BUNNELL – A Flagler County couple alleges a debt collector continued to call them after they requested it to contact their attorney instead.
Clifford Evans Matthews Jr. and Levada Matthews filed a complaint on Oct. 17 in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court - Flagler County against GFC Lending LLC alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Jan. 19, they incurred a financial obligation from purchasing a vehicle and retained counsel in August. During multiple calls initiated by the defendant in its attempt to collect the alleged debt, the plaintiffs instructed the defendant to stop calling and instead contact their attorney in regards to the debt, the suit states. Despite the request, defendant allegedly continued calling the plaintiffs, which they claim caused them to suffer from emotional distress, anger, humiliation and unjustified and abusive invasions of personal privacy.
The plaintiffs hold GFC Lending LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly refused to stop communicating with the plaintiffs despite having their consent revoked, and caused emotional distress and personal strain in plaintiffs' relationship towards each other and other family members.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendant, damages, costs of litigation, attorney's fees, permanent injunction and further relief as the court deems proper. They are represented by Max Story of Max Hunter Story PA in Jacksonville Beach.
7th Judicial Circuit Court - Flagler County Case number 3:16-cv-01313