{"id":2277,"date":"2024-08-16T21:54:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T21:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/"},"modified":"2024-08-16T21:54:59","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T21:54:59","slug":"federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for &#8216;Campaign of Deception&#8217; in Debt Collection Disputes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div wp_automatic_readability=\"5\">\n<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><br \/>\n<meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=Edge\"\/><br \/>\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <!-- plc: default meta setup --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- articleDisplay --> <\/p>\n<p>    <title>Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for &#8216;Campaign of Deception&#8217; in Debt Collection Disputes | Law.com<\/title>  <\/p>\n<p>        <meta name=\"keyword\" content=\"\"\/>   <\/p>\n<p>    <meta name=\"pageName\" content=\"Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for 'Campaign of Deception' in Debt Collection Disputes | Law.com\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:title\" content=\"Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for 'Campaign of Deception' in Debt Collection Disputes | Law.com\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Law.com\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/2024\/08\/15\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Cathy-Bissoon-767x633.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta prefix=\"og: http:\/\/ogp.me\/ns#\" property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cCounsel are well advised to heed one lesson from this experience in particular, among the many,\u201d Bissoon wrote. \u201cThis court is immune from gaslighting. It will not work, and attempts will be met with great disfavor.\u201d\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"google-site-verification\" content=\"MhtgloON-Yd6Sh82vaxRxR4XhqKDbubCh5_AegSEbA4\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>    <meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@lawdotcom\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for 'Campaign of Deception' in Debt Collection Disputes | Law.com\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"\u201cCounsel are well advised to heed one lesson from this experience in particular, among the many,\u201d Bissoon wrote. \u201cThis court is immune from gaslighting. It will not work, and attempts will be met with great disfavor.\u201d\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    <meta name=\"sailthru.date\" content=\"2024-08-15\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"sailthru.image.thumb\" content=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Cathy-Bissoon-767x633.jpg\"\/><br \/>\n    <meta name=\"sailthru.image.full\" content=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Cathy-Bissoon-767x633.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    <meta name=\"sailthru.tags\" content=\"law.com,northeast,pennsylvania-law-weekly-news,western-pa,consumer-protection,legal-ethics-and-attorney-discipline,litigation,region,tli,tli\"\/><\/p>\n<p>        <meta name=\"sailthru.author\" content=\"Aleeza Furman\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- inside master templates (shared) meta script and siteUsesAmp is: false --> <\/p>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/thelegalintelligencer\/2024\/08\/15\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/\"\/>\n<link rel=\"apple-touch-icon\" sizes=\"180x180\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/apple-touch-icon.png\"\/>\n        <link rel=\"icon\" type=\"image\/png\" sizes=\"32x32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/favicon-32x32.png\"\/>\n        <link rel=\"icon\" type=\"image\/png\" sizes=\"16x16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/favicon-16x16.png\"\/>\n        <link rel=\"manifest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/site.webmanifest\"\/>\n        <link rel=\"mask-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/safari-pinned-tab.svg\" color=\"#032d55\"\/>\n        <meta name=\"msapplication-TileColor\" content=\"#032d55\"\/><br \/>\n        <meta name=\"theme-color\" content=\"#ffffff\"\/><\/p>\n<p><!-- Start VWO Async SmartCode --><\/p>\n<p><!-- End VWO Async SmartCode --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic Meta --><br \/>\n       <meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u201cCounsel are well advised to heed one lesson from this experience in particular among the many\u201d Bissoon wrote. \u201cThis court is immune from gaslighting. It will not work and attempts will be met with great disfavor.