Verizon Wireless Defends Another Federal Suit Over Fraudulent Collections

The often sued Verizon Wireless bill collectors are on the docket again.

The newest complaint, filed in Alabama federal court, asserts the No. 2 wireless service provider is destroying the credit of an otherwise uninvolved citizen.

Verizon Wireless is trying to collect more than $1,000 from Johnny Howard he does not owe, and is falsely reporting the alleged debt on his credit reports. Howard is an identity theft victim. After complying with Verizon Wireless’ demands to fill out a police report and send them a copy, he was turned over to a collection agency anyway. The collection agency later received the police report, according to the lawsuit, but the problem was not resolved. The overdue account remained on Howard’s credit reports, prompting him to contact TransUnion L.L.C. and Equifax. Equifax eventually removed the account; TransUnion did not. TransUnion is included in the complaint.

“This wrongful conduct has drastically impacted plaintiff’s credit score and credit worthiness and has caused him past and future monetary loss, past and future emotional distress, and other damages that will be presented,” the lawsuit states.