Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  06/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with MEDICAL and I do not have a contract with Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc plus they did not provide me with the original application like I asked.account number: ************ amount disputed: $500.00

  Business response

  06/20/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct # *********

  Dear *******, 

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint  ******** submitted by your office on behalf of  ******* ******. We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. (CFSI) take our consumer protection obligations very seriously and have dedicated significant resources to our compliance-related functions. We hope the following information is found sufficient to address the issues and concerns set forth in the complaint. 

  Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. is a third-party collection agency, and as such, we do not have contracts directly with consumers. We service accounts on behalf of our clients with whom we share a contract and who has purchased the account from the original creditor.  The original creditor has a right to sell/charge-off accounts after they become seriously past due. While the consumer did not create the debt with Commonwealth Financial Systems, the original creditor has sold/charged off the original debt to our client who then assigned it to our office for collection. This is what gives our collection agency the ability to collect for an outstanding debt. 

  The account in question is the result of emergency physicians services provided on 11/07/2019 by the original creditor, who is **** ********* ***** **. In regard to medical debt arising from services of this nature, a waiver is signed by the patient, or responsible party, upon acceptance for medical services. A copy of this waiver can be obtained from the facility from which services were sought. Commonwealth Financial Systems has no ability or right to request admission documents.

  On 06/13/2022 our office received written correspondence from **************** disputing the debt and requesting validation of the debt. We reached out to our client for validation, however, in the attachment accompanying Complaint *******, **************** requests we cease and desist communication with her in relation to this or any other alleged debts. Although no violations were found, and the consumer did not provide any documentation showing the debt is not owed, we will honor consumer's cease request on the account in question. The account has been closed in our office and is scheduled to be returned to our client. A deletion request will be submitted to the  credit bureaus to remove our tradelines from credit reporting. 

  Please note, licensing information is available to the public and can be found online within the consumer's state.

  Sincerely,
  Michelle H*************,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.

  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.  

• Initial Complaint

  05/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I do not nor have I ever had a contract with commonwealth financial systems. I am not liable for this debt from ******************. I am not responsible for this debt.

  Business response

  06/08/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct # *********

  Dear *******, 
  

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint  ******** submitted by your office on behalf of *********************. 

  The referenced account was placed with our office on 2/21/2022 as an unresolved debt. The debt originated from services provided to minor child, ***, on 10/23/2017 and there remains a balance of $160.00. Our records indicate the initial validation notice was sent to consumer on  or about 3/23/2022. 

  Please be advised, Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. is a third-party collection agency and as such, we do not have contracts directly with consumers. We service accounts on behalf of our clients with whom we share a contract and who has purchased the account from the original creditor. The original creditor has a right to sell/charge-off accounts after they become seriously past due. While the consumer did not create the debt with the collection agency, the original creditor has sold/charged off the original debt to our client who then assigned it to our office for collection. This is what gives the collection agency the ability to collect for an outstanding debt. 

  It should be noted that the account is no longer open in our office. It was closed on 5/27/2022 and scheduled to be returned to our client, ** *******. 

  I hope my response has addressed the issues and concerns as set forth in the complaint.

  Sincerely, 

  Michelle H**************

  Legal/Compliance Admin
  
  **This is a communication from a debt collector.   

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company is claiming that their client has an open collection account. My records and phone conversations with ********** verified by a certified statement from the law office that solely represents ********** clearly indicate the account was paid in 2019.The company keeps telling me their client wont accept the info, yet their supposed client has not heard of them.

  Business response

  06/03/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct #'s ********* & *********

  Dear *******,

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint ******** submitted by your office on behalf of  *********************** .

  We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. (CFSI)  strive to deliver professional and friendly service to all consumers. Furthermore, we respect the laws as well as the state and federal agencies that oversee compliance. I appreciate this issue being brought to our attention and believe the following information will address the issues and concerns set forth in the complaint.

  The accounts in question are the result of  emergency physicians services provided on  07/16/2017 by the original creditor, who is ******* ********* **********; original account #s ******** *******  & ******** *******, respectively. On or about 1/4/2022, the validation of debt notice in regard to the accounts was sent to consumer. This letter provided the name of the provided the name of the original creditor, name of the current creditor to who the debt is owed, the amount of debt,  and all other disclosures as required by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and applicable State law.

