Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Puget Sound Collections's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Puget Sound Collections

  509 Olive Way Ste 847 Seattle, WA 98101

  
• 

  Puget Sound Collections

  738 Broadway Ste 400 Tacoma, WA 98402-3777

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/08/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am not liable for this debt with ****************************, i do not have a contract with Puget sound collections, they also did not provide me with the original contract as i requested.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/16/2023

  The complainant would not have a contract with our office, Puget Sound Collections - our agreement is with the original creditor, **************************** as a business associate for collecting unpaid amounts due.  The complainant received services from an emergency room physician November 15, 2017 during hours of 10pm to 8am in **********.   We have contacted the original creditor who confirmed the charge for services rendered to ****************** remains unpaid.  While we will report the account as disputed, the creditor provided proof of the debt.    The complainant may contact us for an itemized statement at **************.  He may also contact the facility he was seen at to review his medical records to confirm he was seen for emergency care. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/20/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am not liable for this debt with Associated Emergency Physician, i do not have a contract with Puget Sound Collections, they did not provide me with the original contract as i requested.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/20/2023

  ********** sent a initial communication regarding the debt in April 2022 for services rendered to her by an emergency room physician in May 2021.   The initial communication was not returned by **** and presumed deliverable.  We have had no direct communication with the complainant, including asking for validation of the debt.   Please note that  consumers do not sign contracts with the collection agency.  This debt is not based on a credit application/contract.  This is a debt for an accounts receivable with a third party healthcare provider that does not require a separate consent to treat than the facility.  P.S.C., **** is a business associate of the original creditor, and has the authorization to receive information with respect to the collection of a debt.  The privacy rule permits covered entities to use the services of debt collection agencies.  Debt collection is recognized as a payment activity within the payment definition.  Through a business associate arrangement, the covered entity may engage a debt collection agency to preform this function on its behalf.     Verification of the charges will be mailed to the complainant to the address on her complaint.  Based on the complaint filed we will report the charges as disputed with the credit reporting agencies but it is not subject to deletion under the charges are resolved.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/20/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My complaint is this company is trying to fraudulently collect debt from me that is illegal. It is a medical bill that was completely covered by financial assistance 100% and this company has hung up the phone on me, wont let me explain Id like to send them my approval letter or any of that sort. They continue to harass and call me after *** asked them to remove me from their call list. *** spoke to my medical company I have no debt with them so this company is creating FRAUD charges upon my behalf. They are threatening to ruin my credit, I have them on recorded phone calls with permission of all of this. I have no collections and authorize NO more phone calls or debts in my name.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/05/2023

  We have noted the complainant's file now as "no communication requested".  There is a balance due after financial assistance discounted services for services February 22,2022.  For clarification:  Non ******************** have discounted the balance as a courtesy but there is a remaining balance due after a discount was applied.   In the event the complainant is requesting charges for August 29,2022 be considered  for a discount, a copy of the award letter will need to be received to forward to the original creditor for consideration.  Account balances that are eligible for credit reporting will be reported as disputed.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was contacted by PSC and we provide proof of pay by ********* financial assistance, PSC promised to delete the collections and yesterday was reported to my credit. Still trying to collect fraudulent money from me saying was not cover 100% from financial assistance. I contact today financial assistance and confirm to me has $0.00 balance and all was cover. PSC say go to note I refuse to pay and keep this fraudulent charge on my credit report.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/05/2023

  Our firm is not attempting to collect for Multicare.   The complainant received several reductions on a number of non-multicare emergency physician charges, however, the physicians did not write off the full amount of the charges.  Further, the complainant was not eligible for a discount for April 2018 charges as he failed to provide documentation.  The complainant was sent a letter in January 2023 after discounts were applied.   The letter provided all balances outstanding charges after financial assistance was applied.   We will report the account as disputed, however, further collection efforts may continue as services were provided for which he has not paid.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/02/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am not liable for this debt with ****************************. I do not have a contract with PUGET SOUND COLLECT. They do not provide me with original contact as requested.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/05/2023

  In response to the complaint filed:  ********** was referred two medical debts for services an emergency physician provided to the complainant on 7-26-19 and 7-28-19 (Account #******* and ********. Our office received a form letter (dated 8-12-2020) received August 20, 2020 requesting validation of debts.   Validation of the debt(s) were mailed  ON 9-16-2020 to the complainant to the address provided:of ****************************************; *******, **  98047.  Validations were not returned by the post office and presumed deliverable.  **************************** is a third party health care provider at ******************************* and did not ask the complainant to sign a financial responsibility agreement.  They invoice for services provided at the hospital emergency room.  1 of the 2 accounts was removed from the complainants credit report as the balance due is under $500.00.   Due to the response, ********** will report as disputed to the credit reporting agencies.  Once the account is resolved, the account will be eligible to be deleted from credit reporting.

