Have you received a lawsuit summons, collection letter, or repeated phone calls from Forster & Garbus, LLP? Are they pursuing a debt you don’t recognize, one you’ve already paid, or one that belongs to someone else? Did Forster & Garbus contact your family members, neighbors, or co-workers about a debt you allegedly owe? Have you been threatened with wage garnishment, bank account freezing, or court judgment by this firm? If so, you have federally protected rights and exercising them may cost you nothing.
Call Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC at (877) 700-5790 for a free case review. We have maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since our founding in 2010. Every FDCPA and TCPA case we handle is on a fee-shift basis: if we take your case, Forster & Garbus pays our legal fees, not you. Visit us at Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC.
Is Forster & Garbus Legit or a Scam?
Forster & Garbus, LLP is a real, licensed debt collection law firm not a scam or impersonation operation. It has operated since 1971 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though it is not accredited by the BBB. The firm is a genuine legal entity authorized to file lawsuits in New York State courts and to represent creditors in debt collection matters.
That said, legitimacy is not immunity. The New York Department of Financial Services filed formal charges against Forster & Garbus in 2020 for systematically failing to honor consumer substantiation requests. A federal court entered a stipulated judgment against the firm in 2023 arising from a lawsuit over filing tens of thousands of debt collection cases without adequate documentation or meaningful attorney review. Multiple published federal court opinions document FDCPA claims against the firm that reached the district and appellate level.
One thing consumers often misunderstand is that a law firm collecting a debt is still subject to the FDCPA. The law draws no distinction between a collection agency and a collection attorney both must follow the same federal rules. In our practice, we find that consumers are sometimes more reluctant to push back against Forster & Garbus because the letterhead says “LLP” rather than “Collections.” That hesitation can be costly. A lawsuit summons requires a response. A collection letter triggers rights. And an FDCPA violation by a law firm is just as actionable as one by any debt collector.
Who Is Forster & Garbus, LLP?
Forster & Garbus, LLP is a high-volume debt collection law firm headquartered on Long Island, New York. The firm was founded in 1971 and has concentrated its practice almost entirely on creditor-side debt collection, filing lawsuits against consumers in New York courts on behalf of banks, credit card issuers, and debt buyers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Forster & Garbus, LLP |
| Entity Type | Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) |
| Founded | January 1, 1971 |
| BBB File Opened | September 1, 1997 |
| BBB Rating | A+ (Not Accredited) |
| Primary Office | 2950 Express Drive South, Suite 234, Islandia, NY 11749 |
| Former Address | 60 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Commack, NY 11725 |
| Primary Phone | (800) 245-9943 |
| Also Reported As | (631) 393-9400; (800) 811-3464 |
| Fax | (631) 393-9490 |
| Payment Portal | payfgny.com |
| Named Partners | Ronald Forster; Mark A. Garbus |
| Director of Compliance | Mary Sciacca |
| Related Business | Professional Credit Services, Inc. (same principals) |
| Major Clients | Discover Bank, Capital One, Citibank, American Express, Macy’s, Barclays, Sallie Mae, Navient, National Collegiate Student Loan Trust |
| Debt Types | Credit card debt, student loan debt, personal loans |
| Industries | Banking, credit card issuers, student loan servicers, debt buyers |
Forster & Garbus is closely affiliated with Professional Credit Services, Inc., a separate debt collection agency that operates from the same address and is owned by the same principals. When you receive a call or letter from one entity, you may subsequently receive contact from the other.
Between 2014 and 2016 alone, Forster & Garbus filed more than 99,000 debt-collection lawsuits in New York courts, according to federal court records. The firm described its approach as a “consumer first” model, but federal and state regulators have concluded that its actual practices during that period fell significantly short of what the law requires.
Why Is Forster & Garbus Calling Me?
Forster & Garbus contacts consumers because a bank, credit card company, student loan servicer, or debt buyer has retained them to collect on a delinquent account. The firm operates almost exclusively in New York and pursues debts through the New York court system, meaning that contact from Forster & Garbus often signals that a lawsuit has been filed or is about to be.
The most common reasons consumers hear from Forster & Garbus include:
- A past-due credit card balance with Discover, Capital One, Citibank, American Express, Macy’s, or another major issuer
- A defaulted student loan held by Sallie Mae, Navient, or National Collegiate Student Loan Trust
- A personal loan or consumer finance debt assigned to a third-party debt buyer
- A debt that was previously settled with another collector but which Forster & Garbus is still pursuing in error
- A judgment that Forster & Garbus obtained by default and is now enforcing through wage garnishment or bank account restraint
In our practice, we frequently hear from consumers who received court papers from Forster & Garbus but had no idea a lawsuit had been filed against them, either because they moved, the summons was improperly served, or they were never properly notified. This is not a coincidence. Federal court records document that Forster & Garbus has faced legal challenges over service failures, pursuing the wrong consumer, and filing cases past the statute of limitations. If you received a court paper you weren’t expecting, do not ignore it. A failure to respond to a lawsuit, even an improper one, can result in a default judgment against you.
