NARBERTH, PENNSYLVANIA-- Debt collectors were brought to task when a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against Convergent Outsourcing, a Washington state based debt collector, formerly known as ER Solutions, for violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The claim challenged the collection agency for sending letters that revealed the consumer’s personal account information through the window of the mailing envelope. The federal statute prohibits the use of any language or symbol, other than the debt collector’s address, on any envelope when communicating with the consumer.
Nationally recognized consumer protection law firm, Flitter Milz, P.C. of Narberth, PA., filed the lawsuit on behalf of about 2,500 Montgomery County consumers.
“This was a first-impression case under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act,” said Cary Flitter, class counsel. “We didn’t’ think it was right for a collection agency to jeopardize a consumer’s privacy by placing account numbers where they’d be visible through a mailed window envelope.”
After a Court of Appeals ruling, a class-wide settlement was reached. Each class member was awarded $100 from the settlement fund. Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP), a legal aid organization which provides legal representation to low-income people in Buck, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, was the designated recipient of a $70,000 cy pres award, resulting from un-cashed or un-distributable funds from the settlement. “This result was a win for all consumers in Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Flitter.
Cary Flitter, of Flitter Milz, P.C., with client Courtney Douglass, presenting Cy Pres award check to Liz Frisch, Executive Director (left) and Bill Shimer, Managing Attorney (right) of Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
We at Flitter Milz, P.C., hope that you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe throughout this difficult time. We want you to know that our firm is open to serve your legal needs. Our staff is available by phone, email, or video conference. Please feel free to call with any questions or specific concerns.
Take care and be safe.
Cary Flitter & Andy Milz
Toll Free: 888-668-1225
Email: consumers@ConsumersLaw.com