on Docket # XXXX. He identified himself to my husband as a Per Diem Lawyer hired by Howard Lee Schiff, P.C. a Debt Collection Firm registered in the state of Maine. When shown a copy of the consent order ( XXXX ) between XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and was asked if he was aware of it, he said " That does n't apply in Maine, because we are not governed by the FDCPA here ''. I was not able to get time off of work to attend the court hearing and the Judge would not accept my written statement or any evidence that was offered by my husband on my behalf. A default judgement was entered, because the plaintiff was represented by an attorney that appeared to have no knowledge of the complaint, evidence or facts of my case or any of the more than a dozen other cases he appeared for. When asked specific questions by the judge and other defendants, his response was always, " I do n't know, I will have to check ''. In one case, the case was continued for 90 days to allow paperwork to be gathered. He turned to the Defendant and asked, " Do you have the paperwork for us today? ". The Defendant 's answer was, " No, I requested copies of past statements, and your client has not provided them yet. '' I have attached copies of the court documents and a copy of a statement from the Credit Account in question that clearly shows an inaccuracy in the affidavit provided to the court. Item 2 of the affidavit indicates he has reviewed the business records of the Original Creditor, XXXX and those records transferred to Account Assignee ( XXXX ) from XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, which have become a part of and have integrated into Account Assignee 's business records, in the ordinary course of business. Item 4 indicates that the original account number ended in XXXX. The attached statement from the account shows clearly that the XXXX account ended in XXXX, not XXXX. If the individual making the affidavit had reviewed XXXX 's records as indicated in Item 2, he would know the correct account number. The Affidavit makes no indication of the date of last payment or consumer initiated activity on the account. The Bill of Sale and Assignment of Loans provided to the court appears to have been altered ( section A has a full line that appears to have been whited out ). In section A, it also disclaims any warranty on the accounts transferred. The Bill of Sale and assignment of Loans makes no reference to the specific accounts transferred, and therefore provides no proof of transfer of the account in question, and in fact is printed on letterhead of a company not even mentioned in the Affidavit. A single page is included with the alleged account information that has no indication that it is a part of any Bill of Sale and no other means of indicating its authenticity. I suspect it was included to attempt to prove the last payment date, but fails because of its lack of authentication of origin. This page is not mentioned in the Affidavit or the Bill of Sale. The copy of a statement included has no indication of the date of last payment and shows no actual use of the account by the consumer. It also shows the Creditor as XXXX XXXX XXXX, not XXXX or XXXX XXXX XXXX as referenced in the Complaint and Affidavit. A terms page included between XXXX statement pages indicates XXXX XXXX XXXX, NA but neither of the other companies, and shows nothing to indicate that it belongs with the other statement pages. No signed contract or statement showing actual use of the account was provided. To recap, XXXX has filed this suit and obtained a default judgement using many of the tactics barred by the Consent Order. The
07/05/2018	Yes	Debt collection Medical debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	CT XXXXX	Web
I went to XXXX XXXX located at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CT on XX/XX/2016 to have a XXXX fixed were the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX this is shown in second picture of the documents I have uploaded regarding this complaint. The XXXX had XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX as you can see the dark XXXX mark in the XXXX with the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX at the bottom shows he XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX When I went to the XXXX he said he could place the XXXX back on the XXXX. I suffered allot of horror in this XXXX office. The XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that was working at XXXX XXXX at the time seems to no longer work at this location at all. He seemed to have moved I believe to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CT. Tel # 2XXXX. This doctor stated he could fix my XXXX when attempting his practice with on me I found many strange un sanitary acts used upon my XXXX. I suffered great pains in this XXXX presents. My credit card company had taken payment away from him and failed to allow him to be paid I won the dispute against this doctor. Although I have won the dispute I managed to hire on a no fee unless I win with attorney XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX CT. This attorney seemed to XXXX XXXX from a XXXX XXXX and my case was transferred to this Attorney XXXX XXXX in XXXX CT where you can see he gave me a letter of protection and then said later he could not obtain an expert witness to testify in court, so I could not bring a case against this XXXX XXXX XXXX at all. This was not making any sense to me at all. I was then given the opportunity to try to get my funds paid through the XXXX XXXX XXXX. When I went to them for help I found that all these XXXX are sticking together, and I do not stand a chance at all on this damage caused to my XXXX from this XXXX resulting in over {$25000.00} in damages to my XXXX from him. You can see in the first XXXX picture that I enclosed that I had to pay to have