\u201d\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/2024\/08\/15\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/meta-tag-description-default\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic Link Tags -->\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\" name=\"default\" rel=\"dns-prefetch\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/store.law.com\" name=\"default\" rel=\"dns-prefetch\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/z.moatads.com\/almheader466656885399\/moatheader.js\" name=\"a-moatads\" as=\"script\" rel=\"prefetch\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/mb.moatads.com\" name=\"default\" rel=\"preconnect\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/vi.ml314.com\" name=\"default\" rel=\"preconnect\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/vi.ml314.com\" name=\"default\" rel=\"dns-prefetch\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/use.typekit.net\/qkq4rhw.css\" name=\"main-typekit-fonts-preload\" as=\"style\" rel=\"prefetch\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/build\/css\/fa-icons-lib.min.css\" name=\"fa-icons-lib-prefetch-here-here\" as=\"style\" rel=\"preload\" onload=\"this.onload=null;this.rel=\" stylesheet=\"\"\/>\n       <link href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/custom-law-bootstrap-4.6\/bootstrap.min.css?2024-08-16-17\" name=\"custom-bootstrap-law-prefetch\" as=\"style\" rel=\"prefetch\"\/>\n       <link rel=\"prefetch\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/merriweather\/v22\/u-4n0qyriQwlOrhSvowK_l52xwNZVcf6lvg.woff2\" type=\"font\/woff2\" as=\"font\" crossorigin=\"crossorigin\"\/>\n       <link rel=\"prefetch\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/merriweather\/v22\/u-4n0qyriQwlOrhSvowK_l52xwNZXMf6lvg.woff2\" type=\"font\/woff2\" as=\"font\" crossorigin=\"crossorigin\"\/>\n       <link rel=\"prefetch\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/merriweather\/v22\/u-4n0qyriQwlOrhSvowK_l52xwNZV8f6lvg.woff2\" type=\"font\/woff2\" as=\"font\" crossorigin=\"crossorigin\"\/>\n       <link rel=\"prefetch\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/merriweather\/v22\/u-4n0qyriQwlOrhSvowK_l52xwNZVsf6lvg.woff2\" type=\"font\/woff2\" as=\"font\" crossorigin=\"crossorigin\"\/>\n       <link rel=\"prefetch\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/merriweather\/v22\/u-4n0qyriQwlOrhSvowK_l52xwNZWMf6.woff2\" type=\"font\/woff2\" as=\"font\" crossorigin=\"crossorigin\"\/>\n<p>    <!--programmatic image preload -->\n        <link rel=\"preload\" as=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Cathy-Bissoon-767x633.jpg\"\/>\n<p>    <!-- start hardcoded prefetches --><\/p>\n<p><!-- end hard coded prefetches --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic CSS --><\/p>\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/css\/falcon-ui.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"tasr-falcon-ui\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/custom-law-bootstrap-4.6\/bootstrap.min.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"custom-bootstrap-law\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/header.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"header-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/search-header.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"search-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/brand-header.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"brand-header-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/footer.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"footer-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/layout.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"layout-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/style.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"style-global\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/package-viewer\/package-viewer.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"package-viewer\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/article-print.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"article-print\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/shared-modules\/omeda.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"plc-omeda\" media=\"all\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/shared-modules\/law-radar.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"default\" media=\"screen\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/shared-modules\/more-from-alm_v2.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"default\" media=\"screen\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/css\/plc\/shared-modules\/sign-up-newsletter.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"default\" media=\"screen\"\/>\n      <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/build\/css\/plc\/article.min.css?2024-08-16-17\" type=\"text\/css\" data-name=\"plc-article-min\" media=\"all\"\/>\n<p><!--\nuse no-follow? no\n--><\/p>\n<p><!-- standard js calls --><\/p>\n<p><!-- standard js calls --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic JS --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic NoScript Tags --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Programmatic Tags --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- master art fncs --><\/p>\n<p><!-- START Tealium --><br \/>\n<!-- serverId: prod --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END Tealium --><\/p>\n<p><!