Testimonials – Abusive Debt Collectors
Angel is a consumer who was dealing with a typical abusive debt collector situation — the debt collector lied to her and also contacted a third party. A third party is anyone other than the consumer or the consumer’s spouse. And the law — the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) — prohibits third party contacts except in very limited situations. When debt collectors violate this FDCPA law, then you need to look at suing them in federal court for… (Read more)
This is a very kind review left by someone who was facing debt collectors who broke the law and hired us to help him stop the harassment. As with most of our reviews, you can find this on my Avvo profile. Highly recommended attorney who takes you from fear to confidence! This was my very first time when I had to go to an attorney due to harassing and misinforming (softly said…) collection agency. I wish I would know someone… (Read more)
Angie is a great client and we have enjoyed representing her. She has dealt with debt collectors in both being sued but also in suing a debt collector. We appreciate Angie describing her experience and thoughts about our firm: I have used John previously in a lawsuit which we won and both him and Stan did an excellent job. John is very professional, caring and most of all trustworthy (which isn’t a word you hear to often associated with the… (Read more)
Michael was dealing with a a debt collector and he hired our firm to represent him against this debt buyer. While it was quite a while ago, he was kind enough to recently leave us a review and testimonial of his experience with our firm: Hiring Mr. John Griffin Watts was one of the best decisions I could have made. Mr. Watts was very professional in his representation and was quick in getting me the settlement we agreed that I… (Read more)
David was a victim of fraud by his credit card company which ultimately led to David being sued. He hired us and we were able to handle the lawsuit and then sue the credit card company. While the process took some time, it ultimately worked out very well for our client and his short review of Watts & Herring simply states: John put me at ease and handled everything. He is honest and trustworthy and I would use him again… (Read more)
Douglas is like a lot of Alabama consumers — facing some difficult financial times. Then on top of this, he faced a debt collector who was not playing by the rules. We appreciate the confidence he had in hiring us on his debt collection matter and also thank him for his kind review of Watts & Herring: It wasn’t until I met John that my opinion of Attorneys forever changed. I felt none of them truly cared, until I met… (Read more)
Travis lives in Alabama and was dealing with an infamous debt buyer (debt collector) who ultimately sued him in Alabama state court. Travis contacted us and we were happy to have the opportunity to successfully represent Travis and he had this to say about his experience in a review he left on our Avvo profile: I had consistent harassing phone calls from bottom dweller debt collectors for a very long time but just learned to deal with it until one… (Read more)
Billie wrote this review for us on our Avvo page and we have copied it below as she describes her emotions when she was dealing with abusive debt collectors: I had been contacted by a shady organization trying to scam me for money. I was scared because of the threats of criminal action. Once I met with Mr. Watts, he eased my worries, explained the law and how to “put the ball back into my court”. I was so pleased… (Read more)
John Watts is unlike any lawyer I have ever met. He is personable, knowledgeable, respectful, and an all around great guy. I met John because I had been sued by someone I didn’t even know, for a debt I didn’t know existed. Panic set in. I was horrified, and had no idea what to do. That is when I called John. He explained things to me in a manner that was easy to understand and quieted my fears. He took… (Read more)
Christopher was dealing with abusive debt collectors and after his case was resolved he wrote us a handwritten note which we have typed below: Dear Watts & Herring, I just wanted to thank you for your hard work (you made it look easy) on my case. I have learned a lot from you and your knowledge of the law and my rights. I spent a long time saying to myself “The law wants to help them (debt collectors) but who… (Read more)
“John is a dedicated consumer law attorney who works hard to protect the rights of consumers against unscrupulous businesses.” We thank Birmingham, Alabama personal injury attorney Patrick Ballard of the Ballard Law Office for his nice comments about us.… (Read more)
“I have known John for several years. When it comes to representing his clients, John is caring, compassionate, and aggressive. John has taken on some of the largest financial institutions for failure to properly report his clients’ credit and violating the fair credit reporting act, for violating the fair debt collection laws, for allowing his clients identity to be stolen, and for other collection and fraud issues. John is VERY knowledgeable in this area of law, and I highly recommend… (Read more)
Matthew Dunaway is a long time bankrupcty and consumer litigation attorney in Birmingham, Alabama, and we have worked together on cases together for many years. Matt was kind enough to say the following: “I have know and worked with John for over ten years. We have worked on numerous cases together. Not only does John bring legal intelligence to the cases he works on, he also brings something quit rare in the legal profession…wisdom. John represents and advises his clients… (Read more)
