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PENNSYLVANIA RECORD

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Debt Collector Accused of Violating Federal Debt Collection Laws

State Court
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Maryclaire Akers, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge | https://www.courtswv.gov

Nicole Alaaeldin has taken legal action against LVNV Funding, LLC, accusing the company of violating federal debt collection laws. On October 28, 2024, Alaaeldin filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, through her attorneys at J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC. The complaint alleges that LVNV Funding provided false and misleading information to credit reporting agencies regarding a disputed debt.

The case traces back to October 23, 2023, when LVNV Funding initially filed a civil complaint against Alaaeldin in Magisterial District Court. In response to these allegations, Alaaeldin enlisted the help of J.P. Ward & Associates to defend her case. Her attorneys filed an Entry of Appearance and Intent to Defend on November 7, 2023. That same day, they sent a "First Dispute Letter" to LVNV Funding asserting that Alaaeldin denied owing any money and disputing all debts claimed by the company.

Despite receiving this letter, which should have prompted LVNV Funding to accurately report the disputed nature of the debts to credit agencies and cease direct contact with Alaaeldin, the company allegedly continued its questionable practices. On December 5, 2023, LVNV withdrew its initial complaint against Alaaeldin but later reported inaccurate information about her alleged debt status to TransUnion on August 6, 2024.

Alaaeldin's lawsuit accuses LVNV Funding of falsely representing the character and legal status of an extinguished debt in violation of several sections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), specifically citing sections related to false representation and communication of disputed debts as undisputed. The complaint argues that such actions by LVNV were abusive and deceptive debt collection practices prohibited by law.

In her suit, Alaaeldin seeks monetary damages within arbitration limits for actual damages suffered due to emotional distress and inconvenience caused by these alleged violations. She also requests statutory damages as allowed under FDCPA provisions along with costs and attorney’s fees.

Representing Nicole Alaaeldin are attorneys Travis A. Gordon and Joshua P. Ward from J.P. Ward & Associates LLC based in Pittsburgh. The case is presided over by Magisterial District Judge Robert Steele Bell Sr., under Docket Number MJ-40303-CV-0000116-2023.

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