Citibank sued over debt collection tactics

SHERMAN - A Plano woman is asking a federal court to stop Citibank from threatening her with a lawsuit regarding an alleged debt.

Felicia White Meyers filed suit against Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson & Hornik (RSIEH) and Citibank N.A. on April 26 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

The defendants are accused of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Texas Debt Collection Act, Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act and the Texas Business and Commerce Code by using false representations and deceptive practices and threatening to take an action prohibited by law.

In connection with an alleged debt, the defendants initiated a lawsuit against Meyers on Sept. 20, 2011, in Collin County District Court. Shortly after Meyers responded to the lawsuit, Citibank and RSIEH filed a notice of non-suit.

In the recent federal lawsuit, Meyers argues that the defendants used an unfair or unconscionable means against her in connection with the debt, including filing a lawsuit that it did not intend to further pursue.

The plaintiff is asking the court to issue an injunction to prevent the defendants from their "violative behaviors" and for an award of statutory damages, actual damages for personal humiliation, embarrassment, mental anguish, emotional distress, treble damages, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.

Meyers is represented by Dennis R. Kurz of Weisberg & Meyers in Houston. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 4:12-cv-00246