the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX the same day that he tried to place his XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX into my XXXX XXXX XXXX that was XXXX XXXX. As soon as the XXXX wore off the XXXX was hurting, and it was XXXX. I used XXXX XXXX to fix the XXXX and I was given a letter of protection thinking I am getting this money back from the representing attorney XXXX XXXX from XXXX CT Tel # XXXX. This is really misrepresentation and I will most likely be filing a grievance against this attorney for what he did. If you can please keep this collection away from me with XXXX XXXX that has been turned over to This Attorney Howard Lee Schiff P.C that is asking me for {$7500.00} to be paid to his office. There is letter of protection the attorney never did any proper job at all for me that was representing me. If you have any further questions please contact me at XXXX. Sincerely Yours XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
03/16/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Written notification about debt Didn't receive notice of right to dispute	CT 06051	Web
After months of aggressive calls from this XXXX XXXX who is collecting on behalf of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I decided to give them a call, quite a few calls in attempts to resolve and satisfy. Their customer service is so bad, unethical and just inappropriate from being hung up on to practically threatened on calls I finally asked them to cease and desist once they sent claim to Attorney Howard Lee Schiff located on XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX CT. Between these two companies they claimed to have served papers to an old address which would have notified me of a court hearing. I found out about a judgment made against my wages from my employer, that was my first notice. I have since reached out to both XXXX XXXX XXXX Attorney Schiff office offering to satisfy account and they kick me back and forth. As a result of losing my job years ago this is one of 3 debts I have been working to resolve. This being the ONLY company I can not communicate with. Currently I have a garnishment for one of the 3 debts that will go on for the next 1.5 years. Since Attorney Schiff office was awarded garnishment to my wages their wage execution will not start until possibly XXXX. After numerous attempts of offering to satisfy account and settle, Attorney Schiff office refused any offers since the execution of wages was approved. I filed motion to modify and took them to court on XX/XX/XXXX and advised them I never was notified of court hearing to make any argument but was willing to discuss any settlement to be done. I explained to the court that I never received or was served and the judge instead was asking the plaintiff attorney to help him understand the process once the garnishment is in place. None of this made sense. Now here I am, having had my credit already tarnished the last 4 years at least, trying to clear this debt which by the way was partially disputed with original creditor prior to any collections but neither company will allow me to do anything to resolve. What sense does it make for us to wait and sit on a debt for the next two years until my current garnishment is done to then get paid at {$10.00} per month for the next 5 years when I am more than willing to offer atleast 50 %. The 7 year statue will kick in before they are even done being paid. This company is a XXXX and the attorney representing them, just no way to communicate with people. I am unsure how to expedite the settling or satisfying of this debt. This is morally wrong on every level. They refused to remove disputed and unauthorized charges and also refused to settle on any level even when I decide to pay against what I know I do not owe. Keep in mind I was NEVER served any court notice. Who would choose to not show up to a court hearing.
09/11/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	MA 018XX	Web
I would like to file a formal complaint against the Law Offices of Howard Lee SchiffOn XX/XX/XXXX I received a letter from their office claiming I owe a debt to XXXX XXXX bank in the amount of $ XXXX submitted a debt validation letter XX/XX/XXXX to their office, I had no further communication with them and the debt was never validated, Which violates the FDCPA. After some online searching I have found numerous other complaints about them and their collection methods from many others who have also claimed the same issues on not receiving the validations and along with far worse complaints of threats and illegally collecting fundsOn XX/XX/XXXX I received a summons to Small claims court, still without any validation what so ever that this is in fact a valid debt owed by me, The hearing was scheduled for XX/XX/XXXX in the XXXX Court, I knew was going to be unable to attend the hearing due to needing to provide my elderly mother a ride to and from XXXX so I submitted a request for continuance to the court a few weeks in advance which was n't granted. I received the judgement from the court saying I had defaulted, Even though I submitted the request. I then called Howard Lee Schiff and told them the issues I had and that they still never validated that this is in fact my debt so I said this must be treated as a fraud case and that 's when they finally sent me anything resembling any validation at all. I received from them were the fraud documents along with a few statements from XXXX at an address I once lived at and in a name that I also share with my Father, Who also was living with me at that same address during the time in question. His passing coincides with the receipt of last payment to XXXX having passed 2 or 3 weeks after the last payment they receivedI filed a motion with the court to have the default judgement removed and it has since been removed and the hearing is being rescheduled. The payment hearing was yesterday and that 's when they allowed the motion to remove the defaultI spoke with the lawyer handling the case for them yesterday at the payment hearing and I said why have I still not received any validation yet that I owe this and her words were " I have 30 days to request the validation, But they are under no time limit to respond to the validation " How can they legally and ethically do this? I am expected to go to court, Not knowing that this is in fact my debt?
