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.

close

Find a Location

Puget Sound Collections has 2 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  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:03/14/2025

  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.

  On March 13, 2025, I was informed by a family member that they received a call from a staff member named ******** at PSC **** asking for me. On March 14th, 2025, I called them back during their normal business hours (at about 09:05 AM PST is when I initiated the call) and was connected to the operator. The operator had asked how can I assist to which I informed her I would like to speak with ******** in regards to a call she had made to a family member (and who did not consent to these calls). Once connected with ********, she requested my first name, last name, middle initial, and my date of birth to which I provided so she can query for my information in their system. She informed me that I owe a debt to ****************** Care Physicians" which came by surprise as I was only aware of a bill of 600$ to Multicare (which was paid off). At no point in time have I ever received a bill from ***************** Care Physicians or received notice that I was late/the bill would be sent to collections. I informed her that I was not made aware of this and this is not my debt. At no point in time have I ever received a letter, call, email, or other contact from ***************** Physicians. She continued to argue with me that "Multicare bills differently for ER visits and this can be seen on their website" and that I can just provide my insurance information to bill to charge my insurance (why can I not just resolve this directly with the supposed company and not the debt collectors? Why do they need my insurance?)I informed her that there is no reason to provide my insurance information as I do not owe this debt. She continued to argue with me back and forth and informed me that if I refused to pay this debt that it would be reported to the credit bureaus (which is illegal under Regulation V of the Fair Credit Reporting Act). I had enough of the berating call and ended the call abruptly.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/20/2025

  
  1) AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
  
       I, Jacob *****, expressly authorize Puget Sound Collections to communicate directly with BBB on all matters relating to the items as specific in the complaint form and including any debts I am alleged to owe.
  
       I have filed a complaint with BBB and authorize BBB to release the complaint form and all supporting documents to Puget Sound Collections.
  
       I acknowledge without this authorization, Puget Sound Collections would not be authorized to discuss these matters with BBB and any of its employees or representatives. I expressly waive that restriction for all purposes relating to the complaint I filed with BBB.
  
  
       Insert Your Name Here:     ***** Smith                        Date:  03/20/2025
  
  
  2) Here is the information BBB requested regarding my complaint:
  
  

  • I requested the verification of the debt from Puget Sound Collections on 03/14/2025 by Email
    
    *****
  • The reason why I believe the alleged debt is NOT valid is: No bills regarding said debt have been delivered to me, outside of the "collection letter" sent to me by PSC. I find it important to note as well that this letter was sent back with the notice "I want to dispute this debt because I think the debt is wrong". Upon contacting them over the phone after they unlawfully contacted a number that was not me and I attempted to inform them I have yet to receive any information from the original company, they stated that they will just "mark it as not willing to pay" instead of investigating the matter further. Additionally I have yet to hear back from PSC *** regarding this debt that I owe as they have failed to respond to two requests now for the evidence and validation that this debt is owed.
    
    *****
  • The account number: *******
    *****

  Business Response

  Date: 03/20/2025

  ***************** Physicians referred an account to our office for collection in January 2025.  Notice of this was sent to the complainant. In February we received the notice back that the charges were disputed  "The amount is wrong"  No other information was present.    The account was moved the dispute department to clarify why the consumer felt the balance was incorrect.   On 3/13/2025 a phone message was left at a phone number provided by the original creditor.  The complainant returned the call 3/14/2025, his phone number was updated and claimed that the amount was wrong because he paid balance after insurance to Multicare.  Our representative explained that ***************** Care Physicians bill for the physician is separate - and there was no insurance information provided to the physician.    Insurance information is required if he wanted the provider to bill insurance.  He refused to provide insurance information and was advised that account would be noted and Mr. ***** responded with profanity and ended call.    We subsequently received an email after hours dated March 14th asking for validation.  Validation of the debt was ordered from the original creditor and will be mailed once *********** the address he confirmed is correct.   Though this account has not been reported at this time, our office rejects the allegation that credit reporting is illegal.    

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/20/2025

   
  Complaint: 23066436
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  A) PSC ***** statement of "Notice of this was sent to the complainant." is incorrect. No postal mail, email, phone call, or other contact has been made at all by "***************** Physicians". I would like to request that proof this notice was delivered to the proper address and/or contact information.
  
