Division of Financial Regulation

"The Division of Financial Regulation registers individuals or companies that collect third-party debts Despite the wealth of supporting evidence and numerous complaints, along with a cashed check as proof, I find myself pleading for help as LVNV violates the FDCPA. They employ "false representations or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt," as outlined in 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(10). Their actions constitute fraud, and they have manipulated my account. Despite dedicating considerable time and money while living on a fixed income, this debt collector, LVNV Funding, continues its relentless pursuit. However, it's crucial to note that the account had been paid off in 2018 through a home refinance, and I have provided all the necessary paperwork to substantiate this fact. The court suggested I file in a higher court and also advised LVNV Funding and JOHNSON MARKS LLC , the lawyer representing this debt collector. During a court session, Mr. Anderson of LVNV Funding stated that it was not their responsibility to investigate or review the supporting evidence. This neglect may constitute "Unfair or Unconscionable Means" under 12 CFR 1006.22 and may violate Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Regulation 12 CFR Part 1006, Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F). Furthermore, LVNV Funding may have violated the FCRA by failing to conduct a reasonable investigation into my fraud claims, as per 15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2(b)(1)(A). The judge's uncertainty regarding the way forward led to a panic attack due to my disability during the court trial. In the course of the proceedings, the judge acknowledged the account's discrepancies. This debt collector is setting unrealistic standards and manipulating the legal system to its advantage, ignoring the enforcement of the law. Failing to address this issue now places an unjust financial burden on me and my wife for fraudulent and commingled accounts, and other consumers are similarly affected. LVNV and other debt buyers must be held accountable for their actions. I've been seeking assistance from your office for two years with no response. Could you please explain why Also other News media has done stories to bring this to your Attention , I myself have been sending email making calls and nothing is happening. I have to pay this bill or lose my home HELP THE OREGON CONSUMER PLEASE ...."

"Although it can seem sometimes like they just don't care, please understand that they are working with a skeleton crew and have been since Covid started. Everyone has been hit by staffing shortages. That said, sometimes, it is just a bad law that can screw up your claim. It is the job of lobbyists to manipulate the law and policies to the advantage of the people paying them. Some of the things they manipulate may not exactly be consumer friendly. The division of financial regulation has literally helped hundreds of my clients over the past 13 years, so they're not entirely without teeth. It may take time for your complaint to be reviewed by an advocate before it is pushed up to an analyst, who will then have a committee review and investigate your complaint before making a decision. Unfortunately, sometimes even if it feels wrong and even illegal what the insurance company is doing to you, it ends up being completely legal. The billion dollar insurance companies have plenty of lobbyists pushing their agenda whereas there isn't anywhere near that kind of money behind consumer advocates. Although the insurance commission has a lot of power, they have their hands tied if there isn't a law or policy that sides with your case. 99% of the time, I find it was the lawmakers, not the commissioner responsible for the poorly written law or rule that gives the insurance company a way to slither out. My advice? Do your due diligence. Document, Document, Document. Talk to an adjuster? write down what was said and when it was said. Make a timeline. Ask them to follow up with a summary of what they told you in an email. Written responses have more credibility than verbal. If the insurance company tells you something over the phone, it doesn't mean it will be recorded where you can acquire that recording. You really think they're going to give you that recording to use against them? Oops, must have been deleted. Don't trust anyone and advocate for yourself. Reach out to experts that are not tied to the insurance companies. The division of financial regulation is on the consumer's side as far as protecting you, but they also have to be unbiased, ethical and follow the laws and rules. Which may not line up with what you think is ethical, legal or unbiased."

"I understand things can be really slow during Covid era but there was at least one bad egg in USAA which made false accusations and shifted the fault on me and refused to compensate me thousands of dollars. I spent a lot of time calling and emailing USAA politely, but it didn't go far and I even get a rather rude treatment from one agent over the phone. After filing complain with DFR, with just one form submission and one follow up response document, I was able to get all issues resolved. Thank you very much again for handling my case so well Jim Thompson. I also want to clarify that USAA is a great company in general. But they do have at least one bad egg and I really hope that agent will no longer be able to make false accusation on other customers."

"Insurance reps will sometimes discriminate, intimidate, misinform, mislead and even outright lie to consumers. If you feel you're being treated unfairly by an insurance company, this is one of your best options. I deal with consumer total loss and diminished value claims daily and sometimes the insurance representative just truly believes that they are right and are just incorrectly interpreting the policy or law. The Division of Financial Regulation can help you get your point across and check the law or your policy to make sure you're being treated fairly. Most often if you feel something is wrong, it probably is."

"I have multiple layers of regulation to contend with as a Registered Investment Adviser and licensed insurance agent. The DFR has always been extremely helpful, quick to respond and reasonable in their audits. I do have peers in the industry who resent the inconvenience of Oregon's regulatory structures. But they need to keep in mind that they will be more successful if they acquire more skill instead of wishing things were easier. The DFR helps keep bad actors out of the market. I'm all for that!"