I received this kind testimonial from a bankruptcy lawyer in Las Vegas named Dorothy Bunce. I appreciate her remarks: John Griffin Watts is the kind of lawyer we all aspire to be & I am honored to have the opportunity to offer him my endorsement.… (Read more)
Here is a very nice endorsement I received from Paula Greenway who is a well known Birmingham bankruptcy attorney. I endorse this lawyer. John is a very knowledgeable attorney in the field of Consumer Protection and Fair Debt Collection. He does a fine job for his clients and obtains favorable results with the courts. I have referred many clients to him and would do so again in the future… (Read more)
John Watts will return your calls. I have retained dozens of attorneys over the years and John Watts is one of the best. He is knowledgeable, responsive, trustworthy, and most of all effective. He does a great service representing the consumer here in Alabama. Give him a call. You will feel the same.… (Read more)
I thought that I would have to deal with my debt on my own for the rest of my life and quite frankly I did not know what I was going to do. I hated the way being in debt made me feel and the insecurities I had in dealing with my creditors and even a pending judgement. I set out on a quest to find someone who could help me when I ran across John Watts’ website. I viewed… (Read more)
Honest straight forward real answers. That sums up my experience with John. I was being sued by a debt collector when I called John. He wasted no time getting back with me and explained my options and then followed up with everything he said he would do. He won my case and then sued them and won again when they didn’t get it off my credit report. I then was sued again by another credit card company and again he… (Read more)
I’m a single mom of two boys and having just gone through a horrible divorce started receiving letters and phone calls from a company I have never heard of. I had no idea who this was (debt buyer LVNV) or that I owed them money. I explained my situation to them and that the particular amount they said I owed had been payed off in 2005. This was not even the credit company that the money was borrowed from in… (Read more)
John was calm, respectful, knowledgeable and a good teacher of the law. After having met with him I, too, left with a feeling of calmness and trust that I had the most appropriate and professional attorney. The debt collector called me names and lectured me about being a good mother, called my home incessantly, threatened court action for a debt that was not my debt. When John took action against the agency the harassment bullying stopped. Plus the settlement was… (Read more)
John Watts is so personable and you feel like he really cares about you. I would send him emails after hours and would get an immediate response. Whenever I had a question, he would always provide me with details. He is really “one in a million” because I have never met an attorney that really took the time to respond and keep you as updated as he did. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.… (Read more)
We received a summons we knew was incorrect, but the credit agencies were not interested at all in reviewing our request. I reached out to John Watts and was immediately put at ease that there were options for us. He clearly explained our rights under the credit laws and listened to my concerns. He was diligent in filing our complaints and interceding for us with the credit company, and was able to correct the situation far above what we had… (Read more)
John is very personable. He made my husband and me feel like he actually does his job because he cares- it’s not about the money. It’s about taking on companies that get out of line! It’s taking on companies that get away with nonsense and make your life more complicated than it has to be. John was mindful of my health issues too. I just cant say enough good about John. I didn’t even get this good of service with… (Read more)
We were targeted by a bully debt collector and felt very intimidated. John helped us understand our rights and explained to us how we can use the legal system to stand up for ourselves. He walked us through every step and we could not be happier with our results.… (Read more)
I ran across John one day when I had been called and told the sky was falling by a debt that was 9 years old. John kept me informed of every aspect of the case and always did it with a smile on his face. He also educated me on my rights and how to handle anyone who calls with threats. I have enjoyed my time dealing with John and now consider him a friend.… (Read more)
After being harassed and verbally attacked by a sub prime auto loan company (debt collector) , My Wife and I had our backs against a wall. After contacting Mr. Watts, and sitting down with him, I have to say, my opinion of Attorneys has changed all together. He was both very knowledgeable regarding our problem but sincere about assisting us. At the end of everything, we got our lives back, thanks to Mr. Watts entirely… (Read more)