08/02/2021	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt	ME 047XX	Web
I started receiving letters from Howard Lee Schiff in XXXX they have added more debt since this time they now have 4 cases they say I owe on I tried to pay on the first one in XXXX they refused to let me make automatic payments so I told them it was about time they got upto the times and allowed me to pay automatic every month. I didnt hear from them for many years then last year I began getting calls from them I explained the same way I did before they are not allowing me to make automatic payments. Since XXXX of this year I have received nonstop calls and mail from Howard Lee Schiff they had begun sending court papers I did dispute having 4 cards that I owed on they sent me 3 files but not the fourth. The information from original creditor does not show me that I was involved in any of these accounts. After I asked them not to contact me through mail or any other way explaining that I have tried to make automatic payments on 2 cases years ago and they refused to let me and now they are upto 4 cards. They sent me a paper for automatic payments in XX/XX/XXXX after saying for years they couldnt do this. I filled the paper out for all 4 accounts together stating they need to take the once a month payments out starting XX/XX/XXXX also sending this proof to the court. They then still continued to not take payments I even called Howard Lee Schiff office to ask why my payments still are not being take the lady told me sometimes it takes 30 days wait until XXXX. No payment taken in XXXX so I copied all these papers again and went to the post office and sent it so someone would have to sign when it was received. It has been signed for and I have not had a payment taken and still have not received anything by mail. I honestly have tried to pay on this only for them to add more accounts which I dont believe I even owe but to get ahead of this I tried to make payments and they refuse and now I have court papers for dates for all of these accounts I believe its not fair because I have tried to pay this for years. They have even told me in the past 2 years that I run my own business so they will take the money from my husbands paychecks.
02/08/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	CT 06492	Web	Servicemember
In XXXX of XXXX, I was in debt. In XXXX XXXX credit card services wanted a minimum payment due of {$190.00} with a 29 % interest rate. As a single mother, homeowner I could not manage. I asked XXXX to work with me reasonably. They did not want to offer anything more than the above. They called day and night and were relentless for months. Then I started to receive communications from Law Offices of Howard Lee Schiff, P.C.. They asked that I pay over {$9000.00} to them. I only had a credit limit of {$6000.00} with XXXX. I was bombarded with documentation from them and finally, I would receive communication I was being sued. I went to court numerous times without an attorney and was made to feel very stupid. The last time I went to court I was basically bullied into a payment agreement with the Law Offices of Howard Lee Schiff P.C. if I was to receive a partial amount of my mortgage money that they in fact executed and levied. It caused me and my bills to spiral out of control I found myself facing foreclosure due to the loss of money becoming late and then behind in my mortgage payment due. I was completely devastated. XX/XX/XXXX the same thing has happened my entire direct deposit was levied and executed by Howard Lee Schiff, P.C. They are making my life a living nightmare. They got awarded a judgment order for over {$9000.00} by default and I was never given the notice or opportunity to defend myself. This firm is so shady I have found countless complaints about them. FACTS that they have been sued for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act more than once, XXXX XXXX a long time attorney of the firm has been suspended 4 times for failure to pay the client security fund fee.In an article online I found their firm brought more than 8000 small claims to court in XXXX! There are tens of thousands of people who have been bullied by this firms predators. I will give an abundance of information to the CFPB and pray you help me so I can help others.
04/22/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official	CT 062XX	Web
Law offices of Howard Lee Schiff sent me a letter stating I owed XXXX 's Card money. I sent a validation letter stating I needed the signed contract that showed I agreed to pay. Also that I needed their license number to show the can legally collect in my state. Also that I would need 30 days upon receiving the information to investigate and that they have to stop all collection activity during the investigation period. They sent me back bills from the credit card company. They did not show any documentation with my signature showing I agreed to pay what they said I owe. Also did not send any license number whether it be their attorney license number or debt collections number. the letterhead says the offices of Howard Lee Schiff and also ends with that with no signature. I found that XXXX XXXX hasn't had anything to do with the company since 2007 and is not a member of the bar anymore. The company also isn't registered as a debt collector with my state. I have received papers for a lawsuit. Still on those papers no attorney is named just the law office. Since I'm not being sued by an attorney or member of the bar but instead from a company operating as a debt collection agency that company needs to be registered to collect in my state. Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act this company is acting in deceiving ways which is against the law. This company and the one they represent still are reporting negative information to the 3 major credit bureau 's though failed to validate the debt again a violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act as well as Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is also defamation of character. I know of many others who have filed complaints as well. This company is a fraud and needs to be shut down!
