Findings revealed debt collectors attempted to collect on debts that were not owed, according to 38% percent of the complaints. Additionally, consumers frequently complained about receiving multiple calls from debt collectors in a week and sometimes daily. Further, consumers complained that debt collectors would continue to call despite being told the alleged debtor was not available at the number dialed or would call the consumer's workplace.

Other complaints stated consumers were not given enough information to verify the validity of the collection.

Encore Capital Group and Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc. were the top two most complained about companies listed in the snapshot. Both companies were subject to enforcement actions on Sept. 9, 2015 for using deceptive tactics to collect bad debts.

The bureau ordered the companies to overhaul their debt collection practice, among other actions. Additionally, Encore was ordered to pay up to $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty, and stop collection on more than $125 million worth of debts. Portfolio Recovery Associates was ordered to pay $19 million in consumer refunds and an $8 million penalty, and stop collecting on more than $3 million worth of debts.

In a March 22 annual report on fair debt collection practices, Cordray said the agency is considering provisions to ensure debt collectors have sufficient information to collect debt; prevent unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices; inform consumers of their rights and provide interpretation of some sections of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Complaints relating to credit reporting rose 13% between January and February 2016, as 3,832 complaints on credit reporting were received in February.

Connecticut, Kansas and Georgia received the most complaints in the three month rolling period in December 2015 to February 2016 from the previous year, at 31%, 30% and 25%, respectively.

The greatest decrease in complaint volume was in Hawaii with -25%, Maine with -19% and South Dakota with -14%.

Experian, Equifax and TransUnion were the top three companies about which the CFPB received the most complaints between October and December of 2015. 

The agency highlighted Florida in its March geographic spotlight. Florida consumers submitted 80,200 complaints as of March 1. Complaints from consumers in Miami, Orlando and Tampa Bay accounted for nearly 60% of the complaints submitted from the state.

The state surpassed the national trend in complaints on mortgage accounts, as the state garnered 30% of complaints on that product compared to the national rate of 26%. However, Sunshine State residents were less likely to complain about debt collection at 24%, compared to the national average of 26%.

Florida resident complaints pushed Equifax, Bank of America and Experian to the top of the list of most complained about companies.