Famous Debt Collection Harassment Lawsuits
Debt collection harassment is a serious issue, and most importantly, it’s against the law. Most people don’t realize that there is something they can do about debt collection harassment. Here are some individuals who won their debt collection harassment lawsuit, proving that you can protect yourself against debt collection harassment.
These People Won Their Debt Collection Harassment Lawsuit
Chrystal Snow
Chrystal snow of Dallas, Texas challenged a $9,000 debt in Dallas County Court. In addition to the challenge, she counter-sued the debt collector for harassing phone calls. The suit was against Midland Funding LLC, and she was awarded 8.1 million dollars. This included $250 for actual damages $100,000 for mental anguish and 8 million dollars in punitive damages.
Maria Guadalupe Mejia
In this case, the jury found Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC guilty of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Maria originally filed the lawsuit against the company when it pursued a $1,000 credit card bill from her that she did not owe. She was also a victim of malicious prosecution, according to the verdict, and was awarded $250,000 in damages for the violation of the FDCPA and $82,990,000 in punitive damages for malicious prosecution.
Jessica Burke
This case actually made 20/20 in 2014. A debt collector who was using the name John Anderson was sued, along with the company that hired him, for harassment. Jessica Burke won the debt collection harassment lawsuit for over $33,000. The phone calls were about late payments for a used car in the amount of no more than $350. Mr. Anderson called Ms. Burke several times a day, using a fake name, over this amount.
Nelson and Joyce Coniglio
This couple sued Bank of America over excessive and harassing debt collection calls. The debt occurred when they fell behind on their mortgage payments in 2009. They were then called repeatedly and harassed by the automated robo calling system. The calls were coming at all times of day and night and amounted to approximately 700 collection calls. In addition, the bank was sending threatening letters indicating that they would foreclose the home. Even after the couple send letters requesting the bank to cease all phone calls, the calls continued. The couple was awarded $1,000,000 in the lawsuit against the bank.
Debt collection harassment is real. If you are being harassed, or feel that a debt collector is approaching you inappropriately, don’t hesitate to take action.
Source: kcur.org
