How to Handle Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC Lawsuits in Ohio

Portfolio Recovery Associates was formed in 1996 and has been a publicly traded company since 2002. Their website indicates respect for its customers and a “strong record of compliance.” However, their actions are opposite of what they preach.

Contact information:

Web: www.portfoliorecovery.com
Address:120 Corporate Boulevard
Phone: Norfolk, VA 23502

Portfolio Recovery Associates is similar to just about every other debt-buyer on the market. They first purchase distressed debts by thousands and pay pennies on the dollar. They then come back on the consumer to collect the full balance that is due.

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC Law Violations

Portfolio Recovery is one of the largest debt-buyers in the nation and they are no stranger to disgruntled “customers” who have setup multiple websites describing the horror stories they have encountered with them. Below is a list of just a few of the suits that have been filed against Portfolio Recovery recently.

1. Between 2005 and 2011 there were 113 lawsuits filed in the state of California against Portfolio Recovery Associates for alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
2. In a class action lawsuit that was awarded in early 2013, Portfolio Recovery Associates was ordered to pay $350,000 to some consumers. Zimmerman v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 09 Civ. 4602 (PGG))
3. Several lawsuits have been filed by an Alabama firm (Watts & Herring, LLC) for alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Practices Act against Portfolio Recovery.

What to Do if You’re Being Harassed by Portfolio Recovery Associates

If you feel that you are being harassed by Portfolio Recovery Associates or they are collecting on an invalid debt, try doing any or all of the following:

1. Ask for the name of the calling representative, their extension with contact number, as well as their physical address location.
2. Mail them a certified letter requesting verification of the debt they allege you owe.
3. Check your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies.
4. Send them a cease and desist notice in writing via certified mail.

How a Consumer Law Attorney Can Help if You’re Sued

If you are on the receiving end of a lawsuit filed by Portfolio Recovery, it’s important to obtain legal counsel. A capable consumer law attorney will be able to do the following:

1. Force Portfolio Recovery to demonstrate the entire chain of title to the account;
2. Demand that Portfolio Recovery produce all account statements that prove the account balance;
3. Compare the interest rates alleged in the lawsuit to those that were legally allowable pursuant to the original creditors contract and schedule of interest rates;
4. Examine any potential defense the consumer might have had against the original creditor such as inaccurate or unauthorized charges.