A Pennsylvania resident has filed a lawsuit against a financial institution, alleging harassment and violations of consumer protection laws. Layth Tawalbeh initiated the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 2025, targeting Synchrony Bank.
According to the complaint filed by Tawalbeh's attorney, John T. Shaffer Jr., Esq., from Starks Law, the plaintiff accuses Synchrony Bank of engaging in aggressive debt collection practices that contravene the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA) and the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL). The legal action stems from a series of phone calls made by Synchrony Bank between July 19 and July 24, 2024. During this period, Tawalbeh claims to have received twelve calls from the bank as part of an effort to collect a past-due debt. These calls were described as harassing and were allegedly intended to annoy or abuse him.
The complaint asserts that Synchrony Bank's actions constitute "fraudulent or deceptive conduct which creates a likelihood of misunderstanding," thereby violating Pennsylvania's consumer protection statutes. Specifically, Tawalbeh argues that the bank's persistent phone calls violated section 73 P.S. § 2270.4(b)(4)(v) of the FCEUA by causing his telephone to ring repeatedly with intent to harass.
In response to these alleged infractions, Tawalbeh is seeking treble damages—a tripling of actual damages—as well as attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing the lawsuit. Furthermore, he requests any other economic or equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court within its jurisdiction.
Tawalbeh’s legal team contends that by infringing upon the FCEUA, Synchrony Bank inherently breached the UTPCPL as well. This dual violation underscores the severity of their allegations against the bank’s collection practices.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between consumers and financial institutions over debt collection methods and underscores broader concerns about consumer rights under state law. As it unfolds in court, this case may set precedents for how similar complaints are handled in Pennsylvania.
Representing Layth Tawalbeh is attorney John T. Shaffer Jr., Esq., while details regarding Synchrony Bank's legal representation remain undisclosed at this time. The case was filed under Case No. CVPDD008S358F419, with proceedings taking place before judges yet to be named.