A short while ago, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. My husband had lost his job twice in the past few years, and our financial situation reflected that. Debtors and creditors alike were calling me night and day – with some threatening to sue. The last straw happened when a creditor decided to contact my manager at the office since I was not returning his calls. I got online and saw John’s website,… (Read more)
I met John last May after being sued for credit card debt. John represented me against the junk debt buyer and won the case outright. I have since learned about consumer protections in place and continue to exercise my rights. I have collected monies from one collection agency already on FDCPA violations and have two more suits yet to be filed this fall. These debt collection agencies are clearly guilty of violating federal law and they too will be writing… (Read more)
John Watts is a man I trust whole heartedly with any decisions or advice regarding my safety & protection as a consumer. John empowers me to be confident that as a consumer there are many rights and actions available to me. Making the decision to acknowledge these rights are responsibilities that we, as consumers, must be accountable for. It is a rare circumstance these days to find an individual like John Watts – his intent is genuine advocacy & consumer… (Read more)
I am writing to express my appreciation for Attorney Watts with a recent issue with a credit collection agency. Attorney Watts assisted me with an issue that was damaging to my credit and painful to me. I was provided with information about my rights against credit collection agencies. After talking with Attorney Watts and Mrs. Carolyn I have a better understanding about what I can and should do, if I am ever faced with an issue with a credit collection… (Read more)
When I first received notification from LVNV that they were suing me, I was devastated and did not know where to turn. I was embarrassed and was afraid they would contact my employer. After many nights of no sleep, I googled “what to do if sued by debt collector” and I immediately found the information John had posted on their website regarding what a debt collector can and cannot do. There is so much information there! I spoke with John… (Read more)
Above all, John cares about his clients and righting wrongs when they get pushed around. His clients come first, and he is not afraid of taking on the Goliaths in this country who take advantage of consumers whenever they can. John is also among the sharpest lawyers around, committed to paving new paths for his clients in the field of consumer law. I can’t imagine anyone I would rather have on my side!… (Read more)
I have known John for over 10 years. John is an exceptional lawyer and a legal intellectual. He is a man of faith who tirelessly endeavors to serve his clients, the community, and the law. John has tremendous character in the representation of his clients and the virtue to do so with honesty and integrity.… (Read more)
I would highly recommend this attorney. He helped my father after the unexpected loss of my mother with some very difficult financial problems with credit card companies. Don’t know what we would have done without John and Randi.… (Read more)
John & Stan recently helped me settle a debt collection lawsuit where I was being harassed by a company day after day for several months with excessive phone calls and exposing my personal debt to a third party. This was a long and trying process which was very stressful to me but in the end we succeeded. I really don’t know if I could have come through this without these two guys. They are both AWESOME attorneys and both complement… (Read more)
Why they are not so busy to help in times of need is beyond me. People who need help just seem to take their time calling for help. JOHN AND STAN AND THE OFFICE STAFF HEATHER AND RANDI are great and want to help solve our issues with creditors, they have been a great resource to us and continue to be the strong help needed to face the adversarial creditors who don’t want to help us. Don’t be afraid to… (Read more)
John Watts and his staff have been a Godsend to us. They have helped us stop the harassing telephone calls and letters from debt collection companies and instead of them suing us we sued them. When we didn’t know which way to turn they showed us that there was a way out of the darkness. He treated us with respect, never judging or condemning us. We always felt that during consultation there was nothing more important at that moment than… (Read more)
Thank you all for all you do, I did not know what to do when the calls and letters started. You’re making a difference, Thank you.… (Read more)
Recently John G. Watts helped me settle a debt collection lawsuit where I was being harassed by a company day after day for several months with excessive phone calls. I didn’t know that they were breaking the law until I spoke with John; he then informed me that my rights were being violated. I even received a cash settlement because of the collections agencies failure to follow the law. John kept me up to date on everything that was going… (Read more)
John is an honest guy who is genuinely dedicated to helping those in difficult situations. I was impressed with his staff and how well they kept me informed throughout the entire process. They quickly resolved my case and had money in my pocket in no time. I would highly recommend John & if I should need the services of a lawyer in the future, he will be who I turn to.… (Read more)