-- tealiumEnv: prod --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- Omeda Tag --><\/p>\n<div class=\"print-url\" wp_automatic_readability=\"8\">Page Printed From: <\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.law.com\/2024\/08\/15\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"order-sm-1 order-lg-1 mobile-hidden\">\n<div class=\"share-tools text-center p-3 m-0 d-flex d-md-block d-lg-block d-xl-block justify-content-between\">\n<p>        <button aria-label=\"Reprints\" class=\"btn reprints\"><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"plc-article\" class=\"container\">\n<div id=\"hdr-standard\" class=\"row m-0 mb-3 pt-3\">\n<div class=\"col-lg-11 col-sm-11 order-sm-2 order-lg-2 pr-lg-0\">\n<div class=\"row m-0\">\n<div id=\"hdr-main-image\" class=\"col-sm-5 col-lg-4 order-sm-2 order-lg-2\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_158916\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"767\">\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-158916\" src=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Cathy-Bissoon-767x633.jpg\" alt=\"Cathy Bissoon\" width=\"767\" height=\"633\" title=\"\"> U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon of the Western District of Pennsylvania. Courtesy photo<br \/>\n<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-lg-8 col-sm-7 order-sm-3 order-lg-3 p-0\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-lg-12\" wp_automatic_readability=\"10.588235294118\">\n<div class=\"mb-0\" wp_automatic_readability=\"11.852760736196\">\n<p class=\"hdr-kicker m-0\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"hdr-description\">\u201cCounsel are well advised to heed one lesson from this experience in particular, among the many,\u201d Bissoon wrote. \u201cThis court is immune from gaslighting. It will not work, and attempts will be met with great disfavor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-0\" wp_automatic_readability=\"8\">\n<p class=\"pubdate\">August 15, 2024 at 05:59 PM<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-time hdr-text mt-1 pt-0\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"\/> 4 minute read<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <!-- how many authors? 1 --><\/p>\n<div id=\"author-bios\" class=\"mb-0\">\n<div id=\"author-bio\" class=\"col-xs-12 col-lg-6 pl-0\">\n<div class=\"row m-0\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-3 col-lg-2 p-0 d-lg-block\">\n<p>                                   <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"rounded-circle img-fluid\" alt=\"Aleeza Furman\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f74779b7735a1e571addc6e289368652?s=136&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" title=\"\"><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <!-- .author-meta --><\/p>\n<div class=\"d-lg-none d-xl-none\">\n<div class=\"share-tools text-left m-0 d-flex d-md-block d-lg-block d-xl-block justify-content-between\">\n<p>        <button aria-label=\"Reprints\" class=\"btn reprints\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"reprints-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/images\/reprints-permission.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"emailshare-multi\" wp_automatic_readability=\"6\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<div class=\"thanks-multi\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7\">\n<h2>Thank you for sharing!<\/h2>\n<p>Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"row m-lg-0\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-9 col-md-12 col-lg-9\">\n<div class=\"paywall\">\n<div id=\"what-you-need-to-know\" class=\"bullet-summary mb-5\">\n<h3>What You Need to Know<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A federal judge sanctioned a Pittsburgh law firm for using deceptive tactics as a basis for a pair of debt collection disputes.<\/li>\n<li>The firm had sought to catch the defendant in a FDCPA by sending handwritten letters falsely attributed to clients. <\/li>\n<li>The firm asserted its conduct was permissible because it had its clients&#8217; approval. <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body paywall\" wp_automatic_readability=\"32.504521963824\">\n<div class=\"access-body\" wp_automatic_readability=\"37\">\n<p>A Pittsburgh law firm landed itself with severe sanctions and a scathing reprimand over tactics it used in a pair of debt collection disputes.<\/p>\n<p>U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon of the Western District of Pennsylvania\u00a0issued the sanctions against\u00a0J.P. Ward &amp; Associates and its attorneys for what she called \u201ca campaign of deception designed to line their own pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <!-- Show wall: WelcomeWall --><\/p>\n<div id=\"reg-modal\" class=\"modal fade article-reg-wall text-center m-0 p-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"dialog\">\n<div class=\"modal-lg-dialog\" wp_automatic_readability=\"6.5964912280702\">\n<div class=\"modal-body p-0 p-lg-3\" wp_automatic_readability=\"32.040100250627\">\n<h2>Want to continue reading?<br \/>Become an ALM Digital Reader for Free!<\/h2>\n<h4>Benefits of a Digital Membership<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"list-bulleted\">\n<li>Free access to 1 article* every 30 days<\/li>\n<li>Access to the entire ALM network of websites<\/li>\n<li>Unlimited access to the ALM suite of newsletters<\/li>\n<li>Build custom alerts on any search topic of your choosing<\/li>\n<li>Search by a wide range of topics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"reg-now\"><button class=\"btn submit\">Register Now<\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"signin\">Already have an account? Sign In Now<\/p>\n<p class=\"signin\">*May exclude premium content<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"row m-0\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-lg-12 px-sm-0\">\n<p>    <!-- 8 articles in list --><\/p>\n<div id=\"you-might-like\" class=\"mt-5\">\n<h2>You Might Like<\/h2>\n<div class=\"row d-flex\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4 mt-5 px-sm-1 px-lg-3\">\n<article class=\"digest col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 h-100 p-0 pb-5\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Paycheck-protection-program-ppp-loan-767x633.