  In a telephone contact on 03/18/2022, ************ advised he is disputing the debt, claiming it was paid prior. To investigate the claim, we went back to our client, who validated the balance as accurate and due. In an effort to help consumer resolve the dispute, we asked that ************ provide documentation to support his claim. On 04/04/2022, ************ submitted paperwork as proof of paid prior, however, the information did not match the accounts we have on file. 

  Upon receipt of Complaint ********, all attachments submitted by consumer were reviewed. Please note, the information in the attached documents is not relating to the information we have on file, and does not provide proof of payment of the above referenced accounts. 

  Thank you for your patience while we completed our investigation of **. ***** claim. We will continue to note the accounts as disputed, pending  documentation from ************ to substantiate the basis of his dispute.

  If there are any further questions, comments or concerns, consumer can contact our agency at **************. 

  Sincerely,

  Michelle H************

   Legal/Compliance Dept.

  **This is a communication from a debt collector.  This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.   

  Business response

  07/05/2022

  a full investigation was completed, and the issues were fully addressed in two responses provided. *** **** has provided the same documents as ‘proof of payment’ multiple multiple times and each time he was advised the information in the documents does not relate to the accounts in question. Not only did our office conduct a full investigation into the basis for *** ****’s dispute, our client, the current creditor of the accounts, reviewed and looked into the documents and advised the information provided by *** **** related to the facility only and the balances on the accounts are still due. These findings were related to *** **** as per section 611(a)(1) of the FCRA (15 U.S.C. 1681i(a)(1)).  Also, I am not certain, but I don’t believe there was an option to respond to *** ****’s last Rejection to our company response. Even if there was, consumer provided no new information to investigate and there was nothing further I could provide in my response that wasn’t provided in my previous two responses.   As stated in the 06/14/2022 response, the investigation was complete on our end. 1. I believe we satisfied the requirements of investigating the disputed information,  sufficiently addressed the issues and concerns set forth by complainant, therefore resolving the complaint. If you disagree, can you please point out where we fell short of our duties.  I’m not sure what more we could have done to resolve this complaint satisfactorily.  Complainants aren’t always going to be satisfied with our company response, but it doesn’t mean we didn’t satisfy the complaint.  We welcome your input as being constructive as we strive to learn and do better every day.  

  Customer response

  07/29/2022

  Per my previous complaint against this company, they finally have admitted that I didn’t owe them and have cleared the account. Very troubling that a company can attach something false like this to someone’s credit and send you written statements basically lying about it. This company should really be penalized and held accountable in some way for their actions

• Initial Complaint

  04/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company just popped up on my credit report never got any letter about what I owe or who it is I been working on my credit to build it up and now this company shows up on my report and now it's going to mess up what I have accomplished this yr. I want it off my credit report

  Business response

  05/16/2022

  Re: CFSI Acct # *********

  Dear *******,

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint ******** submitted by your office on behalf of ******* *******. We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. (‘CFSI’) respect the laws as well as the state and federal agencies that oversee compliance and take our consumer protection obligations very seriously. I have personally reviewed the record fully in conjunction with the consumer’s complaint  and believe the following information will address the issues and concerns set forth in the complaint. 
  
  The above referenced account is a medical debt that originated from services provided on 01/19/2019. The account was placed with our office for collections. Our records indicate the initial Validation notice was sent to consumer, via email, on April 14, 2022. . In accordance with 15 U.S. Code §?1692g, this notice provided the name of the original creditor, name of the current creditor to who the debt is owed, the amount of debt, and all other disclosures as required by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and applicable State law.  The email was not returned as ‘undeliverable'. 
  
  Although no violation was found, and the consumer did not provide any documentation showing the debt is not owed, we have decided to honor consumer's  request for no further contact from our office. We have closed the account in our office and will return it to our client, advising CFSI will no longer be servicing the account. A request will be submitted to the credit bureaus to remove our tradeline from credit reporting. 
  
  I hope my response has addressed the issues and concerns as set forth in the complaint. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Michelle H********,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.

  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.  

• Initial Complaint

  04/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April 15, 2022 I received a letter stating I owed money to a debt collector from a doctors visit to centers for diagnostic imaging. The amounts were for a **** that had been paid by my lawyers from an accident settlement. I followed the instructions on the letter to dispute both amounts on April 15 and again on April 20 with no response. I have called many times during omsupposed office hours. A bot answers says no one is available and hangs up. Later on April 20th they reported both amounts to credit report companies. I have the invoice AND copies of the checks that were used to pay this, and I have contacted centers for diagnostic imaging and they also said the amounts were paid. They also said they do not work with commonwealth financial. This company has ignored my requests for dispute multiple times.Reference numbers: ********* and *********

  Business response

  05/10/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct #s ********* & *********

  Dear *******, 

   

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint  ******** submitted by your office on behalf of  *******************************.  
  
