HOW TO DEFEND AGAINST EZ-PASS DEBT COLLECTION AND LAWSUITS
EZ-Pass debt is one of the largest growing problems that we have seen in
the metro area over the last few years. The MTA and Port Authority have
significantly increased their collection efforts on behalf of New York
City. A depleted EZ-Pass can quickly turn into a very large debt, potential
lawsuit and judgment all in the matter of a few months. EZ-Pass debt is
so dangerous because delinquent payments accrue penalties and interest
on a consistent basis ultimately growing to outrageous amounts as compared
to the original amount. We often see an original EZ-Pass bill of $1500
grow to $10,000 or more because of the penalties and interest that has
accrued. EZ-Pass quickly sends delinquent debt to collection agencies
like Transworld Systems whom aggressively pursue consumers for the debt
along with additional collection fees that they add on.
If Transworld is unable to collect the debt then the case is usually passed
on to the Law Office of Peter Merani to sue consumers and ultimately obtain
a judgment against them. This judgment then allows them to garnish wages
or levy a consumer’s bank account. The judgment also allows them
to accrue an additional 9% judgment interest on the already inflated debt
amount leading to a very scary scenario for consumers. Delinquent EZ-Pass
debt can also lead to the suspension of a consumer’s driver’s
license. In these cases, it is important to submit a request for an administrative
hearing if available to preserve your driving privileges. It is equally
important to defend yourself against collection efforts and especially
a lawsuit so that a default judgment is not obtained. The good news is
that we are frequently able to negotiate settlements in these matters
which erases the thousands of dollars of penalties and interest accrued
so that the small original EZ-Pass debt can be paid.