A debt collector was wreaking havoc on my life. First the letters and phone calls, then a judgment and finally they tried garnishment of wages! That’s when I called John. He explained to me they were breaking the law. Within no time the bullies left me alone. John was able to clear my name from the judgment and the debt. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of the settlement. I would recommend John to anyone having trouble with debt… (Read more)
I had debt collectors calling me over bills that were not mine! The debt collectors had also reported these inaccurate debts to all three collection agencies. Some even tried to sue me! I contacted John and he was instantly willing to help me. He is very knowledge in this area of the law. John was able to stop the harassing phone calls, clear my credit reports of all false information, and did a wonderful job representing me in the court.… (Read more)
I hired John when some debt collectors were harassing my family and me. I was so frustrated and embarrassed and felt I couldn’t do anything to stop them until I talked to John. He made sure we understood everything that would happen and kept us updated throughout the process. Now I feel so relieved and John helped me to see I don’t deserve to be treated how the collectors were treating me. I recommend John to everyone.… (Read more)
John is easygoing and a pleasure to work with, but he’s also a strong advocate and knows how to get the most for his clients. Very knowledgeable about consumer law, especially about all these mortgage issues.… (Read more)
I met John last May after being sued for credit card debt. John represented me against the junk debt buyer and won the case outright. I have since learned about consumer protections in place and continue to exercise my rights. I have collected monies from one collection agency already on FDCPA violations and have two more suits yet to be filed this fall. These debt collection agencies are clearly guilty of violating federal law and they too will be writing… (Read more)
I endorse this lawyer for efforts in educating the public about many legal issues.… (Read more)
I endorse this lawyer’s work. John has become an accomplished attorney prosecuting credit reporting agencies and unscrupulous creditors for violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and has obtained good results on behalf of Alabama consumers.… (Read more)
Having worked with John on cases, I can say he is an astute and highly qualified lawyer. John takes his clients’ cases very seriously and devotes himself to bringing about the best result possible for every client.… (Read more)
I have known John and he is very well respected and does top quality work in protecting and assisting consumers with financial and debt issues. In the past I have had issues with clients relating to credit card debt and John was the lawyer I turned to, to get advice and direction. He is truly the top in this field of law.… (Read more)
I endorse this lawyer’s work. John and I have worked on a project together and he is an excellent lawyer who is genuinely concerned for his clients.… (Read more)
I have worked with John Watts on a legal matter and can attest to his solid legal mind as well as his high professional character. John is well recognized as a leader in the Alabama legal community in the areas of foreclosures, fair debt collection, credit reporting and consumer law. He has my highest endorsement.… (Read more)
I have known John Watts for several years, and through that time, I have come to know John as an attorney of integrity who will fight for his client’s rights. In light of the current economic crisis, John has studied issues related to wrongful foreclosures and other foreclosure issues, and as a result, he has been able to help his clients prevent abusive practices from financial institutions. In addition, John has helped clients recover compensation as a result of abusive… (Read more)
I have known John for over ten years. He does excellent work and really cares about his clients. If you feel that your home is being foreclosed upon wrongfully, John is the guy to see!… (Read more)
Hi, my name is Farah. Last year I was treated unfairly by a debt collector. I was feeling a lot of anxiety and was uncomfortable with the situation. I felt like I was pushed against the wall. I got hold of John. He reassured me that we could find a way to take care of the situation. He has. I am a very happy person and have knowledge now as to what goes along with debt collectors and how to… (Read more)
I am Shaletha. I had an experience with a collection agency calling my house. I informed my husband that a collection agency was calling the house. I wasn’t aware of that particular collection agency. He told me that he was familiar with a lawyer by the name of John Watts and Associates. He said he would explain the situation that he was being harassed by a collection agency that kept calling the house. He got with John and talked I… (Read more)
Hello, my name is Tanisha. I had a legal issue occur and I didn’t know what to go or which direction to turn. I went on the internet and located Watts Law Group. I called and they were very efficient. They called me back within 24 hours. I came down from Gadsden and within 48 hours, they were discussing my legal issue with me. They made me feel very comfortable. Any questions that I had, they answered. They were very… (Read more)