  On 04/21/2022, our office received a complaint submitted by another regulatory agency on  ************************** behalf. In the complaint, ********************** disputed the accounts, stating they were paid prior. In order for us to complete an investigation, we needed to reach our to our client, the current creditor, for assistance. Ms. ***************** information and attachments were forwarded to our client for the matter to be researched.  

  In the interim, ceased collection activities and  a request was submitted on 4/22/2022  to the credit reporting agencies for tradeline deletion.

  A response from our client today advised they have not yet completed their investigation. Once we receive the outcome of the investigation from our client, we will inform ********************** of those findings. 

  We thank you for your patience and understanding during this investigation period. 

  Respectfully,

  *********************************

  Legal/Compliance Dept.

  
  **This is a communication from a debt collector. 

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  04/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On March 21 2022, I sent a debt validation request to CommonWealth Financial Systems via certified mail. In my request I specifically requested the following: -a breakdown of fees and medical charges -a copy of my signature with the provider of service to release my medical information to them. - cease any credit bureau reporting until the debt has been validated by me. On April 5 2022, I received a letter from commonwealth with a statement of account attached but failed to include a copy of my signature that explicitly states that I have authorized third party access to records. This is a HIPAA violation.

  Business response

  04/20/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct #s:  ********* & ********* 

  This response is in relation to Complaint ID ********  submitted on behalf of ***** ******.  We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. (‘CFSI’) take our consumer protection obligations very seriously and have dedicated significant resources to our compliance-related functions. I have personally reviewed the inquiry and believe the following information will address the issues and concerns set forth in the complaint.

  The above referenced account was placed with our office for collections on 04/27/2021. The validation of debt notice was sent to *** ****** on or about 05/04/2021. In accordance with 15 U.S. Code §?1692g, this letter provided the name of the original creditor, name of the current creditor to who the debt is owed, the amount of debt, in addition to all other disclosures as required by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and applicable State law. Our records indicate the notice was sent to the address provided in said Complaint and was not returned as ‘undeliverable’. We received no response from consumer.   On or about 08/02/2021 a second notice was sent, and again, we received no response.

  On 03/25/2022 our office received written correspondence from *** ******, sent certified, requesting debt validation.  As part of the dispute process, we conducted an investigation and confirmed that the information in our records matched the information being reported to the credit bureaus.  On 03/29/2022,verification of the debt was forwarded to *** ****** for review.
  
  As for HIPAA authorization, the HIPAA law permits creditors to share information with its Business Associates necessary to collect on medical debt. The HIPAA rules require that covered entities and business associates enter into contracts to ensure protected health information is appropriately safeguarded. Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. operates under a Business Associates Agreement with our client which certifies that we agree to not share private health information with anyone other than the consumer, or authorized party, and we further agree to keep records secure. Our company has been fully compliant with HIPAA requirements concerning privacy of medical records.
  
  I hope my response has addressed the issues and concerns as set forth in the complaint. We will continue to note the account as disputed. Should *** ****** have additional questions or concerns, we can be reached at **************.

  Sincerely,
  
  Michelle H*******,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.
  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.  This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

• Initial Complaint

  03/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 31, 2022, I exercised my rights under FCRA 611(a)(6)(B(iii) which provides that a consumer may request a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information shall be provided to the consumer by the agency, including the business name and address of any furnisher of information contacted in connection with such information and the telephone number of such furnisher, if reasonably available, regarding a false information/collection account being reported on my credit reports by Commonwealth Financial Systems/Radiology Physician Solutions, account # ********, in the amount of $1380.00, by sending Method of Verification letters certified mail, return receipt requested to ********, **********, and *******. To date, I have not received any compliance/information/proof or verification methods to my request within the 15 days allowed from receipt of my letters/requests in compliance with the FCRA  I was supposed to receive responses to my requests by February 28, 2022. To date, Commonwealth Financial Systems/Radiology Physician Solutions, is reporting a false information/collection account to the credit bureaus. Therefore, I expect this false account will be removed from my credit files immediately. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

  Business response

  04/15/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct #  ********

  Dear *******, 
  
  This response is in relation to Complaint ID ********  submitted on behalf of *************************.  We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. (CFSI) take our consumer protection obligations very seriously and have dedicated significant resources to our compliance-related functions. The above referenced account was reviewed fully in conjunction with the consumers complaint and I believe the following information will address the issues and concerns set forth in the complaint.