05/27/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	False statements or representation Impersonated an attorney or official	RI 02904	Web
This problem began back in XXXX XXXX when XXXX XXXX XXXX was collecting for this defaulted/ charged-off XXXX XXXX Account with a balance of {$980.00}. XXXX XXXX XXXX after reviewing my personal income and assets, they determined I was " judgement-proof '' for the foreseeable future. Soon I received harassing calls and letters from the " Law Office of Howard Lee Shriff '' in XXXX, RI. I agreed to pay {$10.00} a month towards the balance as agreed to with their Attorney XXXX XXXX. I have struggle to pay approximately {$220.00} towards the debt but had to stop since my income is not over {$800.00}. a month with many outstanding medical bills that I have to pay. I also have to pay co-payments for my medical coverage and prescriptions. XXXX I stop paying the {$10.00} a month after I notified them by phone, they sent me a false " unsigned '' court document filing a " judgement '' being entered in XXXX District Court in the XXXX Court House. This court date was to take place on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. To my surprise, the case was never heard or even scheduled. This law firm of Howard Lee Schiff sent me a new letter dated XXXX/XXXX/XXXX claiming to discuss this judgement. It claims it is still owe per the court system. This Law firm of Howard Lee Schiff is using deceptive & illegal purposes to try to collect on a debt that is beyond the statue of limitations. I am going to send a letter to the RI Attorney General 's Office Consumer Protection Department and may consider seeking legal action against this " collection law group '' I have seen many complaints entered on web sites against their shady and unethical ways
08/13/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	CT 066XX	Web
I paid a debt I had disputed on my credit file because I did not want to deal with the hassle. The offices of Howard Lee schiff pc continue to garnish my wages anyway. The past few years have been harrowing. I closed numerous bank accounts because they came after me every time I disputed my credit file. I was never given an opportunity to come to court to argue a defense because they never mailed me a copy of a writ to appear in court. I received only a garnishment letter from my employer and felt I had no other recourse but to pay the debt which I refuted and never got verification on. However I was able to remove partially from a couple of the bureaus because of statute of limitations and other reasons. When I called the office they confirmed the debt was paid off but they are still stealing my money from my wages. How can garnishment proceed when the debt is already paid? I called the state Marshall that executed the garnishment and I found out that the money that was granted in judgement is far less than what they had me pay for this debt. I called several times and spoke with numerous people at the firm that confirm the debt was paid and my employer will get a stop order for this garnishment. The tip of the ice burg is that this debt expired statute of limitations months ago even if I owed them money in the first place and the amount reported to the credit bureau is significantly less than what I was charged. my money is being stolen and I 've been through to much with this firm over the years in ruining my credit.
03/25/2020	Yes	Payday loan, title loan, or personal loan Payday loan	Struggling to pay your loan	CT 068XX	Web
Problem started taking a personal loan from XXXX XXXX XXXX for XXXX back in XX/XX/XXXX. I have been paying the regular payments and was almost at 50 % done before the recession in XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX tried to collect only XXXX to close the account. I didn't have that money to pay it off but I paid about {$1400.00} and couldn't negotiate the rest. a couple of years later. my loan was gone to a collection Agency called XXXX ( Law Office of Howard Lee Schiff P.C. Theses people were sending me notice to my old address which I didn't have access to and then they went to the court and never had a chance to defend myself or come to agreement. All of a sudden I receive a letter to my current resident address stating that XXXX have taken action collecting {$35.00} a week starting XX/XX/XXXX. but guess what, I'm paying for my original loan amount again XXXX they probably bought it for XXXX or less. I didn't complain and reached out and almost paid the first year in total. had some trouble paying for 2 months ( l {$280.00} ). two weeks later. a letter from marshal was sent to my work asking them to deduct 25 % of my paycheck. Is that fair! Oh, and again i'm back to XXXX by adding {$2500.00} marshal fees on top of the loan ... .I 'm down and don't know what to do. These guys never communicated with me before taking any action. I'm not feeling comfortable at work knowing that this was brought to where I work.
01/23/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	CT 06516	Web
