These Bill Collectors Are Gonna Get You to Pay By Hook or By Crook

The Philadelphia Attorney General's office has filed suit against Unicredit America, a debt collection company that allegedly used deceptive tactics to mislead, confuse or coerce consumers - including the use of bogus "hearings" held in a company office that was decorated to look like a courtroom. According to the press release, fictitious court proceedings were used to intimidate consumers into providing access to bank accounts, making immediate payments or surrendering vehicle titles and other assets - sometimes dispatching Unicredit employees to consumers' homes in order to retrieve documents or have consumers sign payment agreements. Unicredit used civil subpoenas to summon consumers to an office in Erie, Pa. which included an area referred to by Unicredit employees as "the courtroom." The fake courtroom allegedly contained furniture and decorations similar to those used in actual court offices, including a raised "bench" area where a judge would be seated; two tables and chairs in front of the "bench" for attorneys and defendants; a simulated witness stand; seating for spectators; and legal books on bookshelves. During some proceedings, an individual dressed in black was seated where observers would expect to see a judge. The lawsuit seeks restitution for all consumers who have been harmed by Unicredit's unfair trade practices, along with civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation (up to $3,000 for each violation involving a victim age 60 or older).


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