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"\/> 4 minute read<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4 mt-5 px-sm-1 px-lg-3\">\n<article class=\"digest col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 h-100 p-0 pb-5\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2022\/01\/Matthew-Weisberg-767x633.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"\/> 2 minute read<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4 mt-5 px-sm-1 px-lg-3\">\n<article class=\"digest col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 h-100 p-0 pb-5\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2023\/09\/Jerry-Lehocky-767x633.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"\/> 7 minute read<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-4 col-md-6 col-lg-4 mt-5 px-sm-1 px-lg-3\">\n<article class=\"digest col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 h-100 p-0 pb-5\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.law.com\/contrib\/content\/uploads\/sites\/402\/2024\/08\/Construction-Safety-Hard-Hats-767x633.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"\/> 4 minute read<\/p>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-lg-3 pr-lg-0 text-sm-center\">\n    <!-- SUPPRESS FOR PROF ANNOUNCEMENT ARTICLES --><\/p>\n<div class=\"row m-0 rail-row\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-6 col-lg-12 order-lg-3\">\n<p>    <!-- 5 --><\/p>\n<div id=\"trending-stories\" class=\"trending-now\">\n<h2 class=\"section-title\">Trending Stories<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"list-unstyled article-list\">\n<p>                                  <!-- domains:                                      12 \n \/ this domain: 10 --><\/p>\n<p>                                    <!-- this is not shared: take me to the origin site --><\/p>\n<p>                                 <!-- linkToOrigin: true --><\/p>\n<p>                        <!-- 12 --><\/p>\n<li> <!-- domainId: 12 --><br \/>\n<article class=\"small portrait\">\n<div class=\"row\" wp_automatic_readability=\"1.9839142091153\">\n<p>                                  <!-- domains:                                      10, \n                                     9, \n                                     12 \n \/ this domain: 10 --><\/p>\n<p>                                    <!-- this is shared, keep me on the same site--> <\/p>\n<p>                                 <!-- linkToOrigin: false --><\/p>\n<p>                        <!-- 12 --><\/p>\n<li> <!-- domainId: 12 --><br \/>\n<article class=\"small portrait\">\n<div class=\"row\" wp_automatic_readability=\"2.2824427480916\">\n<p>                                  <!-- domains:                                      15, \n                                     18, \n                                     10, \n                                     24, \n                                     9, \n                                     26, \n                                     12, \n                                     13 \n \/ this domain: 10 --><\/p>\n<p>                                    <!-- this is shared, keep me on the same site--> <\/p>\n<p>                                 <!-- linkToOrigin: false --><\/p>\n<p>                        <!-- 12 --><\/p>\n<li> <!-- domainId: 12 --><br \/>\n<article class=\"small portrait\">\n<div class=\"row\" wp_automatic_readability=\"2.358754027927\">\n<p>                                  <!-- domains:                                      9 \n \/ this domain: 10 --><\/p>\n<p>                                    <!-- this is not shared: take me to the origin site --><\/p>\n<p>                                 <!-- linkToOrigin: true --><\/p>\n<p>                        <!-- 9 --><\/p>\n<li> <!-- domainId: 9 --><br \/>\n<article class=\"small portrait\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-6 col-lg-12 order-lg-6\">\n<div class=\"right-rail-ad\">\n<div id=\"lawcom-pro\" class=\"text-center\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.law.com\/assets\/master-template\/images\/pro\/LawcomPro-RGB_051022.png\" alt=\"Law.com Pro\" title=\"\"><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-6 col-lg-12 order-lg-8\">\n<div class=\"right-rail-ad\">\n<p>    <!-- bvSite = law --><br \/>\n    <!-- bvPage = _2024_08_15_federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes --><\/p>\n<div id=\"featured-firms\">\n<div class=\"featured-firms\">\n<h2 class=\"section-title\">Featured Firms<\/h2>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<article class=\"col-lg-12 col-sm-12\" wp_automatic_readability=\"1\">\n<div class=\"vcard\" wp_automatic_readability=\"8\">\n<p>Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays &amp; Associates<br \/>\n                         P.C.<\/p>\n<div class=\"adr\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7\">\n<p>75 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Ste 101<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"locality\">Atlanta<\/span>,<br \/>\n                         <span class=\"region\">GA<\/span> <span class=\"postal-code\">30308<\/span><\/div>\n<p>(470) 294-1674<\/p>\n<p>www.garymartinhays.