The Law Firm Howard Lee Schiff has been collecting a debt for me for a XXXX credit card that I opened with XXXX XXXX store in XXXX, CT where I bought a TV back in 2009. I payed the remainder of what I owed with cash since I had just got married so I had cash on me. Never thought anything of it to save any paperwork since I just thought it was settled. Then the company I bought the TV from went out of business a few weeks later after I paid the TV off in cash. Next thing I know I'm receiving collection calls from XXXX saying I owe a debt and now interest. I refused to pay and then I started receiving collections calls from Howard Lee Schiff which I also ignored because I knew I owed nothing. That was a big mistake because they ended up suing me and took all of my money in the bank which left me no money in my bank until we went to court. This was years ago so I don't have exact dates and times. However I'm still being harassed from these people after we settled that I pay {$30.00} a month which I've now paid the TV over 3 times now. Somehow I see the last owed amount and it's at over {$1900.00} which is absolutely fraud. That's how much the TV was when I bought it 10 years ago! This has to stop as all I do is continue to pay them and the amount continues to go up. It's disgusting that these people get away with this.
04/23/2016	Yes	Credit card	Other	ME 04011	Web
I had a credit card with " XXXX XXXX '' which I fell behind on. The total balance was {$500.00}. This debt was apparently sold to " XXXX XXXX '' who then turned it over to " The Law Offices of XXXX XXXX XXXX '' for collection. XXXX XXXX 's office sent me a letter on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX demanding a total of {$800.00} for this bill. Although I am afforded 30 days from my receipt of that letter to dispute the debt I was not allowed to do that as XXXX XXXX 's office filed a small claims suit against me on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX, 18 days after sending me notice of the debt. They then sent me a letter dated XXXX/XXXX/XXXX indicating that " on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX '' I was served with a summons but can still settle the matter " amicably '' by paying their demand. As this is a credit card debt, it is subject to a non-binding arbitration agreement and as such, XXXX XXXX 's office was erroneous in filing a lawsuit. Notwithstanding this error, XXXX XXXX 's office filed this suit within 18 days of notifying me that it had taken over the debt and thus disallowing me the 30 days to which I am entitled to dispute the debt and request proof as the FDCPA affords me. The addition of {$300.00} to an alleged {$500.00} debt with the above FDCPA violations constitutes multiple unfair debt collection practices as well as abuse of the court system.
08/01/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	MA XXXXX	Web
On XXXX XXXX, XXXX, I received a court summons that I am being sued for a XXXX time for a credit card debt sold to a law firm that specializes in debt collection. The first case was dismissed. The summons states that they gained possession of the debt in the same day the bank charged it off, XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. It also falsely states that I had made partial payments towards this debt that has been received and credited during this period with last payment made to law office XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. I was unemployed during that period of time and financially unable to make any payments to the credit counseling service that I worked with in XX/XX/XXXX to resolve my debt issues. My question is does the statue of limitations apply during the XXXX years that my account was sold to the collection agency? Is Howard Lee Schiff, LLC violating my consumer rights by re-aging a debit for the same party that sued me previously dismissed by the same court I must appear in front of again : XXXX District Small Claims Division on XXXX XXXX, XXXX? Massachusetts XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX states that I must be sued within XXXX years after cause of action. I interpret this to be when the debt was purchased in XX/XX/XXXX, not when a payment was last made in XXXX XXXX. Is my interpretation correct? Thank you.
03/22/2018	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged	CT XXXXX	Web
I received a letter from an attorney office attempting to collect a debt, dated XX/XX/18 from Howard Lee Schiff, PC, who is collecting on behalf of XXXX XXXX XXXX, who is collecting on behalf of XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. First I never received any correspondence from XXXX. Second the FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C 1692c ( a ) states " Communication with the consumer generally without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a debt collector may not communicate with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt- I have not given either company the above written consent to contact me in connection with the collection of any debt alleged. I have no known relationship with the companies XXXX XXXX XXXX, and Howard Lee Schiff, PC and am unaware of how they have obtained my personal identifying information with my knowledge and/or consent. I have sent a letter disputing the validity of this alleged debt which Howard Lee Schiff, PC has received via certified mail.
03/21/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit	NH XXXXX	Web	Servicemember
