Information for American Laser Centers Customers

The only class action case of which we are aware is pending in California, which we are co-counseling with the LakeShore Law Center and Attorney Jeffrey Wilens. This case seeks refunds for ALC customers who attempted to cancel their contracts and/or had laser treatments without proper supervision. The case has not yet been certified as a class action. At present, Quat Law Offices, is available to represent Massachusetts residents who have complaints against American Laser Centers, but cannot provide assistance to residents of other states.

Information for Potential Student Loan Clients

At this time, Quat Law Offices is not able to assist individuals with student loan issues who live outside of Massachusetts. We suggest that such persons search for local counsel at www.naca.net.

Credit Control Services Found Liable in Suit Challenging Collection Fees

In a ruling issued March 31, 2009, the United States District Court sitting in Worcester found Credit Control Services, Inc., liable for charging a consumer a 30% collection fee before any monies had been actually collected from him. The basis of the ruling was that since the creditor did not incur a collection cost until money was recovered from the consumer, it was a violation of both the FDCPA and G.L. c. 93A for Credit Control to charge a percentage-based fee immediately upon the account being placed for collection. The plaintiff is represented by Quat Law Offices, and seeks to have the case certified as a class action.

Suit Filed Against Attorney Paul J. Coleman

Quat Law Offices has filed suit against Attorney Paul Coleman (doing business as The Law Office of Paul J. Coleman) on behalf of a Massachusetts consumer who alleges he received a number of misleading phone calls and was subjected to other unlawful conduct. The case is pending in the United States District Court in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Accredited Home Lenders Files Bankruptcy

Accredited Home Lenders, a mortgage company based in San Diego, recently filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware. Accredited was involved in making sub-prime loans, and is currently a defendant in a truth-in-lending case brought by a client of Quat Law Offices. This case has been put on hold for the time being as a result of Accredited's bankruptcy filing. Other parties in the litigation are MERS, All City Financial Group, and Kevin Huther.

Protocol Recovery Services Settles Unfair Debt Collection Claims

Protocol Recovery Services, a collection agency based in Georgia, recently agreed to settle unfair debt collection claims asserted by a Massachusetts consumer without the necessity of litigation. The consumer, who was represented by Quat Law Offices, alleged that Protocol committed multiple violations of the FDCPA and Mass. General Laws chapter 93A, including contacting a friend regarding the alleged debt, contacting a neighbor regarding the alleged debt, and leaving misleading phone messages.

CACH Collection Cases Dismissed

Judges sitting in the Quincy and Brockton District Courts each recently dismissed collection cases brought by CACH, LLC, against clients of Quat Law Offices. CACH is a "debt-buyer" based in Denver which sues Massachusetts consumers through Cambece Law Offices. In each case CACH was unable to produce documentation at trial sufficient to establish that it owned the alleged debt or had the right to collect it.