Have you been contacted by Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP regarding an outstanding debt? Here’s how to find out if this firm is legitimate, how to handle communications with them, and how to resolve your debt in the best way possible.
Who is Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP?
Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP is a law firm known primarily for its work in the field of debt collection. The firm often represents creditors and debt buyers in the collection of outstanding debts, which often involves filing lawsuits against debtors on behalf of their clients.
Is Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP legitimate?
Yes, Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP is a legitimate business known for its role in debt collection. Law firms that specialize in this area operate within the legal framework to collect debts for their clients, who are typically creditors or debt buyers.
However, the legitimacy of a firm in a legal sense doesn’t necessarily shield it from criticism or complaints related to its practices. Debt collection agencies and law firms in this field often face scrutiny from consumers, advocacy groups, and sometimes, regulatory bodies. Complaints may arise regarding their tactics, the accuracy of the debts they are attempting to collect, or their adherence to legal standards.
To verify the legitimacy and current standing of Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, consider taking the following steps:
- Check with the state bar association or the professional licensing authority where the firm is located to ensure they are in good standing.
- Look for any recent legal actions or sanctions against the firm.
- Read consumer reviews, but take them with a grain of salt, as debt collection firms generally have more negative reviews due to the nature of their work.
- Review any public records or court documents related to the firm’s practices.
Additionally, you may want to reach out to a debt help lawyer and secure legal representation of your own. The experienced attorneys at Tayne Law Group can review any communications from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP and advise you on how to proceed. We can also assist in verifying the legitimacy of any debts they claim you owe, and even file a counterclaim if you believe your rights were violated.
Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP Reviews and Complaints
The firm has been in operation for 93 years, although it was just recently accredited by the Better Business Bureau in September 2023. The company has an A+ rating from the BBB. However, users give it a rating of 2 stars out of 5, based on 37 reviews. Fifty-nine complaints were closed in the past 12 months.
In 2016, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered Pressler & Pressler, LLP, along with two principal partners, and a debt buyer known as New Century Financial Services, Inc. to stop churning out unfair and deceptive debt collection lawsuits based on flimsy or nonexistent evidence. The orders required the firm and the named partners to pay $1 million, and New Century to pay $1.5 million to the Bureau’s Civil Penalty Fund.
Dealing with Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP
What Should I Do If I Receive a Letter or Call from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP?
If you are contacted by any debt collection firm, including Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, it’s important to know your rights as a consumer. Always ask for written validation of the debt and do not provide personal information or agree to any payment arrangements until you have confirmed that the debt is valid and the firm is authorized to collect it.
Tayne Law Group has been helping clients navigate collections and debt lawsuits for more than 20 years. If you receive a letter or call from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, contact us right away to get guidance on how to handle the matter. The sooner you have a legal professional on your side, the sooner you can get this matter resolved with the best possible outcome.
Handling Communications from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP
When handling communications from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP (or any debt collection agency) it’s important to stay calm, collected, and informed about your rights. Here’s how you should handle such communications:
- Don’t ignore the problem: Ignoring communications from a debt collector can lead to escalated collection efforts, including potential legal action.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with the firm, including dates and times of phone calls, the name of the representative you spoke with, and summaries of the conversations. For letters and any documents you send, use certified mail with a return receipt requested to keep a paper trail.
- Don’t make any admissions: Until you have verified that the debt is indeed yours and the amount is accurate, refrain from acknowledging the debt or making any commitments to pay.
- Request debt validation: You have the right under the FDCPA to request validation of the debt. This must be done in writing within 30 days of their initial contact. Once you request validation, they must provide proof that you owe the debt and that they have the right to collect it.
- Negotiate wisely: If you decide to negotiate a payment or settlement, do so with caution. Don’t agree to terms you can’t fulfill. It’s important to consult with a debt help attorney who can best advise you on how to proceed.
- Respond ASAP: If Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP initiates a lawsuit, file your answer by the deadline given in the notice to avoid a default judgment.
- Consider hiring a lawyer: Proceeding with communications from a debt collection law firm requires the right approach. Be sure you handle it the right way and consult with a debt help attorney like Tayne Law.
Knowing Your Rights Against Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP
If you are dealing with Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, or any debt collection agency in the United States, your rights are primarily protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Here are some key rights you have under this act:
Right to a written notice
Collectors must send you a written validation notice within five days of first contacting you. This notice has to tell you how much money you owe, the name of the creditor, and what to do if you think you do not owe the money.
Right to dispute the debt
You have the right to dispute the debt within 30 days of receiving the validation notice, and the collection agency must provide verification of the debt. If you dispute the debt in writing, collection activities must stop until verification is provided.
Right to privacy
Debt collectors cannot tell your family, friends, or employers about your debt. They are allowed to contact other people to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work, but usually, they are not allowed to contact these people more than once.
Right to silence the calls
You have the right to request that a debt collector stop contacting you. Sending a letter to the collector stating that you do not wish to be contacted can legally stop the calls. However, this does not eliminate the debt; the collector or creditor could still sue.
Protection from harassment and abuse
Debt collectors are not allowed to harass, oppress, or abuse you. They are not allowed to lie when they are trying to collect a debt and must conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Specific hours for communication
Collectors are not supposed to contact you at inconvenient times or places, like before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it.
