20/20 Story on Debt Collection

On January 19, ABC's "20/20" newsmagazine was devoted exclusively to the consumer debt collection industry and its abuses. Well worth watching.

Suit Filed Against Universal Fidelity LP

Quat Law Offices recently filed suit in the United States District Court, Boston, on behalf of a Tewksbury couple who allege Universal Fidelity LP of Houston, Texas, committed a number of debt collection violations against them. These included frequent and harassing phone calls, threats, and mentioning the alleged debt to co-workers.

Credit Card Company Cancels Debt, Pays Fees

Quat Law Offices has obtained from a major credit card company the full cancellation of a client's debt arising from its alleged failure to honor a stop-payment order on a convenience check. The company also agreed to pay a sum of money toward the client's legal fees. The settlement occurred just prior to a hearing scheduled before the American Arbitration Association.

Listerine Class Certified by Superior Court

The Middlesex Superior Court has allowed a case brought by Quat Law Offices against Pfizer due to allegedly false advertising of Listerine to move forward as a class action. On November 29, 2006, the Court certified a class consisting of all Massachusetts residents who purchased Listerine between June 1, 2004 and April 27, 2005. Previously, the Court had denied Pfizer's motion for summary judgment. The allegedly false advertising was Pfizer's representation that Listerine was "as effective as floss" in reducing plaque and gingivities between the teeth, a claim which plaintiff contends was false and that Pfizer knew was false. The case is seeking damages on behalf of all class members.