WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today took action against a medical debt collector, Commonwealth Financial Systems, for illegally trying to collect unverified medical debts after consumers disputed the validity of the debts. Under the order issued today, the company will cease operations and pay a $95,000 penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
Commonwealth Financial Systems is a nonbank corporation with its principal place of business in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. Commonwealth is a third-party debt collector that specializes in the collection of past-due medical debts and furnishes information about consumer collection accounts to consumer reporting companies.
Commonwealth’s actions violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act because the company failed to conduct reasonable investigations of disputed debts and failed to inform consumer reporting companies that certain information was being disputed. Commonwealth also violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act because it continued to attempt to collect disputed debts without substantiating documentation.
Enforcement Action
Under the Consumer Financial Protection Act, the CFPB has the authority to take action against entities violating consumer financial protection laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under the CFPB’s order, Commonwealth must:
Shut down permanently: Commonwealth is banned from participating in or assisting others in any debt collection activities, debt buying, debt selling, and consumer reporting activities.
Tell consumer reporting companies to delete all information: Commonwealth must request all consumer reporting companies to whom it previously furnished information about any consumer to delete all collection accounts for such consumers.
Pay a $95,000 fine: Commonwealth will pay a $95,000 penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
Read today’s order.
Tens of millions of people are pursued by debt collectors for medical bills, and the CFPB has described the significant evidence, including reports from consumers themselves, that the collection, furnishing, and reporting of medical bills is plagued by inaccuracies.
Accordingly, the CFPB has taken numerous actions on the issue of medical debt. In November, the CFPB issued a report highlighting the challenges American families face when debt collectors pursue allegedly unpaid medical bills. In September, the agency kicked off a rulemaking to remove medical debt from credit reports. Along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Treasury, the CFPB launched, in June, an inquiry into costly credit cards and loans pushed onto patients to pay for health care costs. Also in June, the CFPB took an enforcement action against Phoenix Financial Services for illegal medical debt collection and credit reporting practices.
Read about the CFPB’s rulemaking to remove medical tradelines from consumer reports.
Read about the CFPB’s other work to stop unfair medical debt collection and coercive consumer reporting practices.
Consumers can submit complaints about financial products and services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
Employees who believe their companies have violated federal consumer financial protection laws are encouraged to send information about what they know to
[email protected]. To learn more about reporting potential industry misconduct, visit the CFPB’s website.
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FFXIVWrite 2023 #30: Amity
(A/n: And after hoping yesterday that the final prompt could let me kinda cap off Yuri's saga with her meeting the twins, it was indeed a perfect prompt. Admittedly this piece starts more heavily on Fhara's pov just so I could showcase their longstanding and close friendship as a trio, but it sort of transitions back into Yuri's pov and thoughts on them both by the end.
So she finally got to meet most of the Scions, even if not all opinions have been made clear (especially on Estinien, for all he was featured here too), but it gives me more to work with another day, a lot of possible set up for Dawntrail where she could maybe join them. I'm glad I got to give Yuri's story as much focus as I did, especially when I thought I'd probably only do a few pieces for her.
Thank you to everyone that read this month, I hope you all enjoyed. Many pieces more npc focused than wol focused but I've given Fhara a lot of love in previous years, this year could be her break. I'll hopefully be getting these works on Ao3 soon, especially after I didn't manage with last year's stuff. But those will go up as well.
Word count: 2219)
“Cease your pacing, you know they’ll arrive soon and in good health. There hasn’t been any other word to say they’d be held up or require assistance,” Estinien scoffed, shaking his head as he watched Fhara pace back and forth by the aetheryte, ears pinned back and tail swishing.
“I know, but I’m just-” She paused her march, biting her lip, “It’s been so long and I know they’ve been busy, and I didn’t want to show up while they were working, and you know if I did and just offered to help, Alisaie would insist against it–”
“I’m not surprised. As helpful as the extra hands would no doubt be with their work, you already overwork yourself to degrees I didn’t even see in the Temple Knights,” Estinien said, cutting her off from her clearly nervous chattering. She pouted at this, cheeks puffed.
“Well…! I just want to see them again, it's been so long!” she repeated, unable to counter his argument. Her ear suddenly perked up at the sound of teleportation behind her, spinning sharp on her heel back to the aetheryte. They weren’t in front of them, but teleportation could drop someone anywhere around the crystal so…
Alisaie came into view from the other side first, looking around as though to find them. And as soon as her eye caught them, her face broke out into a grin, only bested by Fhara’s own, her tail curling.
“It’s been too long!” Alisaie exclaimed, grunting with the effort as Fhara raced over and grabbed her into a hug with enough force to lift the smaller girl from the ground.
