SUED BY PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES? — Here’s Why It’s Not Game Over
Don’t Panic—But Don’t Ignore That Lawsuit Either
Receiving a lawsuit from a debt collector like Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) is unsettling. Maybe you recognize the debt—or maybe you’ve never heard of it. Either way, ignoring it is the worst move you can make.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help clients push back against predatory debt collection tactics and bogus lawsuits. We don’t just defend your rights—we go on the offensive.
Who Is Portfolio Recovery Associates and Why Are They Suing You?
PRA is one of the nation’s largest and most aggressive debt buyers. The company purchases old credit card and consumer debt for pennies on the dollar and then files lawsuits to collect the full amount—often using tactics that violate state and federal law.
Here’s the business model:
PRA buys old or charged-off debt (sometimes already paid or discharged)
They pursue collection using mail threats or lawsuits
If you don’t respond, they obtain a default judgment
They garnish wages or bank accounts—even when the debt is questionable
If PRA has sued you, it's crucial to know: you have rights, and you may not even owe the debt they claim.
The CFPB Has Investigated—and Fined—PRA for Illegal Practices
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has taken extensive action against Portfolio Recovery Associates for repeated violations, including:
Collecting on unverified or time-barred debt
Filing lawsuits without proper documentation
Threatening consumers without the legal right to collect
Misleading statements and lack of required disclosures
PRA was hit with a $24 million fine for noncompliance. Despite this, the company continues to pursue consumers aggressively—and often unlawfully.
When Debt Collectors Cross the Line, R23 Law Pushes Back
Our attorneys have successfully challenged PRA lawsuits by proving:
The debt wasn’t valid
The statute of limitations expired
PRA lacked documentation
The debt was already paid or discharged in bankruptcy
PRA used illegal collection tactics, in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Even if you think you owe the debt, you still have the right to a fair process—and possibly financial compensation if your rights were violated.
Step 1: Always Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit
Failing to respond within 30 days (in most cases) allows PRA to win by default—even if:
The debt isn’t yours
The amount is wrong
The lawsuit violates consumer protection laws
A default judgment can lead to wage garnishment, frozen bank accounts, and damaged credit. At R23 Law, we help clients respond quickly and strategically—before the court rules against them.
Step 2: Don’t Deal with PRA Alone
Portfolio Recovery Associates employs law firms and seasoned debt collectors. You need experienced legal counsel to level the playing field.
R23 Law’s California consumer protection attorneys:
Review all court filings and deadlines
Challenge improper or unverified claims
Assert FDCPA violations and file counterclaims
Negotiate favorable settlements—or take the fight to court
We’ve seen PRA misidentify debtors, inflate balances, and sue past the statute of limitations. Our job is to hold them accountable.
Step 3: Know What PRA Can—and Cannot—Legally Do
Under the FDCPA, PRA and other collectors are prohibited from:
Calling you repeatedly or using profane language
Threatening legal action they can’t take
Misrepresenting who they are (e.g., pretending to be attorneys)
Contacting you after you’ve requested they stop
Suing on time-barred or unsubstantiated debt
They must also verify the debt upon request. If they fail, you may be able to sue them and recover damages up to $1,000 per violation—plus attorney’s fees.
Step 4: Consider Filing Your Own Lawsuit Against PRA
If Portfolio Recovery Associates has:
Sued you without the proper documentation
Violated the FDCPA or California's Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Used false or deceptive statements in their collection efforts
...you may be able to file your own lawsuit and recover:
Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation)
Compensation for emotional distress and legal costs
Relief from the debt and restoration of your credit reputation
You may also qualify for a class action if PRA has used the same illegal tactics against other consumers.
R23 Law’s Consumer Protection Attorneys: Defending You at No Upfront Cost
We represent consumers on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. That means:
No retainer fees
No hourly billing
No out-of-pocket expenses to fight back
Our goal is simple: protect your rights, restore your peace of mind, and stop abusive debt collectors in their tracks.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If Portfolio Recovery Associates has filed a lawsuit against you, don’t wait to act. With R23 Law’s Consumer Protection Attorneys team in your corner, you can:
Defend yourself confidently
Stop illegal debt collection
Seek compensation for wrongdoing
Prevent wage garnishment and credit damage
📞 Contact R23 Law today for a confidential case evaluation. Let us turn this lawsuit into an opportunity to stand up for your rights—and stop the harassment for good.