  
  

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I checked my credit report and noticed I had an allege 1 collection from (PUGT SND COL) that was opened in (04/26/2022) balance is ($681.00.00) with account number starting in ********* I do not recognize having any agreement with (PUGT SND COL) and I am not liable for these accounts. This alleged debt is not mine I never entered into a signed agreement or completed an original contract with (PUGT SND COL) This inaccurate collection is NOT MINE. I never provided any written consent or permissible purpose for this allege creditor PUGT SND COL to report on my consumer report. I AM THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR and THE ONLY ONE who can extend credit or permission to report to my consumer report. This is a violation of U.S. Code ****b permissible purposes of consumer reports. Pursuant to 15 U.S. CODE ****b(a)(2)- Permissible purpose, of consumer reports. (A) in general Subject to subsection (c) any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other (2) In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates. I NEVER PROVIDED WRITTEN PERMISSION OR ANY CONSENT to pull my consumer report. This is a violation and also identity theft! 15 U.S.C. ****c-2- Block of information resulting from identity theft. You have no right under the law to send me any type of communication what so ever. Cease and Desist all communication immediately. Further More You Are attempting to collect an alleged debt where the so called original creditor has falsely represent the character other Violations under 15 USC **** e that you are implementing your self. Violation: 15 USC ****b(5), 15 USC ****(2)(A), 15 USC ****e(3), 15 USC ****(6)(B), 15 USC ****(9), 15 USC ****(10), 15 USC ****(11) If your office fails to respond to this validation request within 10 days from the date of your receipt, all references to this account must be deleted and completely removed from my consumer report.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/17/2023

  ******************************** referred charges due for a emergency room physicians charges from 8/24/2021.  ********** sent the complainant a proper initial communication by **** to the address identified in the complaint on 4/29/22.  No response was made.  Our office contacted the phone number on the complaint on June 22, 2022 but we were told it was not the complainants phone number and not to call again. ********** reported the debt when it was legally permissible to do so.  Debt collectors may report a past due debt on a consumer reports without a contract signed by the debtor.   This complaint is contradictory - requests us to cease all communication - and then demands a response to validation request within 10 days.   Our office will mail proof of the debt and in the event the consumer wishes to have the item removed from his credit report, will need to resolve the charges due the medical provider.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 19939975
  
  I am rejecting this response because: *********** obviously has does not have know whom they are seeking to reach as I have previously stated this debt is not mine.. In the response from the business they stated "his" which gives indication that this allege debt belongs to a male. I am and have always been a female. You are reporting inaccurate information on my consumer report violating 15 us code ****e(b) of the ***** Also by continuing to report this negative account you are violating ****o civil liability for negligent noncompliance! I will request that you delete and remove this inaccurate account once more before reporting this to the **** where i'll be requesting monetary gain of $1,000 for each violation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/13/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  February 19th, 2019 (4yrs, 1 Month) For a total of $844 and rising around $2-$15 every single month. It started off with harassing phone calls. When trying to contact the agency, when connected to the representativethey were very rude and only made sure they were able to speak. If you interrupt them they would hang up the phone on you. As well as when contacting my ************************ in regards what to do about this agency. They have advised me that they have already been involved in a class action lawsuit against them for the same exact reasons. They informed me that this company has had several complaints against them. I have provided them with the accurate documentation that was needed to show them that this debt was not mine. As well as it has already been paid and was covered by my insurance. They have either at the time I had the documents they needed. Also when I contacted my health insurance provider, and I asked them for the proof of coverage. They were questioning to why, since they have the records that show I asked for them so I could provide it to the same exact company for the same exact reason. Provided me with a false address or somethingI have tried to dispute this debt with credit agencies, yet some how they have kept it on no matter what. They have affected my credit score tremendously by increasing this debt for more than 4 years now. I have filed a complaint with the ******************************* Bureaus and now Im doing so with the BBB. This company should no longer be in business and Im appalled by how they have still been able to continue their business without any repercussions.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/13/2023

   

  ************** filed a complaint with the **** in June 2022 - Our response is listed below. Our response remains the same that the consumer will need to contact their insurance company directly. 

  ***************************** placed an account with ********** in February 2019 for charges ************** incurred on 10/28/2018. After the initial letter was sent in February, 2019, our first contact with ************** was in May 2019. During these communications ********** requested his insurance information and he advised us that his insurance was ****************** (UHC) and they were back dating coverage. He provided his UHC ID # and address to submit claims. The account was place on hold and the medical provider billed the insurance he provided in May 2019. In November 2019 the account was referred back to active collections as ****************** denied the charges stating he was not eligible for coverage for the 10/28/2018 date of service. The consumer was notified of the denial and the account was reported to the credit reporting agencies. We sent a follow up letter 11/22/2019. The complainant returned a telephone message on July 10 2020. He was informed that the insurance he provided denied coverage to the claim. We requested proof of credible coverage as he insisted he had coverage with ******************. When no proof was received we called ************** again in August, 2020. He requested no further calls and his file was noted as such. No further calls were made to **************. We have not received the requested information. No payment was made from ******************. We have received no proof of coverage or payment. The original creditor billed the insurance requested and charges were denied as no coverage under the plan was in effect for the date of service. ************** will need to review this matter with his insurance directly. We shall report this account is disputed.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/13/2023