Representation by an attorney
If you are represented by an attorney regarding the debt, the debt collector must communicate with the attorney, not you, unless the attorney fails to respond to the collector’s communications within a reasonable period.
If you believe Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP or any debt collector has violated your rights under the FDCPA, you can:
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Contact your state’s attorney general’s office
- Seek legal advice from an attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation
- You may be able to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year of the violation
Always keep records of all communications with the debt collector and any payments made or settlement agreements entered into. If you are unsure of your rights or how to proceed, consider consulting with an attorney of your own.
How to Negotiate with Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a debt settlement or payment plan that resolves your matter out of court. Negotiating with a debt collection firm like Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP requires a strategic approach, clear communication, and an understanding of your rights and financial situation.
In general, it’s advisable to hire a debt relief lawyer to help guide you through the process. The experienced lawyers at Tayne Law Group are skilled negotiators and know what it takes to secure a deal that fits your budget and allows you to move on with your life without the burden of unaffordable debt.
Step 1: Understand Your Debt
Before negotiating, make sure you know the following:
- The amount you allegedly owe.
- To whom the original debt was owed.
- Whether the debt is within the statute of limitations for collection.
Step 2: Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the FDCPA, which provides guidelines on what debt collectors can and cannot do.
Step 3: Request Debt Validation
If you haven’t already, formally request debt validation from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP. This will force them to provide proof that the debt is yours and that they have the right to collect it.
Step 4: Evaluate Your Finances
Determine how much you can realistically afford to pay, either in a lump sum or in monthly installments. It’s important not to agree to a payment plan that is not sustainable for your financial situation.
Step 5: Make Contact
When you’re ready to negotiate, consider making the initial contact in writing. Clearly state that you are interested in resolving the alleged debt and wish to discuss potential options.
Step 6: Negotiate the Terms
Begin the negotiation with an amount lower than what you can afford to give yourself some room to negotiate. You can negotiate for:
- A lump-sum settlement for less than the amount owed.
- A payment plan with reduced total debt or more favorable terms.
- Dispute the debt if the information provided during validation proves inaccurate.
Step 7: Get Everything in Writing
Once you reach an agreement, ask Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP to provide a written agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement or payment plan. Do not make any payments until you have this agreement in writing.
Keep copies of all correspondence, agreements, and payments related to the debt. Document phone calls with date, time, and details of the conversation.
Step 9: Follow Through
Adhere to the payment schedule you’ve agreed upon. If you fail to follow through on the agreement, the firm may restart collection efforts or pursue legal action.
Step 10: Monitor Your Credit Report
After you’ve settled or paid off the debt, check your credit report to make sure the account is updated to reflect the payment or settlement.
Remember, keeping a level head can make the negotiation process smoother. And avoid sharing too much about your financial situation, which can be used against you. If you’re not comfortable negotiating on your own, consider hiring a consumer law or debt settlement attorney.
Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP Phone Number and Address
If you need to reach Pressler, Felt & Warshaw LLP, use the following contact information:
Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP
Attorneys at Law
7 Entin Rd
Parsippany, NJ 07054-9944
Toll Free (888) 312-8600
Tel (973) 753-5100
Fax (973) 753-5353
Email: contact@pfwattorneys.com
How Can a Debt Settlement Attorney Help?
It’s generally a good idea to enlist the help of a debt settlement attorney if you’ve been contacted about a debt in collections and/or debt lawsuit. An attorney can assess your financial situation and provide legal advice tailored to your circumstances, as well as negotiate on your behalf and represent you in court, if necessary.
Tayne Law Group offers a free consultation with one of our experienced debt relief attorneys. Whether you’re struggling to keep up with your bills, have a debt in collections, or have been sued by a creditor or Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, there’s a good chance that we can help. Contact our offices by calling (866) 890-7337 or fill out our short contact form. We never share your information and all conversations are confidential.
FAQs
Pressler Felt & Warshaw LLP is a law firm based in New Jersey known for collections. They offer legal solutions to clients, specializing in areas such as debt collection, bankruptcy, subrogation, and litigation.
Yes, Pressler, Felt & Warshaw LLP has a longstanding track record in the legal field, having over 80 years of experience in debt collection, representing creditors across the nation.
If you see Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP on your credit report, it typically means that they are handling a debt that you have not paid, and they have reported this debt to the credit bureaus.
If Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP is suing you, it is likely because they believe you owe a debt that has not been paid. Be sure not to ignore the lawsuit; that won’t make it go away and it could result in a default judgment against you, which gives the creditor the right to collect the debt through garnishment or other means. Consider consulting with a consumer rights attorney.
If you receive a collection letter from Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP, be sure to read it carefully. Understand what the debt is, how much they say you owe, and to whom the debt was originally owed. The letter should also inform you of your rights to dispute the debt.
You can contact Pressler, Felt & Warshaw LLP through their official website’s “Contact Us” section or by calling their phone number, which is typically listed on their website. They are located in New Jersey, USA, and their specific address is also listed for mail inquiries.
Yes, if Pressler, Felt & Warshaw, LLP is acting within the confines of the law, they are legally allowed to collect a debt and report it to credit bureaus, provided they are authorized to do so by the original creditor or if they have purchased the debt themselves.
To hire Pressler Felt & Warshaw LLP for legal services, individuals or companies should reach out to their office directly. This can be done through their official website’s contact form or by a phone call. Details about the legal issue should be fully disclosed for appropriate legal counsel.
