Consumer Alleges T.L. Thompson & Associates ‘Overshadowed’ Debt Dispute Rights

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Alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) are at the center of a proposed class action lawsuit filed against T.L. Thompson & Associates, Inc.

The plaintiff claims he received an unlawful collection notice in March 2018 in which the defendant “overshadowed” his debt dispute rights by stating, in part:

“If you do not have a valid dispute, the full amount must be paid.”

The defendant’s requirement of a “valid dispute” allegedly confused the man as to his rights. From the complaint:

“[R]egardless of the absence of a ‘valid’ reason for nonpayment, the collector is obligated by the FDCPA to cease collection, pending verification, if it receives the consumer’s written notification of ‘dispute.’”

The complaint further alleges the defendant attempted to collect a greater amount of money than it was legally entitled to by directing the plaintiff to a payment portal on the company’s website, www.tlthompson.com, which stated that a $3.00 convenience fee would be added “if applicable in your state.” The suit claims the fee was “neither expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt, nor permitted by law.”