A class action lawsuit has been filed against debt collectors DNF Associates LLC and Advanced Capital Solutions Inc., accusing them of allegedly illegally seeking to collect debts directly from debtors.
The suit, filed by named plaintiff Patrick M. Keller, on behalf of himself and other affected individuals, alleges that the companies violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA prohibits unfair or abusive collection methods, conduct which harasses or abuses any debtor, and the use of false or deceptive statements in connection with debt collection attempts.
The plaintiff alleges that both DNF Associates and Advanced Capital Solutions engaged in unlawful collection practices by contacting debtors in an attempt to collect debts, allegedly even after learning they were represented by attorneys.
According to the complaint, DNF Associates is a limited liability company that claims to acquire consumer debts and collects them through lawsuits and dunning consumers. It is alleged DNF has filed more than 1,500 lawsuits in Cook County Circuit Court. Similarly, Advanced Capital Solutions is described as a corporation engaged in the business of a collection agency.
The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified statutory damages, plus attorney fees.
The case was filed Dec. 15 in Cook County Circuit Court.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Daniel A. Edelman and Dulijaza (Julie) Clark, of Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, of Chicago.