I am writing to you regarding XXXX XXXX XXXX and the offices of Howard Lee Schiff. There are multiple issues with this company and they require more space than available here. First, Howard Lee Schiff has been filing lawsuits and citing exhibits which they do not attach to the complaint. They sent the complaint to the wrong address and tried to get a default judgement. I filed a request for production of documents to prove that I owed the debt and they stated that they could not produce the documents which violated my right to defend myself and they proceeded with the claim. THey had attorneys file claims stating they had personal knowledge of the debt when there is no way they could have which is in violation of XXXX XXXX 's agreement with the CFPB. In addition, one particular attorney, XXXX XXXX, made threats to defendants telling them he was giong to force them to do things. XXXX XXXX believes that he owns the people that owe money and he treats them without dignity and regularly makes threats to them.
08/16/2022	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	ME 04330	Web
I am a XXXX XXXX that was tasked with performing a sale closing on property in XXXX, Maine. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) had sued the seller for its client creditor and recorded a judgment lien at the county registry of deeds. I picked up the lien in the title search then contacted XXXX to get a payoff, which they provided. The closing was on XX/XX/ 2021 and I collected the lien payoff amount from the seller 's proceeds and paid XXXX the amount on the payoff statement. The check cleared on XXXX XXXX, 2021. In my cover letter to XXXX, I requested that they issue a release of the lien in recordable form so I could record it at the county registry of deeds and clear the title to the property. They have ignored my repeated requests to issue a release. This is a serious matter because if the new owner who purchased the property wants to refinance or sell, they won't be able to because XXXX ignores its duty to issue a recordable release.
01/15/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt	NH 03102	Web	Servicemember
The " Law Offices of Howard Lee Schiff, P.C. '' sent me a letter saying, " Thank you for your recent credit card payment. The information regarding this paymemtis listed below : Authorization Date : XX/XX/XXXX Payment Amount : XXXX Last Four Digits of the Debit Card : XXXX '' I have never communicated with this " law office '' and never authorized any money to be paid to them. I have no debit card ending in XXXX. There is no transaction for {$150.00} on either of my checking accounts. I have no idea what this " debt '' is, or what this letter is about, unless it is an attempt to draw me into communicating with this firm. The letter came from this address : Law Offices XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CT XXXX I am a XXXX veteran with XXXX XXXX. I just opened this letter today, XX/XX/XXXX.
08/18/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	MA 02148	Web
I was offered a credit card over the phone about XXXX years ago by XXXX XXXX for about {$4000.00}. I was later referred to a debt collector who took me to court as I fell behind my payments whereby a payment arrangement of {$100.00} was agreed upon. I have asked the debt collector to consider writing off the debt as I have payed them towards or above {$10000.00} over the years, well in excess of the original {$400.00} credit card limit that they extended to me. Unfortunately, the debt collector have always declined this arrangement ; they actually indicate that my debt has increased from about {$400.00} to about {$16000.00} because of interest rates which to me seem utterly artificial or unfair.
08/23/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	RI 02860	Web
Account was open on XX/XX/XXXX with a credit limit of {$250.00} plus unemployment and XXXX insurance which was paid on time till XX/XX/XXXX, when I became ill and out of work the account balance was {$69.00}. I contacted the insurance with no result, by XX/XX/XXXX I was contacted by XXXX XXXX regarding the closing of the account which I agreed, also late payments and fees, I was given the opportunity to settle the account by allowing XXXX to make XXXX automatic withdrawals of {$81.00} each starting XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX from my checking account. Copy of my account automatic withdrawals are enclosed. I hope this information clarifies your records and reestablishes mine.
05/13/2022	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	MA 01843	Web
On XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff, PC posed as the attorney of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX who engaged in misleading representation by filing a statement of small claim and notice without having prior consent to communicate with me the consumer in connection with a debt collection, a failure to comply pursuant to 12 CFR 1006.18 ( b ) ( 1 ) ( iii ) and 1006.6 ( b ). The company also engaged in unfair practices by bringing an unauthorized legal action to consumer attempting to collect an alleged debt of {$3600.00} plus {$100.00} in court costs, a failure to comply pursuant to 12 CFR 1006.18 ( c ) and 1006.22 ( b ).
03/28/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt	RI 02919	Web
The debt is owed to XXXX. XXXX did not give us enough time to resolve the debt with them before sending it to a law firm. I am attaching what the law firm sent us due to it not looking like it is filled out correctly. Since I have already filled out the form. I would like to ask about other debt and who I can speak with. I also owed a credit card company approximately XXXX dollars. They took me to court and did I had no idea what I should do. Of course I did nothing and now that XXXX debt is a XXXX lien against my house. How can unsecured credit card debt get a lien against your house.
07/13/2022	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt was paid	NH 030XX	Web
