Non Profit Spotlight: Know Your Rights in Debt Collection Cases with Legal Services of Northwest Jersey

When a debt collector comes calling, you may have more legal protections than you realize — and sometimes, the right defense can stop a wrongful claim in its tracks.

One Somerset County resident took out a $9,000 personal loan for an online self-help course that was never delivered. After the course provider filed for bankruptcy without issuing a refund, the borrower was left with the debt — and eventually sued by a debt collector.

That’s when Legal Services of Northwest Jersey stepped in. Their attorney discovered the collector was unlicensed under the New Jersey Consumer Finance License Act, meaning they had no legal right to purchase or collect the debt. LSNWJ filed for summary judgment, and the court dismissed the case as a matter of law — without the stress and cost of going to trial.

Wrongful debt collection can result in wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens — all of which can threaten a family’s financial stability. By providing free legal representation to eligible residents, LSNWJ helps protect our neighbors from predatory practices and ensures that the law serves everyone fairly.

LSNWJ is a nonprofit law firm serving people with limited income residing Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties of New Jersey.

Location: 90 East Main Street, Somerville, NJ, United States, New Jersey

Phone: +1 908-231-0840 Email: lsnwj-media@lsnj.org

LSNWJ participated with our community health partner Zufall at Franklin MIddle School in Somerset County, kicking off National Health Center Week on August 6. website:https://www.lsnwj.org/

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