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"col-lg-12 col-sm-12\" wp_automatic_readability=\"1\">\n<div class=\"vcard\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7\">\n<p>Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone<\/p>\n<div class=\"adr\">\n<p>2 Oliver St #608<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"locality\">Boston<\/span>,<br \/>\n                         <span class=\"region\">MA<\/span> <span class=\"postal-code\">02109<\/span><\/div>\n<p>(857) 444-6468<\/p>\n<p>www.marksalomone.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"col-lg-12 col-sm-12\">\n<div class=\"vcard\">\n<p>Smith &amp; Hassler<\/p>\n<div class=\"adr\">\n<p>1225 N Loop W #525<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"locality\">Houston<\/span>,<br \/>\n                         <span class=\"region\">TX<\/span> <span class=\"postal-code\">77008<\/span><\/div>\n<p>(713) 739-1250<\/p>\n<p>www.smithandhassler.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<p class=\"text-right\">Presented by BigVoodoo <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"\/><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><!-- featured-firms --><\/p>\n<div class=\"mfa-wrapper\">\n<h2 class=\"mfa-heading\">More From ALM<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mfa-container\">\n<div class=\"tab-content mfa-tab-container\">\n<div id=\"cle-center\" class=\"tab-pane fade\">\n<div class=\"row mfa-res-content\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.<\/span><br \/>\n                        <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\">View Now<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.<\/span><br \/>\n                        <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\">View Now<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.<\/span><br \/>\n                        <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\">View Now<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"legal-compass-res\" class=\"tab-pane fade\">\n<div class=\"row mfa-res-content\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">Dynamically explore and compare data on law firms, companies, individual lawyers, and industry trends.<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">Law.com Compass includes access to our exclusive industry reports, combining the unmatched expertise of our analyst team with ALM\u2019s deep bench of proprietary information to provide insights that can\u2019t be found anywhere else.<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n<p>                        <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\">Law.com Compass delivers you the full scope of information, from the rankings of the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 to intricate details and comparisons of firms\u2019 financials, staffing, clients, news and events.<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"events-and-webcasts\" class=\"tab-pane fade\">\n<div class=\"row mfa-res-content\" wp_automatic_readability=\"26.775\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"6.5380710659898\">\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"><br \/>\n                                        September 05, 2024<br \/>New York, NY<br \/>\n                                    <\/span><\/p>\n<p>The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.event.law.com\/newyorklawjournal-NYLA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Learn More<\/a><\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"6.5416666666667\">\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"><br \/>\n                                        September 06, 2024<br \/>Johannesburg<br \/>\n                                    <\/span><\/p>\n<p>The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.event.law.com\/legalweek-AfricanLegalAwards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Learn More<\/a><\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"5.0118343195266\">\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"><br \/>\n                                        September 12, 2024<br \/>New York, NY<br \/>\n                                    <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>                                    <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.event.consultingmag.com\/best-firms-to-work-for\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Learn More<\/a><\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"lawjobs\" class=\"tab-pane fade\">\n<div class=\"row mfa-res-content\" wp_automatic_readability=\"28.351648351648\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7.4358974358974\">\n<p>                                <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n                                        Morristown, NJ; New York, NY Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in multiple offices for a Counsel in our Litigation Department. The &#8230;\n                                <\/p>\n<p>\n                                <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawjobs.com\/job\/litigation-counsel-multiple-offices-190977?utm_source=wj&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=xml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Apply Now \u203a<\/a><\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"6.4719101123596\">\n<p>                                <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n                                        The Forest Preserves of Cook CountyIs seeking applicants forDeputy Chief Attorney  The Forest Preserves of Cook County is seeking a detail-o&#8230;\n                                <\/p>\n<p>\n                                <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawjobs.com\/job\/deputy-chief-attorney-chicago-illinois-190976?utm_source=wj&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=xml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Apply Now \u203a<\/a><\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7.3157894736842\">\n<p>                                <span class=\"mfa-res-by-text\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n                                        PLEASE REVIEW THE ENTIRE POSTING TO ENSURE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE SUBMITTED.  