“So we keep hearing,” Estinien mumbled, though it wasn’t picked up by the others, nor was there any frustration in his words as he joined them, Alphinaud already in the middle of another exuberant embrace as well.
“You can’t have missed us that badly, it’s only been a few months,” Alphinaud said, heaving slightly as he was replaced on the ground again. Fhara looked noticeably sheepish even as she insisted, “Only a little, but we weren’t waiting here long.”
“She was near forming a trench by your aetheryte with her pacing, even after you sent us word that you were on the way,” Estinien said, the corner of his lips curling into a smirk as Fhara whipped around to face her, eyes wide with mock betrayal. Both twins were biting back giggles, making her turn her pouting face to them again.
“Well, the concern is appreciated,” Alisaie smiled, “I still wouldn’t want you coming to visit, knowing your bad habit to help anyone that so much as asks for it. We’ve been handling matters just fine.”
“If anything, things seem to be winding down lately,” Alphinaud added, “We’ve been able to pass over social and political matters to the Garleans, most necessary measures have been taken care of, resources and tradelines are in order, re-construction is at a steady pace. Lucia and Maxima wish to stay and watch matters further before returning to their own posts, but they’ll most likely be independent within the next moon or so.”
“Jullus keeps insisting we’re free to visit even once everything has settled and the contingent has moved out. I’m beginning to think he might miss us, though never as strongly as a certain someone,” Alisaie said, chuckling slightly as Fhara huffed and folded her arms, tail lashing at the teasing jab.
“What do you plan to do once matters are resolved then?” Estinien asked. The twins shared a look.
“Truthfully, we aren’t certain yet. We haven’t heard anything that would require assistance, but no doubt something would come up soon enough,” Alphinaud said, “I was thinking of checking in on Krile and seeing if the Students needed any extra hands myself.”
“You don’t need to rush right into something else,” Fhara insisted, concerned, “Feel free to rest up for a spell, maybe check in on your parents.”
“Oh you’re one to talk about resting up and not rushing!” Alisaie griped, hands on hips. Fhara at least had to good graces to look flustered about the hypocrisy callout, ears flattening. Estinien thankfully came to her rescue, speaking up as he picked up the twins' packs.
“Come now, we can move this elsewhere and save taking up space by the aetheryte,” he said.
“Aye. Let’s move to the Annex, check on Krile and G’raha. From my last letter with Krile, they actually have a new member assisting them lately.”
“Oh, so your spot might already be taken then,” Alisaie hummed at her brother, making him roll his eyes. He didn’t respond, leading the way down the side path to their location.
“Oh, I’ve met her. She’s a little quiet but she’s a good worker! Helps them get through a lot of the paperwork built up in the office,” Fhara said, bouncing ahead. “I took her down to Labyrinthos to see if any researchers needed any extra hands, and we had to help clear out a morbal outbreak. She was pretty good, though a bit untrained in real combat. The worst that happened was a bit of bad timing and she left covered with a bit of morbal breath.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Alisaie grimaced, “Has she picked up any more training?”
“Not as far as I know. I can’t really help her with the training, it's all arcanima and I’m no good with that. And I don’t know if Krile was going to get her in touch with a teacher for it.” Fhara’s eye was already trained on Alphinaud, who looked like he was contemplating over the tale.
“Far be it from me to impose when I’ve never met her, but mayhap I could offer some advice or watch her as she trains? I’m not sure what her original training is, but many of the basic principles of arcanima are the same even with the differences of schools and styles.”
“Maybe I could be a sparring partner for her?” Alisaie also offered, “Practical experience can help, and at least with another person you’re not like to end up smelling like a stagnant swamp.” Fhara’s back pressed against the door of the Annex, pushing it open for the others the step in after her.
“I think that’d be great! I think she’s trying to act all independent and not asking other people, but maybe if Krile or G’raha offer it as a suggestion as well, she’ll be open to trying it?”
“What about us?” The group - other than Estinien, not caught up in the conversation and thus aware of who was standing in the lobby as they entered - jumped, surprised to see G’raha standing, evidently paused mid conversation with the raen woman next to him, holding a bundle of papers.
“Ah, well, we were talking about Yuri actually. I was telling them she was your new recruit,” Fhara said, gesturing to the woman for the newcomers’ benefit. Yuri seemed to shuffle awkwardly under the attention, dropping into a deep bow as her greeting rather than verbalise it.
“I was also saying you have experience with arcane magicks, and I was asking Alphinaud if he wanted to offer any help to give you some more experience in combat. And Alisaie offered to be a sparring partner as well,” Fhara continued, each twin nodding at her mention. Yuri’s eyes narrowed, wariness already showing in her tense shoulders. She glanced between Fhara and the pair, and then to Estinien, who seemed more keen to be on his way to the quarters than make introductions. He was already pushing through the door, disappearing with the bags.
