I have an outstanding balance with a company called Lendmark Financial. I intend to payoff the balance, but I have been unemployed for 7 months and now the balance is in collections. I recently began receiving voicemails from a called Integrated Services "Pre-Legal Offices". They have also been calling family members trying to verify my address, without providing any sort of information.
Their most recent voicemail stated they were concerned a pending claim looks like it was being prepared to file out to Los Angeles County district courts against me. They also left a message stating "they need to validate my legal address of service and I need to provide a formal statement and failure to respond may lead to the expedited verification of wages employment and liquid asset."
I was worried that this might not be a debt collection agency and when I called to explain my situation, the representative basically kept repeating that I had to pay at least $200/month or I'd be served with a lawsuit.
There are powerful federal laws that govern the conduct of debt collectors and creditors, and you could be entitled to recovery if Lendmark and/or Integrated are violating your rights. Creditors and debt collectors are bound to comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"), and they are prohibited from contacting friends and family members unless they are trying to find you. If they know where you are and how to reach you, they are violating the law by contacting third parties and you could be entitled to recovery. In addition, under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA"), if creditors or debt collectors are calling your cell phone using an automated system (robocalls), and the calls are made without your consent, each call could be worth $500. I recommend you contact an experienced consumer protection attorney to discuss your claim. Most consumer protection attorneys do not charge for their services.
Jenny Lynn DolingBankruptcy AttorneyPalm Desert, CA ·
You need to go see a qualified/reputable bankruptcy attorney who also handles FDCPA and TCPA actions. Do not hire a "one-hit-wonder" who dabbles in these areas of law or you will regret it. Hire a well-qualified attorney who meets with you personally to evaluate your case and to discuss your options. FDCPA and TCPA violations can result in sizable compensation to you. You are in the Central District of California which spans from LA to OC to Riverside to San Bernardino, etc. So, you search for good attorney is not limited to LA. Many of us offer free consultations. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of the attorney's experience.
The answers provided are on point. It is best for you to contact a consumer lawyer who specializes in FDCPA and TCPA claims. You should be proactive in your efforts and seek their advice as soon as possible. Consultations are usually free and you can find very good lawyers here on . Best of luck!
