Synchrony Bank has been at the center of a lawsuit that has left many consumers wondering what it's all about. The lawsuit claims that Synchrony Bank engaged in deceptive practices when it came to its credit card agreements.
Many people have received letters or emails from Synchrony Bank stating that they are being sued. However, it's essential to note that these letters are often just notifications that Synchrony Bank is trying to collect a debt.
If you've received one of these letters, take a deep breath and don't panic. You have options for responding, and understanding your rights is key to navigating this situation.
Understanding Synchrony Bank Lawsuit
You may receive a Synchrony Bank lawsuit if you have outstanding credit card debt, but you don't have to hire an attorney to handle it. You can represent yourself in court using SoloSuit's legal documents, which are available online.
The key to responding to a Synchrony Bank lawsuit is to understand the requirements and deadlines. Typically, you have 14-30 days to file your Answer, depending on the state. You can use SoloSuit's web app to guide you through the process and ensure you address every allegation, assert affirmative defenses, and file the Answer with the court on time.
Here are the three things you need to worry about when filing an Answer:
- Address every allegation: Admit or deny the allegations in the lawsuit.
- Assert affirmative defenses: Make sure you assert any defenses you have to the lawsuit, such as the credit card was not in your name or the company already forgave the debt.
- File the Answer with the court on time: Mail the Answer to the appropriate court within the allotted time.
Who Is Synchrony Bank
Synchrony Bank is a financial institution that offers a range of consumer financial services, including credit cards, personal loans, and home loans. Founded in 2003, it has grown to become one of the largest consumer financial services companies in the United States.
Synchrony Bank is a subsidiary of Synchrony Financial, a leading consumer financial services company that provides credit products through a variety of channels, including retail partnerships and online platforms.
Synchrony Bank's credit cards are issued through partnerships with major retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and JCPenney, among others.
The bank's credit cards are popular among consumers due to their rewards programs and low interest rates.
Class-Action Lawsuit
If you've been a victim of Synchrony Bank's bad business practices, you might be eligible to join a class-action lawsuit. Synchrony Bank recently allowed class-action lawsuits to progress after accepting responsibility for long-standing complaints.
Consumers who sue Synchrony Bank in class-action lawsuits can receive a reasonable percentage of the total money owed to the bank. This is based on the compensation method stated in Synchrony Bank's class-action lawsuit.
Many consumers have successfully sued Synchrony Bank in class-action lawsuits since 2014. In fact, a 2020 class-action lawsuit filed by a Gap Inc and Banana Republic credit card holder resulted in a victorious ruling.
A 2021 class-action lawsuit filed by California debtors was also successful, with Synchrony Bank ordered to pay $3.5 million.
You can also sue Synchrony Bank in small claims courts, but ensure you have a strong case against them. The maximum monetary compensation in small claims court ranges from $2,500 to $20,000, depending on your state.
Here are some examples of successful class-action lawsuits against Synchrony Bank:
Responding to a Lawsuit
Responding to a Synchrony Bank lawsuit can be overwhelming, but it's essential to take action to protect yourself. You have about 14-30 days to file your Answer, depending on the state, so don't delay.
To respond effectively, you need to address every allegation in the lawsuit by admitting or denying them, assert your affirmative defenses, and file the Answer with the court on time. You can use SoloSuit's web app to make this process easier, or you can hire an attorney to help you.
If you're unsure about how to respond, consider seeking guidance from a debt defense attorney. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you're taking the right steps to protect your rights.
Here are the three steps to worry about when filing an Answer:
- Address every allegation: Admit or deny allegations as outlined in the Synchrony bank lawsuit.
- Assert affirmative defenses: Make sure you assert whatever defenses you have to the lawsuit.
- File the Answer with the court on time: Ensure that you mail the Answer to the appropriate court within the time allotted.
Answering a Summons in the US
Responding to a lawsuit can be overwhelming, but it's essential to take the first step by answering a summons. You have about 14-30 days, depending on your state, to file your Answer. This document allows you to admit or deny the allegations in the lawsuit and assert your affirmative defenses.
To address every allegation, you need to admit or deny each point in the complaint document. You can also use this opportunity to assert affirmative defenses, which include claims that the credit card was not in your name, you have already paid the debt, the company already forgave the debt, or the company is too late in suing you.
Filing the Answer with the court on time is crucial. You can mail the hard copies to the courts, or pay a small fee to have an attorney review the document and file it for you. If you ignore the lawsuit, it can result in a default judgment against you, which means you lose the case, regardless of your defenses.
Here's a step-by-step guide to responding to a lawsuit:
1. Respond to the Lawsuit
- File your response, known as an Answer.
- Demand proof from the creditor that you owe the debt.
2. Address Allegations
- Address the creditor's allegations and present your defenses.
- Clearly outline your arguments and defenses in your Answer.
3. Adhere to Deadlines
- File your response promptly.