August 14, 2024  Notice of Job Vacancy #2024-05     An opp&#8230;\n                                <\/p>\n<p>\n                                <span class=\"mfa-res-download-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawjobs.com\/job\/compliance-director-trenton-new-jersey-190975?utm_source=wj&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=xml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Apply Now \u203a<\/a><\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <!--\n\n<div class=\"white-border legal-newswire\">\n                \n\n<div class=\"row resource-panel padding\">\n                    \n\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 col-md-6 col-sm-6 legal-head padding\">\n                        \n\n<h4>Legal Newswire<\/h4>\n\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n\n                <\/div>\n\n\n                \n\n<div class=\"row row-eq-height mb-0 legal-news\">\n                                \n\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-5 mlr-0\">\n                                    \n\n<div class=\"newswire-title\">\n                                        Poulin I Willey I Anastopoulo Announces Investigation Of Crowdstrike Holdings, I...\n                                    <\/div>\n\n\n                                <\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"border-show\"><\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-5 mlr-0\">\n                                    \n\n<div class=\"newswire-title\">\n                                        Sterlington Welcomes Richard Reice as Partner in Employment and Litigation Pract...\n                                    <\/div>\n\n\n                                <\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"border-show\"><\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-5 mlr-0\">\n                                    \n\n<div class=\"newswire-title\">\n                                        Goranson Bain Ausley Named Among 2024 Best Places to Work in Austin\n                                    <\/div>\n\n\n                                <\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"border-show\"><\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-5 mlr-0\">\n                                    \n\n<div class=\"newswire-title\">\n                                        Paolo Mammola joins SEDA Expert s Credit and Market Risk Expert Witness Practice\n                                    <\/div>\n\n\n                                <\/div>\n\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"border-show\"><\/div>\n\n\n                <\/div>\n\n\n                \n\n<div class=\"legal-head-arrow\">Submit a press release<\/div>\n\n\n            <\/div>\n\n-->\n       <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"sign-up-newsletter\" class=\"row block1 mb-0\">\n<div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-sign-up-section\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h2>Subscribe to Law.com<\/h2>\n<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-lg-12 flex\" wp_automatic_readability=\"7.0746268656716\">\n<div class=\"col-lg-8\" wp_automatic_readability=\"12\">\n<p class=\"sign-up-descp\">Don&#8217;t miss the crucial news and insights you need to make informed legal decisions. Join Law.com now!<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-lg-12 cca-perks\" wp_automatic_readability=\"13\">\n<p>Unlimited access to Law.com<\/p>\n<p>Access to additional free ALM publications<\/p>\n<p>1 free article* across the ALM subscription network every 30 days<\/p>\n<p>Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!---------------------------><br \/>\n<!-- law.com footer ---------><br \/>\n<!---------------------------><\/p>\n<p><!-- footer programmatic js files --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Federal Judge Sanctions Pittsburgh Firm for &#8216;Campaign of Deception&#8217; in Debt Collection Disputes | Law.com Page Printed From: https:\/\/www.law.com\/2024\/08\/15\/federal-judge-sanctions-pittsburgh-firm-for-campaign-of-deception-in-debt-collection-disputes\/ U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon of the Western District [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[375,2614,3009,3008,569,554,184,423,2891,980],"class_list":["post-2277","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawyers","tag-campaign","tag-collection","tag-debt","tag-deception","tag-disputes","tag-federal","tag-firm","tag-judge","tag-pittsburgh","tag-sanctions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2277"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2277\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2277"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2277"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}