Dallas woman sues debt collector after boyfriend is told about debt

SHERMAN - A Dallas woman has filed a lawsuit against a debt collector for violating federal law after her boyfriend was contacted about an alleged debt.

Alexia Crouch filed suit against National Patient Account Services Inc. on Jan. 16 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

According to the lawsuit, Crouch allegedly incurred a financial obligation to Medical City of Dallas. The defendant attempted to contact the plaintiff by placing calls to Crouch’s boyfriend’s cellular phone, even though the boyfriend was not a co-signer on the debt.

The defendant is accused of telling the boyfriend the nature of the debt, including how much was owed and to whom it was owed.

The defendant is accused of repeated violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the invasions of Crouch’s personal privacy by informing third parties of the nature of Crouch’s debt, misrepresenting the character of the debt, employing false and deceptive means to collect a debt, and for failing to send a written validation notice within thirty days.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of actual damages, statutory damages, court costs, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.

Crouch is represented by Jody B. Burton of Lemberg & Associates in Stamford, Conn. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 4:13-cv-00029