   
  Complaint: 19930451
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  With the provided picture of my certificate of creditable coverageit shows and it states that I had coverage from January 1st 2018 to June 30th 2018/ October 1st 2018 to November 30th 2018/ December 1st 2018 to December 31st ****. So every time that I have contacted my insurance provider, they have confirmed as well as verified that the bill was already paid for and covered by my health insurance. That this company should not be trying to collect on this and if so its considered as fraud. They advised me to contact the ************************ about this, which I have. The Attorney generals offices have also advised me that this company has tried these fraud attempts/attacks on several others. I have now provided Puget Sound Collections with the SAME Certificate of Creditable Coverage (HIPAA Certificate) more than THREE TIMES! Where it shows with full valid proof of my coverage as well as I have taken all of the necessary steps required for this claim on my behalf.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/14/2023

  This is now the 2nd time I attached these documents to this submission 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2023

  This is now the 4th time sending the documents 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/19/2023

  The proof he had insurance will be forwarded to the original creditor.  Please note that ************** indicated in a call November 2019 that the document he sent ** was returned by **** and we reaffirm It was never received by our firm previously.    This document attached  confirms he had a state medical plan but it does not indicate the name of the insurance.  He indicated before his state insurance was through United Healthcare, which was billed but denied.   We will forward this information to the original creditor for billing.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/19/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Along with knowing that this Debt is being removed from my credit report and it resolves this issue that has been affecting my credit report for over 4 yrs.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/05/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am not liable for this debt with PUGET SOUND COLLECTIONS. I dont have a contract with them and they did not provide me with the original information or application like I asked and I believe all this is do to fraud and I have also made a report with the ************************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/05/2023

  A proper initial communication was mailed to the complainants address 11/23/2020.  No response was ever received.   Our contract is not with the consumer, but with the original creditor, ***************** for Pain to collect the unpaid charges.   Verification of debt shows that ********************* denied payment.  The agreement indicates that if insurance denies, the patient will be responsible.  Our office will mail the complainant verification of the debt with his signed agreement for care. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/27/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am the co-insured on an auto insurance policy and CarStar is trying to hold me accountable to pay a collision deductible on a repair for a vehicle that does not belong to me, for a claim that I did not file, and for repairs that I did not authorize. When I refused to pay because the debt did not belong to me, they sent the account to Puget Sound Collections in my name. I filed a dispute and provided irrefutable evidence supporting my case. I filed disputes with both Equifax and TransUnion and they acknowledged I was not responsible and deleted the account from my credit reports. CarStar and Puget Sound Collections are still trying to collect.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/02/2023

  Our office forwarded a copy of Carstar Hi-Tech Olympia's response to ***************** dispute - it dated 11-23-2022 and is attached.   ************* sent our office a cease and desist notice in response.

  Due to the contentious dispute of the $500.00 unpaid deductible , we have withdrawn the collection under ******************************* name from our office.   ************* may contact the original creditor should she have any questions.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/08/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/12/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Puget sound collections is trying to collect on a medical debt that is in dispute and they have not validated the debt. They claim to have validated it *********** and not responded directly to me. *** also reached out to the medical provider as I had two insurance policies and the billing should have been covered. Puget Sound collections continues to refuse to validate the debt and is reporting this medical debt on my credit reports. Amount is $127 and billing is from 2021. They put it on my credit report on 11/22 and are refusing to listen to my billing issues while harming my credit. I want this removed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/12/2023

  A proper collection notification was sent by **** to the complainant and spouse to the address of ****************************************************** in 2022.

  We have not received any communications or direct requests to validate the debt by the complainant. 

  Our investigation is now complete as we have confirmed with the original creditor that the balance owed was not paid.

  Proof of this debt was mailed to the consumer on January 11, 2023.  The invoice indicates Humana and Premera have processed the charges.

  Account is updated as disputed as required but will not be removed from credit reporting until charges are paid.      

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/12/2023

   
  Complaint: 18728043
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I want them to send me debt validation. They are once again refusing.
  They keep throwing a date out with no back up.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2023

  Verification of the debt was mailed as indicated in our previous response on January 11, 2023.   The consumer appears to have rejected our response before giving ample time to have the **** deliver the statement for review.

  That said, our file is closed as the original creditor reported that the complainant paid them directly a few days ago.  The account was credited with her payment and we will notify the credit reporting agencies they can now remove the account from her credit report as we indicated we would once the debt was resolved.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/26/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************