American Express accused of improper debt collection practices

WINFIELD - American Express is being sued by a West Virginia resident after allegedly engaging in improper debt collection methods.

Reba Ancell filed a lawsuit Dec. 13 in the Circuit Court of Putnam County against American Express Co., citing violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, common law negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and common law invasion of privacy.

The complaint says Ancell was contacted by American Express to collect an outstanding debt. The defendant continued to contact Ancell after it was notified the plaintiff retained counsel, according to the complaint.

The plaintiff states the defendant engaged in numerous statutory violations, including using abusive conduct in attempt to collect a debt, causing the plaintiff's phone to ring repeatedly, using unfair means to collect a debt and failing to disclose the name of the entity making a demand for payment.

Ancell is seeking actual damages, statutory damages, costs, fees, general damages and punitive damages. The plaintiff is represented by Benjamin Sheridan and Mitchell Lee Klein of Klein & Sheridan LC.

Circuit Court of Putnam County Civil Action No. 13-C-408