During these challenging times, Severson & Werson remains open and in full operation, consistent with the firm’s previously established contingency planning. While many of our attorneys and staff will be working remotely, as a firm, we continue in full operation. We are here to help, as always.
In Gonzalez v. Sallie Mae Bank, No. 18cv2457, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 157007, at *3-5 (S.D. Cal. Sep. 12, 2019), Judge Burns held that a debt collector must meet the definition of a debt collector under the FDCPA, not just "hold out" inferences that it might be one. SMB points out that it is a lender, not a debt collector… Read More
In Byrge v. R. Elliott Halsey & Halsey, No. 18 C 3267, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98478 (N.D. Ill. June 12, 2019), Judge Korcoran declined to dismiss an FDCPA claim filed against the principal of a debt collection agency. The Defendants next argue that Halsey should be dismissed as a defendant because "he at all times operated as a professional… Read More
In Tepper v. Amos Financial, LLC, 2018 WL 3733862, at *6 (C.A.3 (Pa.), 2018), the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit found that a debt buyer is still subject to the FDCPA post-Henson because the principal purpose was the collection of defaulted debt. Many would gladly pay Tuesday for a hamburger today. Of course, not all of those who… Read More
In Simpson v. Safeguard Properties, LLC., 2017 WL 4310674, at *4–7 (N.D.Ill., 2017), Judge Gottschall denied summary judgment to a door-hanger company who claimed that it was not subject to the FDCPA. The FDCPA “is not aimed...“at companies that perform ministerial duties for debt collectors, such as stuffing and printing the debt collector's letters.” White v. Goodman, 200 F.3d 1016, 1019… Read More
In Reynolds v. Credit Management Services, Inc., 2016 WL 756469, at *3-4 (D.Neb., 2016), Judge Strom denied summary judgment to a debt collection agency owner on the basis that a triable issue of fact existed on whether he met the FDCPA's definition of "debt collector". The Court here notes a split of authority between the United States Courts of Appeals… Read More
In Lindblom v. Santander Consumer USA, Inc., 2015 WL 8483118, at *1 (E.D.Cal., 2015), Judge O'Neill granted summary judgment to an automobile finance company against claims arguing that its fees associated with "SpeedPay" were not permissible. Plaintiff purchased a car, which she financed with a loan that Santander eventually began to service. FAC at ¶¶ 1-2. Plaintiff made payments on the… Read More
In Alonso v. Blackstone Financial Group LLC, 2013 WL 687073 (E.D.Cal. 2013), Judge Boone allowed a claim to proceed against an owner of a debt collection agency in disregard of the corporate fiction, following Cruz v. International Collection Corp., 673 F.3d 991 (9th Cir.2012), and explaining: Plaintiff argues that Elsen is a proper defendant since he was the sole owner… Read More
In Thompson v. National Credit Adjusters, LLC, 2012 WL 5372577 (D.Minn. 2012), Judge Nelson found a skip tracer’s letter to consumers to obtain telephone information for the skip tracer’s debt collector clients rendered the skip tracer subject to the FDCPA, too. The facts were as follows. Plaintiff Lamont A. Thompson incurred a consumer debt with Fast Cash Personal Loan. Plaintiff… Read More
On January 2, 2013 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) starts its supervision of large debt collection firms that account for 63 percent of the market. The CFPB announced Final Rule on Wednesday. The CFPB will regulate 175 debt collection firms that each bring in more than $10 million in annual receipts. See the live-blog entries from the CFPB's roundtable as to what… Read More
In Murphy v. Stephens & Michaels Associates, Inc., 2011 WL 1465761 (S.D.Cal. 2011), Judge Lorenz held that, at the pleading stage, whether a defendant was a “debt collector” was an affirmative defense for which Defendant owed the burden, not Plaintiff’s pleading burden. Plaintiff alleges a factual basis for relief she seeks under the FDCPA and the Rosenthal Act. Defendant argues… Read More