John is very knowledgeable of the matters he handles. He has not only represented me but he maintains an open line of communication with his clients. I feel comfortable calling him to ask for advice. I would definitely use him again if the need arises.… (Read more)
When a debt collector called my employer (I work in child care) and told my boss that I had committed a felony and that she should run a records check on me, it was devastating. I was afraid, not only of losing my job, but a beloved career. I went online to a site with lawyers from all over Alabama and asked if what the collector had done was legal. Within fifteen minutes I was contacted by Watt’s office, informed… (Read more)
I am one of those that thought I could never stand a chance against the unlawful actions of the biggest violators of law in America. I was just a “consumer” which by corporate definition is a “nobody” that no one cares about. Talk about being wrong!!! John and Randi saved my bacon, and the bacon I needed to provide for my family from a very large and obviously well monied collection agency. I will continue to use him, and consider… (Read more)
John has a way of explaining legal matters that removes the mystery and intimidation that I would normally feel. I have watched his videos and listened to his teleseminars on various consumer law topics and he has a way of simplifying the law into useful information for those of us who aren’t lawyers but who need guidance. When I had questions about Power of Attorney and Living Wills, etc. to help with my aging mother, he took the time to… (Read more)
John Watts assisted me with violations of the TCPA & FDCPA due to identity theft issues. When John and I sat down, and began reviewing my information he took each situation we were dealing with, and explained it to me in detail. He also provided me with reports, and links to videos on each topic to better educate me. John really goes the extra mile to educate his clients on their case. John also assisted me in disputing the discrepancies… (Read more)
I had a situation where a debt collector called my home and left voice messages saying I needed to call them to settle a debt. I did not owe this collector nor did I ever have dealings with them but they continued harassing me with phone calls which totally stress me out. My husband got in touch with John Watts and explained the situation to him. John informed him that my rights were being violated. John’s assistant Heather contacted me… (Read more)
John was very helpful to me in defending me in a law suit brought by a junk debt buyer. I even received a cash settlement because of the collections agencies failure to follow the law – Thanks to John and Stan for all their help!… (Read more)
John Watts and his staff assisted me with TCPA, FDCPA, and Third Party Contact Claims against debt collectors. Debt Collectors were contacting my parents, calling me at work, and calling my daughter’s cell phone for a debt the collectors had been made aware was fraudulent. It had gotten to the point that my wife, and I spent more time arguing over debt collectors calling then we did enjoying the small amount of time we have together. Then we found Watts… (Read more)
Mr. Watts has successfully represented me in over seven cases against abusive debt collectors. I fully recommend Mr. Watts and his team.… (Read more)
I called Mr. Watts after I started receiving calls 2-3 times a day from a collector for a debt I did not owe. He helped me through this and was my advocate during the process even though I was 800 miles away from him. I felt like he still gave me the same service as if I was walking into his office and doing business face to face since then he has helped my wife and myself on another case… (Read more)
One of the most common complaints around the nation is companies that blow up your cell phone by using a robo dialer — also called an auto dialer. You have rights to not have your cell phone blown up — the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) forbids this in many cases. And if a creditor, debt collector, mortgage company, etc. violates the law, then the damages are powerful and effective: $500 per call or up to $1,500 per call. The… (Read more)
Being harassed by debt collectors can be very upsetting but there is hope. You can stop the abuse and get compensation for what you were put through by abusive debt collectors. Here is a testimonial (and you can read more at my Avvo profile) about this type of situation: Upon entering their office during the Christmas holidays of 2009, I was an emotional wreck. With much worry about losing our house, being harassed by a debt collector, the guilt and… (Read more)
Amanda is a consumer in Alabama who describes what it was like to find out there was a bogus debt on her credit report, she was sued by a debt collector for this bogus debt, and so she did the smart thing which is to take action. She started investigating her rights and then she took massive action. You can read many of our reviews on my Avvo profile but it is copied below also: When I pulled my credit… (Read more)
Most financial problems result from some unexpected change in life — divorce, health issue, loss of job, or loss of a loved one. Missy lives in Alabama and she came to us as her father was really struggling with financial issues related to credit card companies after his wife passed away. Here’s what Missy had to say: I would highly recommend this attorney. He helped my father after the unexpected loss of my mother with some very difficult financial problems… (Read more)