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Sequium Class Action Lawsuit for FDCPA Violations Dismissed

Hannah Locklear | November 19, 2024

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Fact-checked by George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons
Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD/MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

Summary: Sequium Asset Solutions was facing a class action lawsuit for violating the FDCPA by failing to give clear communication on consumers' rights to dispute debts, but the case was voluntarily dismissed shortly after its original filing. SoloSuit can help you respond to Sequium and protect your rights.

Navigating the complex world of debt collection can be daunting, especially when dealing with companies like Sequium Asset Solutions. Recently, the company came under legal scrutiny, facing a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Illinois Collection Agency Act (ICAA) which was subsequently dismissed after an agreement was made between the two parties. In this blog, we'll explore what this means for consumers and delve into the practices of Sequium Asset Solutions.

Sued by Sequium? Check out our guide on How to Beat Sequium Asset Solutions.

What is Sequium Asset Solutions?

Sequium Asset Solutions is a debt collection agency known for its involvement in recovering unpaid bills. Like many collection agencies, Sequium works on behalf of other companies to collect debts that are due. However, debt collection is a regulated activity, with laws in place to protect consumers from unfair or aggressive practices.

Contact Sequium Asset Solutions

  • Address: 1130 Northchase Parkway, Suite 150, Marietta, GA 30067
  • Email: inquiry@sequium.com
  • Phone: (877) 362-8766

Send Sequium a Debt Validation Letter.

Who does Sequium Asset Solutions collect for?

Typically, Sequium collects debts for various companies, especially in the telecommunications sector. These can include unpaid bills for cell phone services, among others. It's not uncommon for large companies to outsource their debt collection to agencies like Sequium, which specialize in this area.

Why is Sequium Asset Solutions calling me?

If you've received a call from Sequium Asset Solutions, it's likely because they believe you have an outstanding debt with one of their clients. However, it's crucial to know your rights in these situations. Under the FDCPA, you are entitled to verification of the debt and must be informed of your right to dispute it.

Dispute a debt.

Sequium faced a class action lawsuit for FDCPA violations

Sequium Asset Solutions has also been in the news for reasons that might concern consumers. A class action lawsuit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court in January 2024, alleging that Sequium violated the FDCPA and ICAA. The case was voluntarily dismissed by the consumer less than a month later on February 1, 2024.

This lawsuit, spearheaded by attorneys from Philipps & Philipps, claimed that Sequium failed to provide necessary notices to debtors about their rights, including required legal notices when communicating with debtors about alleged debts.

The lawsuit sought unspecified actual and statutory damages, along with attorney fees, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal standards in debt collection.

Sequium class action lawsuit explained

Below, we take a closer look at the class action lawsuit filed against Sequium Asset Solutions, including the case background, alleged FDCPA and ICAA violations, jurisdiction, and relief sought.

Case Background

Ramesh Marlecha, representing a group of similar individuals, filed a lawsuit against Sequium Asset Solutions, LLC, citing violations under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.) and the Illinois Collection Agency Act (ICAA, 225 ILCS 425/1 et seq.). The complaint alleged that Sequium engaged in illegal debt collection practices.

FDCPA Violations

The FDCPA prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in debt collection and requires clear communication of a consumer's right to dispute the debt. The plaintiff claims Sequium failed to provide the necessary notices and information as required by the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), leading to abusive debt collection practices.

ICAA Violations

Similar to the FDCPA, the ICAA regulates collection agencies in Illinois to protect public interest and consumer rights against abusive debt collection. The plaintiff asserts that Sequium, as a collection agency, failed to comply with ICAA's requirements, particularly in providing written notice of debt validation rights (225 ILCS 425/9.3).

Jurisdiction and Class Action

The lawsuit sought to represent a class of Illinois residents who received similar improper communications from Sequium. The plaintiff argued for the case's jurisdiction in Illinois courts and highlights the common legal and factual questions among class members.

Relief Sought

The plaintiff was requesting class certification, statutory damages, attorney fees, and other suitable relief under both FDCPA and ICAA for the alleged violations. Specifically, the lawsuit claimed that Sequium had failed to provide required notices and information, leading to potential harm and inconvenience to the plaintiff and class members. Eventually, however, the plaintiff dropped the case.

What does this mean for consumers?

This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the protections afforded to consumers under the FDCPA and state laws. If you're dealing with debt collectors, it's essential to know your rights and ensure that the agencies are complying with legal requirements. If you believe a debt collector is violating these laws, you may have grounds for legal action.

Sequium Asset Solutions' current legal challenges underscore the importance of fair and legal debt collection practices. As consumers, staying informed and vigilant about our rights is crucial, especially when dealing with debt and collection agencies.

For those facing similar situations, seeking legal advice can be a prudent step to ensure your rights are protected. Remember, the law is there to safeguard you against unfair debt collection practices.

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Sequium Asset Solutions reviews

From more than 500 Google reviews, Sequium Asset Solutions earns an average of 1.6 out of 5 stars. Most of these reviews claim that Sequium is a scam, but you should know that it is not. It is a legitimate debt collection agency that may have the legal right to sue you for a debt you owe.

However, scammers are known to pose as debt collection agencies in order to steal money from unassuming consumers. So, before you pay anything to Sequium Asset Solutions, ask them to validate your debt to be sure you’re dealing with a real, licensed debt collector.

Let’s take a look at some real Sequium Asset Solutions reviews:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has reported thousands of complaints against Sequium Asset Solutions over the last ten years, most of which mention the collection of debts not owed.

The chart below further outlines the types of complaints submitted against Sequium. As you can see, Sequium is known for attempting to collect invalid debts, failure to provide written verification of debts, and pushing boundaries with their communication tactics.

Make Sequium Asset Solutions validate your debt

You have a right to request debt validation when collectors contact you about money owed. You can do this by sending a Debt Validation Letter, which forces collectors to prove a debt is valid and they have the rights to collect it. If they cannot validate your debt, they must cease communications with you.

SoloSuit can help you draft a personalized Debt Validation Letter to send to Sequium or other debt collectors. This letter will help you stand up for your rights and protect yourself from unfair collection practices.

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