Consumer complaint received 2025-01-29 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Told you not to respond to a lawsuit they filed against you
Company: DCI Credit Services, Inc.
State: ND

Complaint narrative:
I was served a Summons and Complaint from DCI Credit Services , Inc. on XX/XX/XXXX. I immediately called the number for the attorney listed at the bottomXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) and spoke with a woman named XXXX XXXX. I informed her that I was calling in reference to the Summons and Complaint I had just received and specifically asked her how I submit an official Answer to avoid a Default Judgement. During the call, I also informed her that I was disputing the amount, and that the contractor ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) had failed to complete the job and was in breach ofand abandonedthe contract. I informed her that I had no issues paying the remaining balance once the work was completed, but she said they do not negotiate the completion of work and would only negotiate a settlement offer. She advised me to submit my Answer to the Summons and Complaint by sending a settlement offer via email. 

I did as instructed, then followed up with XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. She advised me that their client had declined the settlement offer. I reiterated that I was very concerned about a Default Judgement, and asked her to confirm that this would not occur and that my Answer had been received. She stated, " You responded and you Answered, and I have it noted in here when you Answered, which was XX/XX/XXXX. And your Answer was a discussion of settlement. We couldn't come to an agreement, but you still have the option to set up payment arrangements to stop a legal process, which you're not doing. So obviously, we are proceeding with legal at this point. '' ( Both of these conversations were recorded and I am willing and able to provide a copy. ) On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a Notice of Assignment of Judge, Declaration of Service by Mail, Notice of XXXX Motion, Brief in Support of Motion for Default Judgement, and Motion for Default Judgement. In the Brief in Support of Motion for Default Judgement, DCI Credit Services , Inc. stated that I " failed to file and serve an Answer in this matter '', but I had " made an appearance ''. They asked the Court to enter a Default Judgementafter previously assuring me that could not happen because I had responded and Answered on XX/XX/XXXX. 

The actions of DCI Credit Services , Inc. were egregious, immoral, and illegal. First, I was under the impression that I was speaking with someone from XXXX XXXX 's law firmbecause that is the phone number that I dialed. ( I have call logs to verify this. ) They also swayed my actions by providing legal advice that was in direct opposition to my best interest when they advised me to respond via email and later assured me that my response and Answer had been received and that there was no need to worry about a Default Judgement. This created circumstances that positioned me against my own interests, leaving me vulnerable and at a significant disadvantage. I am requesting that DCI Credit Services , Inc. halt all legal actions pending the results of this complaint investigation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation