Collection letter from RSI for a $15 co pay (Sent DV letter, Arizona)

[Analysis]

This is a new strategy from a collector. They have sent me a collection letter for a $15 co pay from 3 years ago. At the bottom of the letter they have a an amount the medical insurance company has already paid, $897. They appear to be  asking for only $15, but they accept only credit/debit cards. My theory is that their strategy is to convince me to give my credit/debit card for the $15.00, then bill the larger amount of the $897, which was paid by my medical insurance company long ago.

 

I've sent a DV letter, they immediately sent me a summary of services (which likely also violates HIPAA regulations). I am planning to send a second DV letter, with the addresses of Arizona Attorney general, Arizona Financial Regulators, BBB, CFPB,, and a request for $1,000.

Any other suggestions for the next DV, to make it is strong and effective as possible? Scores are all above 820, so the last thing I want is to risk anything at this time. Nothing on my credit reports.

Edited June 15, 2024 by Analysis
Additional details (No credit report reporting yet)

[8ball]

Do you owe the $15 bucks?

[Analysis]

3 hours ago, 8ball said:

Do you owe the $15 bucks?

No. It was paid at the time of the appointment. Very disorganized medical office.

[Why Chat]

It may be a "data dump" from the medical office that engendered this, or it may be that your data from your credit reports was sold to a data miner who then sold it to a bottom feeding CA. In any case , make sure that your reports are clean and to avoid future problems opt out.

Why Chat's Credit Confusion -GUIDEBOOK

[embertmorton200]

I’ve dealt with RSI too—sending a debt validation letter was the right first step. If they didn’t respond with proper validation, they shouldn’t be reporting the $15 co-pay. Keep records of your letter and timeline. In Arizona, you’ve got solid FDCPA protections. If they continue collections without validating, consider filing a CFPB complaint or talking to a consumer attorney.

[Why Chat]

The CFPB has been emasculated-- try hopes and prayers instead.