Consumer complaint received 2024-08-06
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company: Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. (NV)

Regarding XXXX. 

Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Gurstel Law Firm, P.C., XXXX XXXX, NV, for multiple apparent violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) related to the handling of my debt account ( Reference : File # XXXX ). Despite my ongoing efforts to negotiate a reasonable settlement of my debt under extreme financial duress and medical hardship, the firms representatives have engaged in practices that I believe contravene the FDCPAs stipulated rights and protections for consumers. 

Background : I have been in regular communication with Gurstel Law Firm, attempting to negotiate a settlement for a debt exceeding {$7000.00}, which I am unable to fully satisfy due to severe medical conditions and financial hardship. After initial discussions, the firm stopped responding to my communications, a practice which seems designed to avoid negotiation and potentially to coerce me into higher payments by ignoring settlement offers that are feasible given my current financial state. Its as if theyre saying XXXX XXXX and are looking for an excuse to sue me. I sent an email to XXXX XXXX detailing my financial hardship and the severe impact this situation is having on my health, as I suffer from XXXX which has recently required XXXX XXXX XXXX. In that communication, I offered a settlement of {$3500.00}, which is the maximum amount I am currently able to pay, as confirmed by financial assistance from my brother. This offer was made in good faith, with the hope of amicably resolving the matter to avoid further health complications. 

However, it has been over a week, and XXXX XXXX has not responded to my settlement offer, nor has he provided any updates or communications regarding the status of my case. This lack of communication is not only unprofessional but also exacerbates my health issues and distress. The firm 's disregard for my financial offer and the documented impact on my health raises serious concerns about their adherence to ethical debt collection practices as outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

The intentional ignoring of my communication attempts by Gurstel Law Firm appears to be a tactic to avoid a settlement and possibly to intimidate or coerce me into agreeing to terms that I can not fulfill without severe personal consequences. This approach by Gurstel Law Firm is causing significant emotional and physical distress, and I believe it constitutes a violation of the FDCPAs requirement for fair and respectful communication without deception or abuse. 

I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate this matter and ensure that Gurstel Law Firm adheres to ethical and legal standards in their debt collection practices. I am prepared to provide all necessary documentation and correspondence to support my complaint.

Specific Complaints : Lack of Communication : Despite repeated good-faith attempts to resolve the debt, including offers of immediate payment under negotiated terms, the firm has ceased all communication. This neglect constitutes a failure to engage with a debtor looking to settle their debts lawfully, which is unprofessional and deceptive. 

Misleading Conduct : Initially, the firms representative ( XXXX XXXX ) indicated a willingness to negotiate, but subsequently, they have failed to respond, effectively misleading me about their openness to negotiation and leaving me in a state of financial uncertainty. 
Intentional Delay : The firms non-responsiveness appears to be an intentional delay tactic, potentially to pressurize me into agreeing to less favorable terms or to exploit my financial vulnerability further. 

Conclusion : I have made every effort to communicate transparently and negotiate in good faith, even under extreme personal and financial strain. I request the CFPBs intervention to ensure that Gurstel Law Firm adheres to the FDCPA and respects my rights as a consumer to negotiate my debts without deception or undue delay. 

Enclosed are copies of all correspondence with the firm and documentation of my financial and medical situation. I urge the Bureau to investigate this matter promptly and to facilitate a fair resolution that reflects the spirit and letter of the FDCPA. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your support in rectifying this situation. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX