A legal battle is unfolding in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where a consumer is taking on a debt collection agency over alleged violations of federal law. Brea Altreche filed a complaint against Ability Recovery Services on February 13, 2025, accusing the company of engaging in deceptive practices that violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The lawsuit, filed by J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC on behalf of Altreche, centers around claims that Ability Recovery Services provided false and misleading information to credit reporting agencies. According to the complaint, the defendant failed to accurately report the disputed status of an alleged debt associated with Altreche. The plaintiff's legal team asserts that this misrepresentation not only violated sections 1692e(2)(a) and 1692e(8) of the FDCPA but also caused significant emotional distress for Altreche.
The case began when J.P. Ward & Associates sent a dispute letter to Ability Recovery Services on December 11, 2024. The letter requested an investigation into the accuracy of information reported by the defendant on Altreche’s credit report. Despite this request, Ability Recovery Services allegedly continued to report the debt as "in collection" without acknowledging its disputed status. This action led to further accusations that the company communicated false credit information knowingly or negligently.
Altreche's complaint highlights broader issues within debt collection practices and their impact on consumers' lives. The FDCPA was enacted to curb abusive behaviors by debt collectors and protect individuals from unfair treatment. In this case, Altreche argues that Ability Recovery Services’ actions contributed to personal stress and potential financial harm.
In response to these allegations, Altreche seeks various forms of relief from the court. The plaintiff requests monetary damages for actual harm suffered due to the defendant's conduct, statutory damages as allowed under FDCPA provisions, and coverage for legal costs and attorney fees incurred during litigation.
This lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in debt collection processes. It serves as a reminder of consumers' rights under federal law and emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting by agencies tasked with managing sensitive financial data.
Representing Brea Altreche are attorneys Travis A. Gordon and Joshua P. Ward from J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC. The case is presided over by judges at the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County under Docket No. CVPDD008S343F154.