Where plaintiffs assert civil claims alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the “FDCPA”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692-1692p, against mortgage lenders and their servicers, the defendants should assess the claims to determine whether they are subject to immediate dismissal. The first question that should be considered is whether the lender or servicer even qualifies as a “debt collector” pursuant to the FDCPA. If the answer to that question is “yes,” then the next question needing an answer is “what are the most effective available defenses?”
Continue Reading Lender and Servicer Defenses to FDCPA Claims

On December 10, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States resolved a split among the Circuit Courts of Appeals over whether the one-year statute of limitations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) begins to accrue from the time the alleged violation occurs, as opposed to when it is discovered.  The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered by Justice Thomas, in Rotkiske v. Klemm, et al., No. 18-328, held that claims brought under the FDCPA are strictly subject to the statutory language of the FDCPA and must be filed “within one year from the date on which the violation occurs.”
Continue Reading Supreme Court Justices say no to applying the “discovery” rule on FDCPA claims

In a 6-3 decision issued today, the Supreme Court ruled that defendants cannot rely on a strategic offer of judgment to the named plaintiff to moot the claims of the putative class.

After an unfavorable Ninth Circuit decision, U.S. Navy contractor Campbell-Ewald asked the high court to consider, inter alia, whether defendants can strategically

On August 12, 2015, the Second Circuit revived a putative class action alleging FCI Lender Services Inc. sent notices to mortgage borrowers appearing to initiate debt collections that did not comply with the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.

FCI took over servicing of plaintiff’s and other mortgages from GMAC Mortgage LLC in 2012. Soon after,