Sued for Best Buy Credit Card Debt?

Sarah Edwards | June 19, 2023

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Best Buy is known for selling just about any consumer electronics you might need, such as TVs, home theater equipment, computers, laptops, and washing machines. Many customers visit their local Best Buy store or website when they need a new device.

Electronics aren’t cheap. A laptop can cost over $1K, and smartphones can set you back at least $750. Many people don’t have much savings, so they use credit cards for help.

Best Buy offers two different credit card programs clients can use to purchase what they need. However, people who fall behind on their payments face repercussions, including lawsuits.

Why Best Buy sues people for credit card debt

Most of us can identify with falling behind on a credit card payment. Perhaps you confused the due date or simply forgot about your bill. A one-time missed payment isn’t something Best Buy will sue you for. Instead, it will apply a late fee to your account that you’ll be responsible for on your next bill.

However, problems arise if you stop making your payments altogether. Best Buy may attempt to work out a resolution with you, but it will give up if you don’t stick with your payment schedule. If that happens, you may face a lawsuit from Citibank, N.A., which manages the Best Buy credit card programs.

What to do if Best Buy sues you for your unpaid balance

You must follow a few steps if Best Buy decides to sue you for your outstanding obligation.

First, respond to the lawsuit with an Answer. You’ll want to file an Answer even if you plan to repay your debt before the court date or attempt to settle it. You shouldn’t admit any fault in your Answer. Instead, provide a defense that explains why you believe the lawsuit is unwarranted.

For instance, if your debt is past your state’s statute of limitations, indicate that in your Answer. Other potential defenses include lack of jurisdiction or identity theft, among many others.

Use SoloSuit’s Debt Answer template to file your Answer with your local court.

If you know the debt is yours and you don’t believe you’ll win your case against Best Buy or Citibank, it’s best to try to settle the debt before your court date. Settling the debt allows you to pay less than you owe while closing the matter with Best Buy.

You may be able to save as much as 40% off the amount due through debt settlement, and you’ll also avoid a judgment.

Not sure how to start the debt settlement process with Best Buy? Watch the following video to learn how to settle debt with Best Buy:

Avoiding a judgment is critical to protect yourself from other legal repercussions. If Best Buy obtains a judgment against you, it can garnish your wages or freeze your bank account. That’s not an ideal situation, and it’s one you’ll want to avoid to protect your assets and ensure you can pay your other bills on time.

If Best Buy is unwilling to settle, you’ll need to come up with the funds for the outstanding balance before your court date. If you repay Best Buy, it will drop the case against you and you won’t need to worry about a judgment.

Report Citibank, N.A. to the CFPB if it violates your rights

Sometimes, debt collectors don’t abide by the FDCPA credit collection policies. As a consumer, you have rights. You don’t have to accept abusive practices, regardless of whether you owe Best Buy money.

Best Buy and Citibank, N.A. can’t use any of the below tactics when trying to collect a debt.

• Calling you at odd hours, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Telling you you’ll go to jail for not paying your debt.
• Threatening to harm your reputation if you don’t repay the obligation.
• Contacting you at work if your employer asks them explicitly not to.
• Calling you with the intent to annoy or harass you, such as letting the phone ring until someone answers.

If you think Citibank, N.A. is using abusive practices to collect a debt from you, don’t hesitate to report it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate complaints about abusive collection activities.

Let’s consider an example.

In this example, Citibank, N.A. violated Suzy’s rights according to the FDCPA, and she should file a complaint with the CFPB and FTC.

Know when to work with a lawyer

In some cases, working with a lawyer may be advantageous. However, legal fees can add up quickly, so a small matter involving a few hundred dollars probably isn’t worth an attorney’s attention. However, if you have several thousand dollars of debt on the line and don’t want to end up with a judgment or in bankruptcy, a lawyer can help.

If you’re in a difficult situation and time is of the essence, contact a local debt settlement lawyer in your area. They can advise you of the strategies available and represent you in court if necessary. Most attorneys provide free consultations so you can learn more about your legal options.

Avoid legal trouble with Best Buy and keep on top of payments

Protecting yourself from a Best Buy or Citibank, N.A. lawsuit is not always possible. Unexpected job loss or medical events can leave you financially unstable, and the company may pursue you legally if you don’t get back on track with payments. Respond to the lawsuit with an Answer and defend yourself against unwarranted claims.

Protect yourself from a Best Buy lawsuit. Take the first step with SoloSuit’s Answer template.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

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Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

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Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

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