- Be aware that you may have as little as 14 days to file.
4. Consult an Attorney
- Work with an experienced debt defense attorney.
- Legal expertise helps navigate the process effectively.
5. Review Claims
- Have your attorney review the creditor's claim against you.
- Investigate the validity of the claim and your legal options.
6. Prepare Your Defense
- Your attorney can prepare and file your Answer.
- Ensure a strong response to the lawsuit.
7. Legal Representation
- Obtain representation for court proceedings.
- Your attorney will fight for you in and out of court.
8. Guidance Throughout
- Receive guidance throughout the legal process.
- Your attorney will support you until your case concludes.
Taking Small Claims Court Step by Step
If you're considering suing Synchrony Bank in small claims court, you'll need to follow a specific process. The first step is to send a demand letter to the company, outlining the issue and what you want them to do to fix it. This letter should include your contact information, the issue at hand, and what you're asking for.
The demand letter should be sent to Synchrony Bank's official mailing address, which is P.O. Box 29110, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. You can find examples of demand letters online or create your own.
To take Synchrony to small claims court, you'll need to verify that your claim qualifies. There are two main limitations to consider: the type of compensation and the amount of compensation.
If your claim exceeds these limits, you may still have options, such as filing a claim and going through binding arbitration.
Credit Card and Credit Report Issues
If you're dealing with Synchrony Bank, you should know that a debt entry by their collections can harm your credit score for seven years if not removed. This can reduce your chances of getting a new line of credit or personal loan.
A debt entry by Synchrony Bank can be removed from your credit report, but you'll need to take action. Send a Debt Validation Letter to Synchrony Bank to verify the debt belongs to you. If they can't verify it, they should remove it from your credit report.
If you still question the debt, you can dispute it with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. They'll consult with Synchrony Bank and remove the debt from your report or correct the inaccurate sections. You can also request a pay-for-delete agreement, where Synchrony Bank commits to deleting the debt once you pay the agreed amount.
Here are some steps to consider:
- Send a Debt Validation Letter to Synchrony Bank
- Dispute the debt with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian
- Request a pay-for-delete agreement
- Ask for a goodwill deletion
Keep in mind that Synchrony Bank can sue for defaulted credit card debt, so it's essential to address any issues promptly. If you're being sued, consider seeking help from a professional.
Removing Items from Credit Report
Removing items from your credit report can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in maintaining a healthy credit score.
A debt entry by Synchrony Bank collections can harm your credit score for seven years if left unaddressed.
You can take action to have the debt removed from your credit report by sending a Debt Validation Letter to Synchrony Bank to verify the debt belongs to you.
If they can't verify the debt, they should remove it from your credit report. If you still question the debt, you can investigate and dispute it with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
They will consult with Synchrony Bank and remove the debt from your report or correct the inaccurate sections.
If you're looking to have the debt removed without paying it off, you can request a pay-for-delete agreement from Synchrony Bank.
This means they commit to deleting the debt from your credit report once you pay the agreed amount.
Alternatively, you can ask for a goodwill deletion, although they're not obligated to do so.
Having a paid status is better than an unpaid status, but it still reduces your credibility.
Here are the steps to take:
- Send a Debt Validation Letter to Synchrony Bank to verify the debt belongs to you.
- Investigate and dispute the debt with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
- Request a pay-for-delete agreement from Synchrony Bank.
- Ask for a goodwill deletion.
Does Sue Have a Credit Card?
Synchrony Bank is a major issuer of credit cards, and if you're struggling to pay off your balance, it may sue you for defaulted credit card debt.
Synchrony Bank files debt collection lawsuits against consumers who use Synchrony-branded or store credit cards and fail to make payments.
If you're being sued by Synchrony Bank for debt collection in Texas, it's essential to seek help from a qualified attorney.
Our Texas debt resolution lawyers have extensive experience defending Texans from creditors and can guide you through the process.
You can reach out to us for a consultation to answer your legal questions and understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy with Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank faced controversy in 2021 over excessive phone calls to debtors, leading to a $3.5 million settlement. The issue raised concerns about the bank's debt collection practices and customer communication.
Who do I complain to about Synchrony Bank?
To file a complaint about Synchrony Bank, contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which provides an informal channel for submitting claims and complaints. The CFPB will then follow its internal procedures to determine the next steps.
Sources
- https://www.solosuit.com/posts/who-is-synchrony-bank
- https://www.wmtxlaw.com/what-happens-if-i-am-sued-by-synchrony-bank-in-texas-for-debt-collection/
- https://www.classaction.org/news/synchrony-bank-facing-class-action-lawsuit-over-allegedly-illegal-interest-rates-on-carecredit-accounts
- https://fairshake.com/synchrony/how-to-sue/
- https://www.synchrony.com/contenthub/newsroom/synchrony-issues-statement-in-response-to-lawsuit-by-walmart-inc.html
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