  The account in question was placed with our office on 10/27/2021. Our records indicate the validation of debt notice was sent to consumer on or about 11/18/2021. In accordance with 15 U.S. Code §?1692g, this letter provided the name of the original creditor, name of the current creditor to who the debt is owed, the amount of debt, and all other statements & disclosures as required by the FDCPA and applicable State laws. The letter was sent to **** ***** ********* ****, same as that provided with the complaint, and was not returned undeliverable. Several calls were made to consumer; however, these contact attempts were unsuccessful.

  On 01/28/2022 CFSI received notice from the credit bureaus the consumer was disputing the debt on the basis of: Not aware of collections.  On 02/10/2022,another was received that consumer was disputing stating: Not Consumers Debt.  No further information was provided with the dispute. CFSI conducted an investigation, did a full review of all relevant case records and confirmed that the information in CFSIs records matched the information being reported to the credit bureaus. Supporting documentation  was forwarded to consumer for review.

  The facility where services were received may offer consumer specific  procedural information. Consumer can contact our office at ************** for facility information. Commonwealth Financial Systems has no ability or right to request these medical documents.

  I hope my response has addressed the issues and concerns as set forth in the complaint and the information provided assists consumer. We will continue to notate the account as disputed. 

  Sincerely,

  Michelle H***********,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.

  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.  This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 

• Initial Complaint

  03/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2016 I took my grandson to the emergency in Arkansas which at the time, I didn't have his medical card. He was 14 years old and I put all the information regarding his mother and her insurance for him. I end up with the bill 2016. Talked with correct people at the hospital, sent the statement from the mother. This collection ended up my credit report in 2018. I revisit this issue once again with the hospital. We did not get the issue resolved. I filed a complaint with all credit companies and the was removed from my credit in 2020. I sent a response to this company 30 days ago and explained. Now 2 years later they are threatening to garnish my family. Total payment was $1,675. Current creditor is ******** **************** ***. What are my options here?

  Business response

  04/08/2022

  Re. CFSI Acct # *********

  Dear *******,

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint ******** submitted by your office on behalf of *************************.  Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. (CFSI) takes every complaint serious, especially those that indicate a threat has taken place. *************** makes the claim there was a threat to garnish his family. I personally conducted an internal investigation, which consisted of a full review of the case file and all corresponding documents. No telephonic contact took place; therefore, no call recordings were available for review.

  Please be advised, the above referenced account was placed with our office for collections on 02/07/2022. The validation of debt was sent to consumer on or about 03/01/2022. In accordance with 15 U.S. Code §?1692g, this letter provided the name of the original creditor, name of the current creditor to who the debt is owed, the amount of debt, in addition to all other disclosures as required by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and applicable State law.  **. ******* returned a portion of the notice disputing the debt which was received in our office on 03/17/2022.The basis of consumers dispute - Not Consumer's Debt. No supporting information/documents accompanied the dispute. We immediately marked the account as disputed and started our investigation.  We reached out to the current creditor to assist us with our investigation. CFSI reviewed all relevant information, records and account documents and confirmed that the information in our records accurately reflected the terms of and liability for the account. Supporting documentation was forwarded to consumer for review.

  We at Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc. understand it can be frustrating dealing with billing issues and we would like to assist consumer with possibly getting the matter resolved. In an effort to do so, we ask that **************** provide the insurance information that the child was covered under at the time of services.  The service date is 10/09/2016. A front and back copy of the applicable insurance card can be provided, however, if that is not an option, **************** can provide the following: Name, Address, and Phone number of Insurance carrier, Member/Policy #. 

  In his complaint, **************** states he is trying to resolve the issue with the hospital. Should the guarantors information be changed/updated in the hospital records, **************** can provide us the Face Sheet, or supporting documentation from the hospital, indicating **************** is no longer guarantor.  

  This information can be mailed to our office at: Commonwealth Financial Systems,Inc., 245 Main Street, Dickson City, PA 18519; or emailed to: accountmanager@cfsi-arm.com.. To prevent any delays, the CFSI Acct # should be documented on all correspondence. Once received, this information will be forwarded to our client for review. 

