Q: Can United Legal Firm pursue legal action for Cash Net USA debt?
United Legal Firm has been calling me and my ex-husband, claiming I owe money to Cash Net USA for a loan I have not paid off which has been charged off. They are threatening to sue me but have not provided any specific details about a court case. Despite their claims, I haven't received any written correspondence from them, and I can't find any information about United Legal Firm online—they claim to have no online presence. They have refused to accept what I can afford to pay monthly. Is United Legal Firm legitimate, and can they legally pursue action against me without providing more information?
A: This sounds very much like a hoax. I would not make any deal or pay any money. If they call you again, tell them you need written verification of the debt including any assignment or transfer of the debt from Cash Net USA to them or a copy of an agreement executed by Cash Net USA hiring United Legal Firm to collect the debt on its behalf. If they send you anything that purports to be one of those written instruments, I would contact Cash Net USA directly to confirm if it is legitimate.
A:
First, it's important to verify whether United Legal Firm is legitimate. Many debt collection agencies operate under names that can seem unclear or unfamiliar, so it’s essential to confirm whether they are a registered and legal entity. You can start by asking them to provide their full legal name, contact information, and any relevant licensing details. If they are unwilling to provide this, that could be a red flag.
If they claim you owe a debt to Cash Net USA, you have the right to request written validation of the debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), they are legally required to send you a debt validation notice, which should include the amount of the debt, the creditor’s name, and a statement of your rights. If they cannot provide this information, it’s a sign that their claim may not be legitimate.
Regarding their threat to sue, they can only pursue legal action if they have the right documentation and proper legal standing to do so. If you’ve never been served with formal legal documents, or if they haven’t provided sufficient evidence of the debt, they cannot proceed with a lawsuit. You should also continue to communicate with them in writing, and if you feel threatened or harassed, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
A:
It’s important to verify if United Legal Firm is a legitimate entity. The fact that they have no online presence and are unwilling to provide specific details about their identity or case is concerning. You should request their full legal name, business address, and any other information that would allow you to confirm their legitimacy. If they refuse or continue to be vague, this could be a red flag.
Regarding the debt, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they are required to provide written verification of the debt. This includes details such as the amount owed, the original creditor, and your rights to dispute the debt. Without this, they cannot legally pursue you for payment. If they continue to call or threaten legal action without providing this information, they may be violating the law.
In terms of legal action, they cannot sue you unless they have valid documentation to support the claim. If you haven’t received any formal legal papers or been served with a lawsuit, they cannot proceed with a case. If they continue harassing you, it may be worth filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state’s attorney general’s office.
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