Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau Sued Over Collection Notices

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A Wisconsin consumer has filed a proposed class action against Retrieval-Masters Creditors Bureau that alleges the company, in collection notices sent to the plaintiff in August 2016 and January 2017, made contradictory representations as to the true owner of the man’s supposed debt. The lawsuit claims the letters the plaintiff received both stated “The Swiss Colony” as the creditor for his account, yet also included a statement saying, “We have been authorized to contact you regarding your past due account with our client, The Swiss Colony, for Seventh Avenue in the amount of $996.03.”

In addition to not being able to properly identify the entity that should receive payment to satisfy the debt, the lawsuit claims if payment were sent to the wrong entity, the correct creditor would be within its rights to continue collection efforts. The lawsuit goes on to say there may also be other repercussions for submitting payment to the wrong party.

“Furthermore, the consumer may be barred from recovering payment to the incorrect party by the voluntary payment doctrine,” the complaint reads. “Even if the voluntary payment doctrine does not apply or would not be enforced, the logistical challenge of obtaining a refund would discourage consumers from attempting to recover their erroneous payment.”