Sued by Pressler, Feltner, Shidlovsky & Zangari in Connecticut? Here's What to Do Next

2016 · consent order

$1M CFPB civil money penalty against Pressler & Pressler and named partners; companion $1.5M penalty against affiliated debt buyer New Century Financial Services

CFPB consent order finding Pressler & Pressler used an automated claim-preparation system and non-attorney staff to mass-produce hundreds of thousands of debt collection lawsuits against consumers without meaningful attorney involvement and without reviewing account-level documentation to confirm debts were owed, in violation of the FDCPA and Dodd-Frank Act. The order required real attorney review and verified documentation before filing future suits.

CFPB source

Statute of Limitations Defense

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for credit card debt is 6 years. If your last payment was more than 6 years ago, the debt is time-barred. Verify when your last payment or account activity occurred and raise the SOL defense in your Answer if applicable.

Challenge the Amount

Demand a complete accounting from the original creditor's last statement through the current claimed balance. Any unauthorized fees, post-charge-off interest, or collection costs not in the original agreement should be disputed line by line.

Connecticut Wage Garnishment Exemptions

Federal limits apply. Connecticut also provides additional protections for low-income wage earners.

Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA)

In addition to the federal FDCPA, Connecticut's Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) may provide additional protections and remedies against Pressler, Feltner, Shidlovsky & Zangari's collection practices.

Connecticut Court System

Small claims limit $5,000. Superior court handles larger civil cases. Filing fees in Connecticut typically range $80-$360.

Who is Pressler Feltner?

Pressler, Feltner, Shidlovsky & Zangari is a high-volume debt collection law firm based in New Jersey. They file tens of thousands of lawsuits per year, primarily for debt buyers like LVNV Funding and Midland Credit Management.

Why is Pressler Feltner suing me?

They are representing a debt buyer or creditor who claims you owe a debt. They are acting as the law firm filing the lawsuit — the actual plaintiff is the creditor or debt buyer named in the complaint.

Are there errors in Pressler Feltner lawsuits?

Yes. Because they file such a high volume of cases, errors are common — wrong names, incorrect amounts, expired statutes of limitations, and missing documentation. Review every detail in the complaint carefully.

Do I need a lawyer to fight Pressler Feltner?

You do not need a lawyer to file your Answer, but it can help. Our service prepares your Answer and identifies if FDCPA violations occurred that would qualify you for free attorney representation.

Can Pressler Feltner get a default judgment against me?

Yes, and they do — thousands per year. If you do not file your Answer by the deadline, the court will enter a default judgment allowing wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.

How long do I have to respond in Connecticut?

Only 15 days from service. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country — act immediately.

What is the SOL for credit card debt in Connecticut?

6 years for written contracts and credit card debts.

Can they garnish my wages in Connecticut?

Yes. Federal garnishment limits apply, with additional state protections for low-income earners.

What is CUTPA?

The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act protects consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices, including debt collection.

How does the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act protect me from debt collectors?

The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA), Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-110a et seq., prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce, and Connecticut courts have applied it to abusive debt collection. CUTPA's remedies are stronger than the federal FDCPA in several ways: it allows actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-110g. Unlike the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. §§ 1692-1692p), which only reaches third-party collectors, CUTPA applies to both original creditors and third-party collectors. The same facts that support an FDCPA counterclaim under § 1692e (false representations), § 1692f (unfair practices), or § 1692g (validation violations) often support a parallel CUTPA claim. CUTPA also reaches systemic deceptive practices like misrepresenting the amount owed or filing suit without proper documentation, which is common in debt-buyer cases. Before suing under CUTPA, you generally need to demonstrate damages, but harassment or improper collection can satisfy that requirement.

Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Connecticut?

Yes. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-800 to 36a-814 require any consumer collection agency operating in Connecticut to hold a current license from the Connecticut Department of Banking. The licensing requirement applies to debt buyers, third-party collectors, and any entity that regularly collects consumer debts. An unlicensed collector who attempts to collect or files suit violates the licensing statute and triggers a separate violation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(9) of the federal FDCPA for misrepresenting the right to collect. If you are sued by a debt buyer, verify their license status on the Connecticut Department of Banking online portal. Lack of licensing is a complete defense, and you can move to dismiss the case. It also supports a parallel claim under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-110a et seq., with punitive damages and attorney's fees.

How much of my wages can be garnished in Connecticut?

Connecticut is somewhat more protective than the federal floor. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-361a, the maximum wage garnishment for most consumer debts is the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 40 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage. With Connecticut's 2026 state minimum wage of $16.35, the protected weekly floor is substantially higher than the federal 30x minimum wage floor under 15 U.S.C. § 1673. To assert the exemption, file a written claim of exemption with the issuing court. Federal benefits including Social Security, SSI, and VA payments remain fully protected from garnishment under 42 U.S.C. § 407. Connecticut also exempts certain retirement and pension benefits under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-321a, and the first two months of federally protected deposits to a bank account are automatically protected from levy under federal Treasury rules.

What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Connecticut?

Connecticut applies a six-year statute of limitations to actions on simple contracts (including credit cards) under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576. The clock typically begins on the date of default or last payment. Once six years pass, the debt is time-barred. A collector who sues anyway violates 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2) and § 1692f(1) of the federal FDCPA and Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 36a-645 et seq. Raise the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense in your Answer along with an FDCPA counterclaim for up to $1,000 in statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney's fees under § 1692k. Connecticut courts have held that a partial payment within the SOL period can restart the clock under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-580, so be careful not to make payments on old debts without first confirming whether the SOL has expired.

How do I file an Answer in Connecticut superior court?

Connecticut superior court has unique procedural steps for consumer debt cases. After service, your first filing is an Appearance (Form JD-CL-12), which must be filed within two days of the Return Date listed on the summons. Failure to appear allows a default judgment. After your Appearance, the formal Answer is generally due within 30 days under Conn. Practice Book § 10-8. Your Answer should deny the allegations you contest and raise affirmative defenses, including statute of limitations under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576, lack of standing (especially for debt buyers), failure to validate under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, and any CUTPA or state FDCPA violations. Connecticut also requires plaintiffs in collection suits to attach the contract or other proof of the debt. If the complaint is missing required documentation, you can file a request to revise or a motion to strike. The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides free online resources and forms.