  B) The next statement "In February we received the notice back that the charges were disputed  "The amount is wrong"  No other information was present. The account was moved the dispute department to clarify why the consumer felt the balance was incorrect." is also partially incorrect. When calling PSC *** back regarding this apparent debt, I was not informed that my reply via postal mail was sent to any department for investigation. I have not been provided any sort of update as well.
  
  C) Additionally, the statement "Our representative explained that ***************** Care Physicians bill for the physician is separate - and there was no insurance information provided to the physician. Insurance information is required if he wanted the provider to bill insurance. He refused to provide insurance information and was advised that account would be noted and Mr. ***** responded with profanity and ended call." is also incorrect. I was advised that the account would be marked as "refusal to pay" after I stated I would like to dispute the debt. This further adds onto section A of this reply as never once have I been informed of this debt I owe. If this truly was a debt owed to ***************** Physicians from the hospital, they should have my insurance on file and should of contacted me to inform me. I would like to note that this concerns me as it appears to be a fraudulent claim. If ***************** Physicians was truly attempting to collect my information to send a bill out, they would have the updated phone number, address, and any other contact information as the night of the event, I updated all of my contact information with Multicare.
  
  D) The next statement, "We subsequently received an email after hours dated March 14th asking for validation.  Validation of the debt was ordered from the original creditor and will be mailed once *********** the address he confirmed is correct.". This information has never been brought to my attention. At no point in time have I ever received a reply that they are waiting to hear back from the original creditor. Has PSC ***. confirmed the address they will send it to? Have they considered copying me on an email sent to the original creditor to clarify and clear things up? There is no transparency in this matter and a lack of communication further concerns me that this is some sort of fraudulent claim I owe debt.
  
  E) Finally, the statement "Though this account has not been reported at this time, our office rejects the allegation that credit reporting is illegal." is highly concerning. This further tells me that the information and claims I am bringing to the BBB and PSC *** are not being fully read and understood by PSC ***, inviting errors and even more problems. It is not the act of credit reporting in general that is illegal, it is the act of reporting medical debt specifically that has been updated.
  
  Sincerely,
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2024

  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.

  Puget Sound Collections has wilfully ignored a certified, documented dispute to their billing and collection efforts under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. They continue to slander my credit history which is negatively impacting my executive level job interviews. Since their attorneys wilfully ignored my request to stop reporting and provide evidence of the disputed bill, I may have to pursue another course of action.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/05/2024

  
  1) AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
  
       I, ***********;Lane, expressly authorize Puget Sound Collections to communicate directly with BBB on all matters relating to the items as specific in the complaint form and including any debts I am alleged to owe.
  
       I have filed a complaint with BBB and authorize BBB to release the complaint form and all supporting documents to Puget Sound Collections.
  
       I acknowledge without this authorization, Puget Sound Collections would not be authorized to discuss these matters with BBB and any of its employees or representatives. I expressly waive that restriction for all purposes relating to the complaint I filed with BBB.
  
  
       Insert Your Name Here:___________________________________   Date:  __/__/____
  
  
  2) Here is the information BBB requested regarding my complaint:
  
  

  • I requested the verification of the debt from Puget Sound Collections on __/__/___ by  Select one -> Email, Phone, Mail, or Other (Please specify)_________________
    
    
  • The reason why I believe the alleged debt is NOT valid is:__________________________________________________________________________________________________
    
    
  • The account number:_____________________
    

  ******* Please do NOT click 'Proceed' until you have signed and dated your agreement for release of information in Section 1 and provided the requested information in section 2. *******

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2024

  Our agency denies the allegation contained in this complaint.   Our agency received an email from the complainant noted 6/4/2024, later certified mail received contained the same communication.  Our records indicate a proper validation notice was sent to the complainant when the four accounts were assigned to our office for collection between the period of August 2022 and May 2023.  All four accounts represent balances due after insurance was billed.  All validation notices were sent to the same address, which matches the address on the complaint.  No response was received by the complainant   All services were rendered for a minor child, the complainant listed as guarantor.  Contrary to the allegation on the complaint, our firm promptly mailed verification of all of the debts assigned on June 11, 2024 to the address on the complaint.  Further, any account that was reported to the credit bureaus was reported as disputed as required.  Verification of the debts included all required information as outlined by Washington State statutes.    As outlined on the verifications, three of the four charges outlined insurance payments and contracted adjustments prior to collection referral.  One charge was billed to insurance ,however, the original creditors records indicated that insurance denied.  There was no response and our dispute resolution specialist left a message on his voice mail 7/8/2024. Our office can be contacted at ************** or ************ should the complainant wish to discuss a resolution.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2024

   
  Complaint: 21947695
  
  I am rejecting the response from Puget Sound Collections because they never notified me of any outstanding balances and have intentionally or willfully harmed me and my reputation. I have attached documentation of the facts and their failed attempts to deal with me in good faith. They ignore my repeated requests to remove the negative credit reporting while trying to understand or resolve this matter.:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/02/2024

  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.

