In the News
Monday, July 11, 2011 at 6:00PM Sue A Debt Collector--Make a Quick & Easy $1000 in Small Claims Court
Want to make a quick $1000? Sue a debt collector in Small Claims Court. Federal law requires debt collectors to inform you that they are debt collectors, the name of the creditor, the amount of the debt, that you have the right to contest the validity of the debt within the first 30 days of receiving the debt collector's notice and that you have the right to request written verification of the debt. 15 U.S.C. §1692g(a). If any of these required notices are not included in the debt collector's initial communication with you, you can sue in Small Claims Court and you don't need to hire an attorney to do so. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states that you are entitled, as a matter of law, to statutory damages for a debt collector's failure to provide any or all of these required notices in the amount of $1,000.00, plus court costs and attorney fees. 15 U.S.C. §1692k(a)(2)(A). However, if you believe that there may be the potential for a class action against the attorney debt collector, the monetary awards are significantly greater--up to $500,000 (15 U.S.C. §1692k(a)(2)(B))--you should call Doniger & Engstrand, LLP, immediately. We are experienced in successfully handling class actions and, more importantly, we are experienced in consumer protection.