Key Takeaways

  • 105,536 debt collection complaints from California.
  • Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC has the most complaints (4,809).
  • Most common issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed.
105,536 Total debt collection complaints
30 Companies involved
11 Distinct issues

Top Companies for Debt collection in California

Common Issues

Attempts to collect debt not owed 41,055
Written notification about debt 18,298
Took or threatened to take negative or legal action 11,861
False statements or representation 10,190
Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed 8,439
Communication tactics 7,500
Disclosure verification of debt 3,852
Improper contact or sharing of info 1,238
Taking/threatening an illegal action 1,237
Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly 1,219

How Companies Respond

Breakdown of how companies respond to debt collection complaints from California.

Response Count Percentage
Closed with explanation 82,691 78.4%
Closed with non-monetary relief 19,129 18.1%
In progress 1,044 1%
Untimely response 996 0.9%
Closed 956 0.9%
Closed with monetary relief 720 0.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many Debt collection complaints have been filed in California?

    105,536 complaints about debt collection have been filed from California.

  • Which company gets the most debt collection complaints in California?

    Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC leads with 4,809 debt collection complaints in California.

  • What is the most common issue with debt collection in California?

    The most frequently reported issue is Attempts to collect debt not owed with 41,055 complaints.

Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Consumer Complaint Database. Accessed April 2026.