  I am not liable for this debt with PUGET SOUND COLLECTIONS. I have no contract with this collection agency. The original creditor is HIGHLINE EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN in ********** to which I have never been to. I haven't gone to any hospital in the past 4 years whatsoever. Someone must have used my information to take on this debt which was NOT me. I noticed it recently in which my credit score dropped over a hundred points. I sent a dispute to Equifax, which already replied saying that the debt is mine allegedly even though it is NOT. I need this cleared from my name.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/20/2024

  Please request complainant to provide the account number listed on the credit report or additional identification information so we can review the account.    We are unable to locate an account reporting under the name as listed on this complaint.  Further, we show no account with the address or phone number listed on the complaint. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/20/2024

  Here is the account number as listed on my credit report *******   It is saying that I owe $1123 to  PUGET SOUND COLLECT which I do not. The account number I gave you is the one on my credit report which it should not be as I have never been to ***********
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/20/2024

  I have located the file using the redacted Account number.   The name of the complainant does not match the name as we have reported.   - The date of birth of patient was reported with month/date/year format.  For security purposes, I will only be able to confirm at this time the year of patients date of birth reported was 2002.   Please check with the complainant.  If matches, we can confirm additional information.   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/20/2024

  My birthday is 01/08/2002.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2024

  The date of birth in patient records matches as 01/08/2002 - That is most likely why the credit reporting agencies tagged the account as a match for the complainant.  We have re-reported the full name of the consumer, no SSN reporting and a billing address in *******, ***********   We are hoping this clears up the matter.  This can occur  with the credit bureaus when the name is similar and the date of birth or Social Security number matches.  We have noted our files accordingly.  You may wish to re-contact the credit reporting agencies - they may contact us directly at ************** to confirm the full name of the patient does not match.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/05/2024

  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 no liable for this debt with ****************************.I did not have a contract with Puget Sound Collections they did not provide my with original contract as requested

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2024

  ********** has not received any request or communication from ************** prior to this complaint.  We have noted the account as disputed based on the complaint and will forward proof of the debt to the address provided in the complaint .  It is correct that we do not have a contract with the complainant, our contract is with the original creditor to collect past due accounts receivable.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/21/2024

  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 tacoma er care physician, I do not have a contract with puget sound collection, they did not provide me with the original contract as I requester

  Business Response

  Date: 02/22/2024

  Same consumer, same complaint, different provider and different date of service. (See complaint #********)  Our response is the same as in #********.

  It is correct that our collection agency does not  have a contract with the complainant. Our contract is with the original creditor, ********************* Physicians Physicians to provide collection services of their delinquent accounts receivable. The complainant received services from an emergency room physician in July 2022. The provider listed the charges with ********** in December 2022 due to non payment. A proper validation notice was  mailed to the address he listed on his complaint in December 2022. No response was received. Due to the complaint filed, we will report the charges as disputed with the credit reporting agencies.  While we never received a request for proof of this debt, it will be mailed to the complainant.  Once charges are resolved, the account is eligible to be removed from his credit report.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/22/2024

  Same consumer, same complaint, different provider and different date of service. (See complaint #********) Our response is the same as in #********.

  It is correct that our collection agency does not have a contract with the complainant. Our contract is with the original creditor, ************************** Physicians to provide collection services of their delinquent accounts receivable. The complainant received services from an emergency room physician in July 2022. The provider listed the charges with ********** in December 2022 due to non payment.  A proper validation notice was mailed to the address he listed on his complaint in December 2022. No response was received. Due to the complaint filed, we will report the charges as disputed with the credit reporting agencies. While we never received a request for proof of this debt, it will be mailed to the complainant. Once charges are resolved, the account is eligible to be removed from his credit report.                     