XXXX XXXX XXXX refuses to supply me a satisfactory letter saying my debt has been paid. However I did receive one from there law office In NJ. but this is not the letter that I am needing. I have been lied to hung up on an yelled at over the phone. This is not okay. If I do not receive this letter in a timely fashion I'm going to lose my hose. I have tried repeatedly to get the letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX not there law office. Again they refused to work with me. I need a letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX say the debt has been paid. Not from Lee shift pc XXXX XXXX XXXX!
04/03/2015	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Taking/threatening an illegal action Threatened to sue on too old debt	CT 064XX	Web
I am writing regarding a Debt Collector, Howard Lee Schiff in XXXX CT. I am in receipt of a letter from the firm that they will be filing a lawsuit against me for their client on a bill that I believe to date back several years. They have provided no information on whom they represent as their client so I am not sure what this bill is regarding. Back in late XX/XX/XXXX I was a casualty of the financial crisis and fell behind on a few bills that I have worked to clear up. However I have not had any delinquent accounts since at least XX/XX/XXXX.
06/12/2016	Yes	Credit card	Billing disputes	MA 015XX	Web
I started paying a loan to XXXX back in XXXX. This was for a credit card that started out at XXXX XXXX I agreed to XXXX at there balance of XXXX. So I paid XXXX $ a month and now its XXXX and I owe now XXXX. I paid towards this XXXXand out of that XXXX they took XXXX out of the XXXX. How can this ever be paid off if I 'm owing more than I started at? I just received my information on my balance as I 'm getting concerned seeing that this is never going down. Id appreciate you looking into this. Ive attached my statements.
01/18/2017	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	CT 060XX	Web
XXXX XXXX commenced a lawsuit through the Law Offices of Howard Lee Schiff. P.C [ Schiff Law Office ]. in XXXX XXXX to collect a debt that had already been paid. XXXX XXXX 's law firm obtained a judgment improperly and executed on my bank accounts. When later presented with the proof by my attorney that payment on the balance had been made 2 years previously in connection with a home loan refinance, XXXX XXXX and the Schiff Law Office ignored the efforts to reach a resolution of the claim.
04/19/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Collected or attempted to collect exempt funds	ME 049XX	Web
The Law Office of XXXX XXXX XXXX placed a lien on my property located at XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX ME, XXXX. This was done on behalf of XXXX XXXX for a credit card debt of {$10000.00}. However, my interest in this property does not exceed the statutory maximums and the residence is therefore exempt from attachment under 14 M.R.S.A. 4422 ( 1 ) ( A ). They were notified of this on XX/XX/2020 and was given 15 days to remove the Lien. As of XX/XX/2020 they have given no response.
03/27/2019	Yes	Debt collection Medical debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Collected or attempted to collect exempt funds	CT 06109	Web
Howard E. Schiff Law Firm in Connecticut emptied my Checking, IRA Savings, and Child support bank accounts yesterday totaling over {$3000.00} leaving me with {$0.00} dollars. I am a single mother taking care of a minor child ( XXXX year old daughter ). I was not served any papers, I was not notified of what even the debt was for. My attempts to get the money back from the firm have failed. I need immediate assistance in this matter. XXXX XXXX
11/18/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed	CT 06770	Web	Servicemember
On XX/XX/2019 Howard Lee Schiff PC took roughly {$2300.00} of Veteran XXXX Pension from my bank account. Ive called them multiple times and have sent them endless documents to which they closed the account and considered it paid. This is illegal, they cant garnish VA benefits. Ive provided them everything they needed to confirm my identity & bank information along with VA benefit information. They refuse to put the money back in the account.
04/02/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged	CT XXXXX	Web
This company sent false information stating that that they presume that from my validation request, which is my right to do, that I do not wish to be contacted about this debt and they will be unable to speak with me. No where did it state in my letter to cease and desist communication. How else will I resolve such matter if I dont speak with them? This is a false tactic on their end
01/21/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official	ME XXXXX	Web	Servicemember
Received a letter from this alleged law firm, in reference to a different collection agency reporting in my credit files, than company mentioned in letter, regarding same credit card company. I have previously advised XXXX, and its dba companies, via fax, the credit card company should have a note, regarding a medical hardship I have been going through, since XX/XX/2018.
03/29/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Seized or attempted to seize your property	CT 06770	Web
On XX/XX/2019 they went into a bank account owned by me and took out money that my separated spouse owed in the amount of {$1600.00}. I have proved that the bank account was mine and he had no money going into the account and they are not willing to help me. I have spoke with them three times and told them he was on my bank account for our children.
01/16/2016	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Improper contact or sharing of info Contacted me after I asked not to	CT 064XX	Web
I keep receiving phone calls from XXXX. I 've left XXXX voicemails on their answering machine advising the person they are trying to contact does not live at my address. They keep calling each week. I can not get them to stop calling me despite NUMEROUS attempts to get them to stop.
06/20/2021	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt was result of identity theft	TX 77407	Web

