In a compelling legal battle that highlights the challenges faced by consumers in debt disputes, Beatrice Bandy has taken legal action against LVNV Funding, LLC. The complaint was filed on April 23, 2025, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Bandy accuses LVNV Funding of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by falsely representing the status of a disputed debt.
The case began when LVNV Funding initiated a civil complaint against Beatrice Bandy on October 1, 2024, alleging she owed them money. In response, Bandy enlisted the help of J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC to defend her case. On October 28, 2024, her attorney filed an entry of appearance and an intent to defend notice on her behalf. That same day, they sent a "First Dispute Letter" to LVNV Funding, denying any debt owed and instructing them to cease direct contact with Bandy. Despite this clear communication and a subsequent court ruling in favor of Bandy on November 12, 2024, LVNV Funding allegedly continued to report false information about the debt to credit agencies like TransUnion.
Bandy's complaint outlines several violations under the FDCPA by LVNV Funding. She asserts that they misrepresented the character and legal status of the alleged debt and failed to communicate its disputed nature to relevant credit reporting agencies—actions that are explicitly prohibited under sections 1692e(2)(a) and 1692e(8) of the FDCPA. The plaintiff claims these actions have caused her significant emotional distress and inconvenience.
Seeking justice through this lawsuit, Beatrice Bandy is requesting monetary damages within arbitration limits for actual damages suffered due to these violations. Additionally, she seeks statutory damages as per section 1692k(a) of the FDCPA along with costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Representing Beatrice Bandy is Joshua P. Ward from J.P. Ward & Associates LLC based in Pittsburgh. The defendant’s counsel is Gregg Lawrence Morris from Patenaude & Felix A.P.C., located in Canonsburg, PA. The case is presided over by Magisterial District Judge Suzanne C. Mack under Docket Number MJ-06101-CV-0000112-2024.