[Bill Collector]

My wife and I were contacted by Wolpoff and Abramson about 3 months ago. The offered me a settlement on my account in order to avoid arbitration. I checked them out on the internet and yes they go to arbitration on EVERYTHING. Well, I paid them a settlement in 3 payments. I have a letter from them offering the settlement in 3 payments. The last payment came out of my account last month. 2 days ago, my wife was served in our front yard with notification of arbitration. I feel that this is harassment. Now, I already looked up the "legal definition" of harassment and it seems to fit in this case as my wife nearly had a panic attack when he served her. I can't stand MBNA and would dearly love to take it to them for this and punish them for their stupidity. When we called Wolpoff & Abramson they state that we should not have been served and to ignore the summons. I don't really know what to do about that. I seriously don't want to ignore the summons as they could obtain a judgement if I don't show up and they are stupid enough to go through with it. Then again, if I don't show, and they go forward with obtaining a judgement, can I sue them for harassment? How much would I be able to sue them for? I'm not a money hungry person, but they have caused me no end of headaches and I would like to see them in the defendant position on this.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You need to get written confirmation from Wolpoff and Abramson that the arbitration has been cancelled. I can imagine them screwing up the notice to the arbitrator, getting an arbitration award, trying to enforce it, then denying the phone call when you object that you were told it was cancelled.

If you want your case assessed for possible litigation, or what damages you might receive, consult a local lawyer.