Debt collector sued for calling woman after debt was paid

PLANO - A Plano woman is suing a collection agency for continuing to call her after she paid off the debt.

Becky Pratt filed suit against I.C. Systems Inc. on Aug. 15 on Eastern District of Texas, Plano Division.

According to the allegations, Pratt started receiving collection calls from the defendant in May. Shortly thereafter, she received a letter stating that the defendant would be collecting a debt allegedly owed to a doctor. A few days later, the defendant called and requested certain identifying information including the plaintiff's Social Security number and address.

Pratt states she refused to release this information and requested that the defendant stop calling. She claims the calls continued, sometimes as many as three times per day.

She says she paid off the account in full with the original creditor, but the collection calls and letters continue.

The defendant is accused of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by harassing, oppressing or abusing Pratt in connection with the debt and by causing her telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse or harass.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of statutory damages, costs and attorney's fees.

Pratt is represented by Michael S. Agruss of Krohn & Moss Ltd. in Chicago, Ill.

U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:11-cv-00506