Sued by Portfolio Recovery Associates in New York?

🏦

Do NOT Ignore This Lawsuit

If you fail to file a written answer before the deadline, the plaintiff can obtain a default judgment against you — with no trial. Once they have that judgment, they can freeze your bank account and garnish your wages without any further warning. The only way to protect yourself is to file your answer NOW.

Who Is Portfolio Recovery Associates?

Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA Group) buys defaulted consumer debts — credit cards, personal loans, auto deficiencies — for a fraction of their face value, then attempts to collect through lawsuits. They file thousands of cases in New York courts every year.

Defenses Against Portfolio Recovery

Statute of limitations — NY has a 3-year limit on consumer debt. If your last payment was more than 3 years ago, the debt may be time-barred
Lack of standing / chain of assignment — PRA must prove they own the debt with proper documentation
Inaccurate amount — Verify the amount they are claiming
FDCPA violations — If PRA used abusive or deceptive collection tactics, you may have a counterclaim worth up to ,000

Why Filing an Answer Changes Everything

Debt buyers like Portfolio Recovery rely on default judgments — when defendants do not respond. When you file an answer, they must actually appear in court and prove their case with documentation. Many cases settle for less or are voluntarily dismissed once a defendant responds.

How to File Your Answer in 3 Steps

Fill in Your Information

Enter your name, the plaintiff's name, county, and index number from your summons. The form updates in real time.

Select Your Defenses

Check the defenses that apply to your case — identity theft, paid debt, statute of limitations, wrong amount, and more.

Download, Sign, and File

Download your completed answer, sign it, make copies, serve the plaintiff's attorney, and file with the court clerk.

File Your NY Debt Answer Right Now — Free

Don't let them get a default judgment. Build and download your completed written answer in minutes — at no cost.

⚡ Start My Free Answer Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't file an answer?

The plaintiff will apply for a default judgment. Once granted, they can freeze your bank account, garnish up to 10% of your gross wages, and report the judgment to credit bureaus — all without any further court hearing.

How long do I have to file an answer in New York?

Generally 20 days if you were personally served, or 30 days if served by other methods. Check your summons for the exact deadline — the clock starts from the date you were served.

Do I need a lawyer to file an answer?

No. New York allows you to represent yourself (pro se) in civil court. The written answer form is designed for self-represented defendants. Our free tool walks you through every field.

What if the debt isn't mine or the amount is wrong?

These are valid defenses. Check "identity theft / mistaken identity" or "I dispute the amount of the debt" on your answer form. Filing an answer forces the plaintiff to prove their case in court.

Is this really free?

Yes. The NY debt answer builder at EasyLegalFiling.com is completely free to use. Build your answer, preview it, and download it at no cost.

Sued by Portfolio Recovery Associates in New York? Fight Back Free