Sued by Jefferson Capital Systems? 5 Steps to Take Now!

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If you have been sued by the company Jefferson Capital Systems, you are not alone.

Who is Jefferson Capital Systems?

Jefferson Capital Systems is a debt collection agency. According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Jefferson Capital Systems’ principal address is 16 McLeland Road, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303. 

Jefferson Capital Systems is BBB accredited with an A- rating, in spite of 1,208 complaints in the last 3 years (as of 11/1/21).

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database reflects 375 complaints (as of 11/1/2021 – with a 3 year lookback).

Why have I been sued by Jefferson Capital Systems?

Jefferson Capital Systems is a debt collection agency that often purchases debt from other companies. Sometimes, after an account goes into delinquency, the creditor decides to sell the debt to another party. Therefore, if Jefferson Capital Systems has sued you, it is probably because they now own a debt that you once owed to another creditor. 

Is there a class action lawsuit against Jefferson Capital Systems?

More than a dozen class action lawsuits have been filed against Jefferson Capital Systems. 

Many of these lawsuits claim that Jefferson Capital Systems failed to let the consumer know who the debt was originally was owed to, including these two cases that were filed in 2018 in Wisconsin and New York. 

Class action lawsuits have also been filed against Jefferson Capital Systems alleging that the company did not tell the consumers that it was not allowed to sue the Plaintiffs because their debt was too old and barred by the statute of limitations. These cases include cases filed in Wisconsin and Connecticut in 2018. 

Jefferson Capital Systems has also had class action lawsuits filed against them for failing to disclose that the company was not allowed to sue the Plaintiffs on their debt because it was too old, including a 2018 suit filed in Florida and a 2017 suit filed in New York.

What can I do about my lawsuit by Jefferson Capital Systems?

1. Show Up 

First, don’t bury your head in the sand!  Florida Courts are divided into 3 levels depending on how much the lawsuit is for:  small claims, county court, and circuit court.  In small claims cases, a defendant is required to attend a hearing early on called a “case management conference”; whereas in county court and circuit court, the defendant has 20-days to file a written response from the day the lawsuit papers are served.  If a defendant doesn’t appear (in small claims) or they fail to respond (in county court or circuit court), the court will likely enter a default judgment against them.  Make sure to respond (or hire someone to do so) so you don’t lose off the bat!

2. Review the claim

Next, review the records from the case.  When a lawsuit is based on the records of another company, it may be that the records are inaccurate.  Review the claim and don’t assume it is correct just because they have written it.  See if the claim and the amount are accurate.

3.  Consider your options

Evaluate the alleged debt from the lawsuit, along with your other debt and your income.  Is there a defense to the claim?  Can you realistically afford settlement, or does it make more sense to consider bankruptcy?  Here is where you may want to have a free consultation with a debt resolution professional who can help you to objectively review your options.

4.  Negotiate

Assuming bankruptcy is not your best option and depending on the merits of your case, negotiation may be the next best step.  If you hire a debt settlement attorney to assist you with the lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate for you.  However, if you are determined to go it alone, you are generally better talking to the opposing firm than doing nothing (*this is a generalization; each situation is different).  Just keep in mind, they are not looking out for your best interest.  They are likely not going to tell you about your defenses to the lawsuit or your protections from collection.  Their job is to get you to pay.

5. Any Settlement Agreement Should be in Writing

Finally, if you reach a settlement agreement, even if you are representing yourself, your agreement should be in writing.

Questions on Your Jefferson Capital Systems Lawsuit?

We offer a complimentary consultation with our experienced attorneys.  We’ll evaluate your case and review your options with you.