  Upon conclusion of my investigation, it was determined consumer's claim of a threat/threat of garnishment, was unfounded. Correspondence sent to consumer was in keeping with State and Federal laws and factual in nature. 

  I hope my response has addressed the issues and concerns as set forth in the complaint. 

  If there are any further questions, comments or concerns, consumer can contact our agency at **************. 

  Respectfully, Michelle H**************, Legal/Compliance Dept.

  **This is a communication from a debt collector.  This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I discovered a collections entry on my credit report for Commonwealth Financial Systems in the amount of $749.42. I contacted Commonwealth to dispute the charge and asked for an itemized statement showing the charges. The information I received, referenced a visit to Dr.************************ at *** of ********** on 04/06/2017. This charge does not belong to me. I do not recognize that doctor's name or location listed. I am requesting this case be closed and this item to be removed from my credit report permanently. Thank you!

  Business response

  03/18/2022

  Re. **** Acct # *********

  Dear *******, 

  We thank you for the opportunity to respond to Complaint ******** submitted by your office on behalf of  *****************************. 

  The above referenced account is the result of emergency physicians' services provided on 04/06/2017 by the original creditor, who is *** OF **********,***.The services were rendered  to ***************, DOB: **********, SSN:***-**-**** (first five digits of ssn redacted security purposes), address the same as that provided by consumer in said Complaint. The total charge for these services was 896.40; minus adjustments of $146.98, leaving a remaining balance of $749.42. In regard to medical debt arising from services of this nature, a waiver is signed by the patient, or responsible party, upon acceptance for medical services. A copy of this waiver can be obtained from the facility from which services were sought. 

  On 01/25/2022, ****************** advised our office he was unaware of the debt in collections. We submitted a deletion request to the credit bureaus to remove the tradeline from credit reporting as we conducted an investigation. Our investigation confirmed the information in our records was accurate. Validation of the debt was sent to consumer for review. 

  In the event consumer had insurance, the Explanation of Benefits (***) from his insurance company may offer ****************** more guidance regarding coverage. We encourage him to contact him insurance company and discuss the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) which explains what portion was paid to the health care provider and what portion of the payment is the patient's responsibility.  His health care provider can go over the entire EOB, line by line, to see if a mistake has occurred. Typically, an EOB should tell you how much the provider charged, how much the insurance disallowed, how much the insurance paid and how much you owe.

  Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. has provided ****************** with both a validation letter, and an Itemized Billing Statement that was provided the original creditor, to assist in his investigation. Should consumer have information showing the balance is not owed, this information can be mailed to: Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc., 245 Main Street, Dickson City, PA 18519; or emailed to: accountmanager@cfsi-arm.com. To prevent any delays, the CFSI Acct # should be documented on all correspondence

  We will continue to note the account as disputed. 

  Sincerely,
  Michelle H**************,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.
  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.  This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.  

  Customer response

  03/22/2022

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:as I originally stated I researched where this doctor is located and have never been to that location or doctor. And the information that was provided me, in the documents I attached to my original complaint, gave me the doctor's name and an amount and that is all, no itemized bill.  Even if this were an accurate billing it should not appear on my credit report being that it is medical. 

  Regards,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  03/30/2022

  Re: CFSI Acct *********

  Dear *******, 

  We regret to hear ****************** found our company response to be unsatisfactory. Here at Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc, we strive to assist consumers in resolving issues and addressing concerns. 

  I reviewed the file and corresponding documents, and believe the following will assist consumer.

  The account in question originated from emergency physicians' services rendered on 04/06/2017. Please note, this is a physician's bill; the physician bills separately from the hospital/facility. A physicians' group can be affiliated with one or more hospitals, such as ******* ********** Hospital.  Depending on releases signed by the patient, or authorized party, at the time of services, the consumer may contact his family physician for information on the precise location services were sought and rendered. Another option is for consumer to reach out to his insurance provider who may offer him guidance on where treatment was sought and rendered on the date of service. Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc has no ability or right to request medical records on a patient. As part of the dispute process, we conducted an investigation and has confirmed the information in our records were accurately reflected.  

  We will continue to note consumers position in regard to the debt. Please note, the above referenced account was financially resolved by consumer on 3/25/2022. The account is scheduled to removed from credit reporting. 

  I hope my response has sufficiently addressed the issues and concerns as set forth. 

  Sincerely, 

  Michelle H***************,
  Legal/Compliance Dept.

  ** This is a communication from a debt collector.

*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. ↩