“Of course, it would only be if you were open to the idea. Far be it for me to impose, especially when I don’t know your own skillset or training,” Alphinaud assured.
“And we don’t know how busy the Students keep you with your work, and we’re only here for a brief respite,” Alisaie added, “Only a week or so, catching up with friends and family.”
“Well, we could ease her work to give her the time while you’re here,” G’raha said, already giving Yuri an encouraging look against her guarded expression. “I think it’d be a wonderful experience. Alphinaud and Alisaie would be excellent teachers, and better suited for your field than Fhara. No offence, of course,” he added toward the woman.
“No no, I agree. Magic and enchantments have never been my strong suit other than a few healing spells,” she agreed with a wry smile and a flicked ear.
“Dare I say you could start now even? If you two don’t have any plans already?” G’raha asked the twins. He also added to Yuri, “I can take over your work for now. We were going to the same place anyway.”
“We could very much start now, our first order of business was just checking in on yourself and Krile, and we didn’t have anything else except dinner later tonight at home,” Alphinaud said, with Alisaie jumping in, “Mother insists you all join us by the way, if no-one’s busy by the 8th bell. I’m sure father would like it to be a family affair, but mother wishes to catch up with everyone.”
“Krile should be back by then,” he nodded, once again turning to Yuri with a supportive smile.
“Go on. Consider it a break as well, you’ve been busy all morning,” he insisted. Reluctantly, Yuri finally handed over the papers, and G’raha was off in a flash, disappearing through the door to the main hall. Alisaie was already beginning some small stretches with her arms, warming up for a possible bout.
“I could go and fetch Estinien as well if we want,” she asked, “Give me someone to warm up with while you two go over theory or some such.”
“Nah, you stretch here, I’ll go get him,” Fhara offered, already disappearing before any protest could be said. The two shared a look Yuri couldn’t decipher, then made her the door, Alisaie pushed out into the brisk air, while Alphinaud gestured for Yuri to take the lead.
The sun had broken through the clouds, a pleasant warmth against the chill breeze. Alisaie was continuing her warm up on the grass patch while Alphinaud had moved to the side of the building to collect a pair of training dummies, dragging them into place. Yuri stood watching them both, uncertain of what to say. Only one thing seemed to come to mind.
“Fhara’s spoken about you both. You come up the most in her stories actually,” she said, hoping it’d be an icebreaker. Both of them wore knowing smiles, maybe even some warmth mixed in those similar expressions.
“Only good things I should hope?” Alisaie asked, curling her legs up against her chest. She seemed to already know the answer.
“She has the highest praise for you both,” Yuri replied. Fhara’s fondness for them shone through in many of their discussions, even if it came at the expense of the other Scions getting minimal mention.
“I can only hope we live up to such lofty expectations then,” Alphinaud said. He continued to shift the dummy into position, checking it over, while Alisaie pulled out her weapon, looking it over and testing it with a few small sparks of a spell cast with the focus.
In a way, they were already living up to Fhara’s descriptions with this whole affair by Yuri’s estimate; compassionate and willing to help, though it wasn’t at her own request. She wouldn’t deny the aid was helpful though, and she was curious to know what these young ones had by way of experience to teach. Tales of one’s efforts were one thing, practical evidence was another.
“We haven’t started yet?” Yuri turned, noting Fhara’s arrival with the other elezen man.
“Still setting up and warming up,” Alisaie grunted through a leg stretch, pressing down on her knee low to the ground, “And waiting for Estinien to be dragged out to join us.”
“I was hardly avoiding you, unless you wished for your bags to be left unattended,” he said, already unsheathing the large jagged lance from his back and giving it a swing. The whoosh cut through the air and made Yuri take an involuntary step back, keeping her distance.
“The gesture is appreciated, Estinien, really. And I’ll take it you’re ready to begin?” Alphinaud asked, while Alisaie turned her weapon on the man.
“You and me together while Alphinaud takes up teaching duty with Yuri?” she smirked, “And don’t go easy on me.”
“Aye, if it’ll keep you appeased.” Fhara had already taken up the mediator’s spot, arms already waving to begin, and the two set off, the clash of steel ringing against the walls.
“Hopefully they’ll have the good sense to mind their step and we won’t have to worry about them encroaching.” Alphinaud nodded at Yuri’s tome, a serious look crossing his expression and a studious tone to his word as he stated, “Let us begin then. I would like to know how you’ve trained and your education if it’s alright, to evaluate how we move forward on this.”
Aye, they were every bit as reckless and dedicated as Fhara had said. Yuri still wasn’t certain where she would stand with them, but for now, she could handle this much.
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