1.5 Awarded to Debtor in Call Collections Center Lawsuit

In most cases here in Tennessee and across the country, when someone owes money for a debt, they have to pay the debt collector. However, in some cases like this one, the debt collectors’ conduct may be abusive or in violation of the law and in this leads to the debt collector actually owing the original debt the money instead of the other way around.

In this case, Allen Jones from Lewisville, Texas claimed being harassed by phone calls from the employees at the Advanced Call Center Technologies or “ACT” in 2007. The claim stated that ACT employees were trying to collect on credit card debt and they reportedly used racial remarks in voice messages to Jones. Then Jones and his attorneys used these saved messages to sue ACT.

The attorney for ACT, Dean Siotos, said the voicemails are not representative of how the company normally operates and says the calls must have been in some personal attack that was unrelated to the business. The two employees who allegedly left these messages, no longer work for ACT.

After a trial, the jury found that the company violated Texas collection rules and awarded Allen Jones $50,000 for mental anguish, $143,000 in attorney fees, and 1.5 million in additional damages. At this time, there is no information of an appeal by ACT.

Unfortunately, even with rules and guidelines and laws to help protect people in debt from these kinds of practices, calls like these happen every day, even to the residents of Tennessee. If you or someone you care about has been harassed or mistreated by debt collectors or their agencies, it is important that you contact one of our experienced Tennessee Debt Collection Claims Attorney right away. It is also a good idea to keep any evidence of the violation and show it to one of our attorneys. We will help make sure your rights are heard and that you get the compensation you deserve, for the treatment you have suffered.
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