Unifund CCR is a frequent debt-buyer that we have encountered over the years of defending consumers. Unifund CCR buys debt from original creditors like Bank of America or Citibank and then pursues collection, litigation, and judgment enforcement efforts against consumers. Unifund most often retains Mullooly Jeffrey Rooney and Flynn and the JD Stuart Law Group, two well-known debt collection law firms for collection purposes. Lawsuits are very common when it comes to Unifund, and default judgments are even more common in New York often due to bad service or because people move around frequently in New York.
The key to avoiding a default judgment is the submission of an answer with defenses as it keeps the burden on Unifund to prove that they are the rightful owner of the debt and that the amount being sought is correct. If a default judgment is reached, then it is important to file an order to show cause to vacate the judgment as quickly as possible, which will stop a potential wage garnishment or bank levy from occurring or continuing to occur. Once a consumer is able to prevent a default or vacate a default, they will possess the necessary leverage to negotiate a settlement for a significantly reduced amount which is the most common resolution in cases with balances under $20,000. Unifund CCR is always willing to negotiate a settlement, whether through Mullooly Jeffrey Rooney and Flynn or through JD Stuart Law. Settlements we have obtained with Unifund have been anywhere between 50%-75% off of the balance on average, saving the consumer a good deal off of the total amount and preventing large litigation fees.