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Arrow Financial Services ripoff, fraudulent inquiries on my credit report Niles Illinois
COMPLAINT
Arrow Financial Services has made what is deemed a permissible" inquiries on my TransUnion credit report, the purposes of which are said to be for collection purposes. As I understand it, this will remain on my credit report for two years. These are fraudulent claims. I do not, nor have I ever had an account in collection with either of these agencies. Furthermore, I have not given them permission to make entries as to my credit worthiness.
BACKGROUND
On April 30, 2004, Arrow Financial Services sent me a demand for payment of $1619.44, said to have been owed to Holiday Health Spa of California. After which, I received a series of harassing telephone calls from them, insisting that I pay off this bogus debt. I then wrote to Arrow Financial on May 10, 2004, informing them I DID NOT owe any amount of money to them, and demanded they cease all collection activities). They did stop the telephone calls, but this was followed up by at least half dozen collection agencies, including Asset Acceptance LLC, harassing me (with different amounts due) for the same account.
This year, I discovered that LHR Inc. had made a negative entry on two of my credit reports for the same debt, showing I had an account which was in collection. I disputed this with the credit reporting agencies and wrote LHR Inc. on April 14, 2005 (See attached letter). LHR responded immediately and the entry was removed (See attached letter). I also discovered the inquiries from Arrow Financial and Asset Acceptance on my TransUnion report, which I contested, but they have refused to remove these entries. I believe that Arrow Financial created this fictional debt, and then sold it to Asset Acceptance, who then sold it to LHR Inc.
The only time I ever had an account with Holiday Health Spa was back in 1992. I have not had an account with them since that time. Furthermore, to my knowledge I never owed Holiday Health Spa money, nor has any claim against me for said amounts ever shown up previously on my credit reports. I believe both of these companies are in direct violation of the FCRA. In addition, Arrow Financial and Asset Acceptance LLC have violated California State code CC Section 1812.88, in which a health spa must advise me that a debt is being assigned for collection. I was never advised of such an assignment.
On June 8th, I spoke with TransUnion and they informed me that they treat inquiries differently than credit information. In order to have these two entries removed, they must receive "authorizations" from Arrow Financial, plus an authorization from me to remove it.
I told TransUnion that this inquiry could not possibly fall under "permissible" category and that the entries were only on their CR, not on Equifax and Experian. It didn't seem to hold any water. I also told them how frustrating this whole process was. I recently filed a statement about this which is included on my TR CR. I informed them I am currently buying a new home and that this might drive my credit score down. They apologized, but essentially said there was nothing more they can do.
I have written a second letters to Arrow Financial, demanding they remove the fallacious entries, but have thus far received no response. I've also filed a complaint with the FTC. But the FTC contends it is not their function to prosecute violators of the FCRA. I finally received a response from Arrow Financial regarding my BBB complaint. They claim they were within their rights, pointing to an account number (their prior demand for the fictional Bally's amount due).
Last year, KCBS TV (Los Angeles) had a news special, about scams such as this. Evidently, certain nefarious companies would get hold of old information on individuals and harass them, demanding payment. Many people would be frightened into paying off these illicit demands. I believe I was also an intended victim. This company has had numerous complaints of abuses. I have written a final notice to Arrow Financial to remove this entry and have threatened legal recourse if they do no remove this entry.
Larry
Northridge, California
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Larry
Northridge,California,
U.S.A.
My reason for "Telemarketers" listing
#2Author of original report
Thu, June 23, 2005
NOTE: Even though this company is listed as a Collection Agency, they operate like a Telemarketer. Arrow Financial purchases accounts for pennies on the dollar, and any money collected is found money. In my case the supposed debt was purely fictional. The Internet is full of complaints about them. I'm certain they operate a boiler room-type atmosphere.
Today, I sent a certified final demand letter, informing them I am currently exploring my legal options, and if I do decide to seek remedy, I will do so to the full extent of the law.