07/28/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	MA 01009	Web

04/07/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit	CT 06812	Web

01/21/2020	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt		Phone

11/13/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Threatened to sue you for very old debt	CT 06512	Web

07/30/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt is not yours	NH 03773	Web

01/24/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt is not yours	CT 06112	Phone

01/08/2019	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Collected or attempted to collect exempt funds	CT 06901	Web

10/25/2018	Yes	Debt collection Other debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged	ME 04210	Web

09/09/2018	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed	RI 02816	Web

08/01/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Seized or attempted to seize your property	MA 01830	Web

06/27/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Seized or attempted to seize your property	MA 01830	Web

06/26/2018	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Attempts to collect debt not owed Debt was paid	CT 06112	Referral

12/25/2017	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official	CT 06480	Web

11/21/2017	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt	NH 03301	Web

07/26/2017	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Written notification about debt Didn't receive enough information to verify debt	MA 01801	Referral

06/17/2017	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	Took or threatened to take negative or legal action Seized or attempted to seize your property	CT 06705	Web

06/06/2017	Yes	Debt collection Credit card debt	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	ME 04043	Web

01/14/2017	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	ME 04965	Web

11/08/2016	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	MA 02554	Postal mail

10/20/2016	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	False statements or representation Impersonated an attorney or official	CT 06239	Web

09/20/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	CT 06062	Web

09/19/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	CT 06516	Web

09/10/2016	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	CT 06443	Web	Servicemember

07/12/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	MA 02301	Web

04/15/2016	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	CT 06010	Referral

01/12/2016	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	ME 04093	Web

11/13/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	VA 22485	Web	Older American

11/10/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was discharged in bankruptcy	MA 01101	Web

10/30/2015	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	CT 06824	Fax

10/02/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	CT 06606	Phone	Older American, Servicemember

09/15/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	MA 02461	Web

06/17/2015	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	MA 01970	Web

05/14/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Taking/threatening an illegal action Sued w/o proper notification of suit	RI 02871	Web

05/06/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	TN 37062	Phone

04/20/2015	Yes	Credit card	APR or interest rate	ME 04955	Fax	Older American

03/11/2015	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	MA 01520	Web

03/09/2015	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Communication tactics Frequent or repeated calls	CT 06614	Postal mail	Older American

01/20/2015	Yes	Debt collection I do not know	Taking/threatening an illegal action Seized/Attempted to seize property	CT 06226	Web

11/06/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	CT 06831	Phone

09/30/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Disclosure verification of debt Right to dispute notice not received	ME 04057	Web

09/13/2014	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	VT 05602	Web

07/25/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	CT 06331	Web

07/21/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Communication tactics Threatened to take legal action	MA 01923	Web	Older American

05/19/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	False statements or representation Attempted to collect wrong amount	RI 02871	Referral

05/06/2014	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	MA 02136	Web

04/13/2014	No	Debt collection Credit card	Taking/threatening an illegal action Threatened to sue on too old debt	CT 06417	Web

10/30/2013	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Disclosure verification of debt Not given enough info to verify debt	MA 02038	Web

10/21/2013	Yes	Debt collection Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)	Disclosure verification of debt Right to dispute notice not received	CT 06614	Web

09/25/2013	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt was paid	MA 02760	Web

07/10/2013	Yes	Debt collection Credit card	Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed Debt is not mine	MA 01906	Web	Older American