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/20/2024

  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 Total property Management. I do not have a contract with Puget Sound Collections. They did not provide me with the original contract as requested.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/21/2024

  It is true ********** does not sign a contract with the complainant.  Our contract is with the original creditor, Total Property Management..   We spoke with the complainant on December 9, 2022 and discussed the charges.  She claimed at the time she had no job and no mailing address and would talk to her brother to see if he would assist her.  We never heard from her again until this complaint.  Validation of the debt is attached. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/19/2024

  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.

  I am reaching out to contest the accuracy of the information pertaining to account number 642** as reported by your organization on my credit profile. I assert that this entry infringes upon my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). During the period when the alleged claim was active (March 21, 2023), I was on MediCal, rendering it implausible for me to have incurred any outstanding bills with your company.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/21/2024

  This accounts receivable was referred to collection in March 2023 by HMH *********************** for the physician  fees from his emergency room visit 10/6/2021 .  The provider billed United Healthcare and insurance did not cover the bill in its entirety.  ********** attempted to contact the complainant by mail, sending a proper validation notice in March ********************** the complain and telephone attempts at the phone number provided, however the complainant did not respond.   The insurance cards attached show effective dates in 2022.  These chargers were incurred prior to the effective date.  Based on this complaint, we will report the account as disputed.  An itemized statement will be mailed to **********************.  If he wishes any further investigation, we will need supporting documentation other than the insurance cards provided.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/21/2024

   
  Complaint: 21312621
  
   PUGET SOUND COLLECT,
  
  *************** to address the matter of the debt associated with my account. As a consumer, I am aware that the burden of proof regarding the validity of the debt lies with the collection agency, not with me. It has come to my attention that PUGET SOUND COLLECT has not fulfilled its legal obligations in responding to my requests.
  
  I hereby formally request PUGET SOUND COLLECT to provide evidence that they have sent me debt validation, as is mandated by law and my legal right as a consumer. Failure to provide such proof would necessitate the removal of this account from my credit report, in accordance with FCRA Section 623.(a)(i). 
  
  This request represents my final attempt to resolve this matter amicably before I pursue further action. Should PUGET SOUND COLLECT fail to comply, I will be left with no choice but to file a formal complaint with both the ************************************ (CFPB) and the ************************ (FTC).
  
  I trust that PUGET SOUND COLLECT will promptly address this request and provide the necessary documentation to ensure compliance with the law.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/26/2024

  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 ****************************. I do not have a contract with the collection Puget Sounds Collect. They did not provide me with the original contract as requested

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2024

  **************************** referred a past due charge to our office against the complainant in February 2021 for professional services provided on 10/19/2020.  ********** properly notified the complainant in writing the her address.  We had communications with the complainant in June 2022 after she returned a call placed to her.  During this call she stated she had insurance for the date of service and was to provide proof of credible coverage.  We never received this proof or any further response.  Based on the complaint, we will report the status disputed with the credit reporting agencies.  The account will be eligible to be removed from her credit report once it is resolved.   It is true that the complainant does not have a contract with our office, a collection agency.  Our contract is with the original creditor, ****************************, to collect their past due accounts receivable.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2024

  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 the debt with Puget Sound Collections, I do not have a contract with Puget Sound Collections, they did not provide me with the ORIGIONAL contract as I requested as per 15usc1681 AND *** **** unfair practice. the amount claimed is for $566.00

  Business Response

  Date: 01/19/2024

  The debt is included in a **************************** Judgment, case # **-2-09148-6.    A copy of the Judgment is attached.    The current judgment balance which includes court costs, attorneys fees and interest is currently $2,072,.98.  While the underlying debt is aged to be removed from credit reports, this judgment is valid and enforceable.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2024

  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 the debt with Puget Sound Collections, I do not have a contract with Puget Sound Collections, they did not provide me with the ORIGIONAL contract as I requested.. as per 15 USC1681 and 15USC **** unfair practice. the amount claimed is for $566

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2024

  This is the same complaint filed by the complainants spouse we received 1/19.2024.  Our response is the same:  The debt is included in 
  a **************************** Judgment, case # **-2-09148-6.  A copy of the Judgment is attached. The current judgment    
  balance which includes court costs, attorneys fees and interest Is currently $2,076.61. While the underlying debt is aged to be 
  removed from credit reports, this judgment is valid and enforceable.