Forster & Garbus Phone Numbers
Consumers report receiving calls and letters from the following numbers associated with Forster & Garbus, LLP:
| Phone Number | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| (800) 245-9943 | Primary toll-free | Listed on firm website and reported widely by consumers |
| (631) 393-9400 | Local Long Island line | Main office line at Islandia/Commack location |
| (800) 811-3464 | Additional toll-free | Listed on current BBB profile |
| (631) 393-8368 | TTY line | Listed on firm website for accessibility |
If you receive a call from Forster & Garbus, ask the caller to identify the debt by name of original creditor, account number, and amount. Do not acknowledge owing the debt until you have received and reviewed written validation. Under 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692g, Forster & Garbus is required to send written validation within five days of first contact.
Forster & Garbus Consumer Complaints and Reviews
Source: Better Business Bureau: Forster & Garbus, LLP Profile
The Better Business Bureau has documented consumer complaints and reviews against Forster & Garbus, LLP. The BBB profile for the firm also carries a flagged “Pending Government Action” notice relating to the New York Department of Financial Services charges filed in 2020.
The following are verbatim consumer review excerpts from the BBB:
- “These people are fake. I don’t know how but I was directed to them to settle an old debt, I settled on an amount with them, got a loan to pay them, I went to pay the settled amount and they hadn’t changed the amount so I emailed them, after I didn’t get a response I called them, something didn’t feel right so I didn’t pay the amount on their [site]. I try to go on their site and my account no longer exists!” BBB Review, Elizabeth W.
- “Some used my credit card years ago so I didn’t actually accrue the debt but I received court papers in the mail after they had contacted 4 of my family members. What’s strange is that I have the same phone number that’s on the account so I don’t know how or why they contacted my family.” BBB Review, Danielle K.
In our practice, contacting family members about a consumer’s debt is one of the most frequently reported and most clearly prohibited collection behaviors we see. Under 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692b and Ā§ 1692c(b), a debt collector may contact third parties only to locate a consumer not to disclose or discuss the debt. Contacting four family members about an account is a textbook violation.
Source: Better Business Bureau: Forster & Garbus, LLP Profile
Government Enforcement Actions Against Forster & Garbus
Forster & Garbus is one of a small number of collection law firms that has faced formal enforcement action from both federal and state regulators within a five-year span.
Source: NY DFS: Statement of Charges Against Forster & Garbus LLP
New York Department of Financial Services: Statement of Charges (2020)
On September 16, 2020, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) filed a formal Statement of Charges against Forster & Garbus, the first enforcement action ever brought under New York’s Debt Collection Regulation (23 NYCRR Part 1, promulgated 2015).
DFS alleged that Forster & Garbus systematically failed to provide debt substantiation when consumers requested it, as required under Section 1.4 of the Debt Collection Regulation. New York law requires a collector to provide substantiation within 60 days of a consumer’s request and to cease collection activity until substantiation has been provided in writing.
According to the DFS charges, specific examples of the firm’s failures included:
- A consumer who questioned whether student loan debts belonged to her and requested proof. Forster & Garbus responded by suing her instead of providing documentation.
- A consumer whose queries were ignored for months beyond the 60-day response deadline.
- A consumer in severe financial distress facing imminent homelessness who asked whether a debt was hers. Forster & Garbus responded only with a single judgment document, which DFS found was legally insufficient substantiation.
DFS Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell stated: “Consumer protection is the center of everything we do at DFS. It is especially important for New Yorkers to have access to appropriate and accurate financial information during this stressful time — so they can protect their rights and make financial decisions in their own best interest.”
Under Section 408 of the New York Financial Services Law, each failure to substantiate constitutes a separate violation carrying a civil penalty of up to $1,000.
Official Source: NY DFS: Statement of Charges Against Forster & Garbus LLP Statement of Charges (PDF): DFS Enforcement Document
Federal Court Cases Filed Against Forster & Garbus
Beyond the federal enforcement action, Forster & Garbus has been the defendant in numerous individual and class-action FDCPA lawsuits in federal courts. The following three cases are independently verified through published court opinions.
Source: FindLaw: Cortez v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
Case 1: Cortez v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
Citation: No. 20-1134 (2d Cir. June 4, 2021), reversing 382 F. Supp. 3d 259 (E.D.N.Y. 2019) Court: U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit Decided: June 4, 2021 Official Source: FindLaw: Cortez v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
What Happened: Consumer Cristian D. Cortez, whose Discover Bank credit card debt had been placed with Forster & Garbus, sued the firm under 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e, alleging that a collection notice failed to disclose that interest and fees were continuing to accrue. The Eastern District of New York denied Forster & Garbus’s summary judgment motion, finding the notice potentially misleading. On appeal, the Second Circuit reversed, holding that the FDCPA’s interest-and-fees disclosure requirement does not apply to collection notices that clearly extend a specific, time-limited settlement offer. The Second Circuit found the notice clear and accurate as written, and directed summary judgment in Forster & Garbus’s favor.
Attorney Commentary: The Second Circuit’s ruling in Cortez clarified an important line in FDCPA practice: when a collector makes a clear settlement offer with a specific payoff amount by a specific date, it is not required to separately disclose whether interest is continuing to accrue. This is important for consumers to understand. If you receive a Forster & Garbus settlement offer, the time limit matters. Once the settlement period expires, additional interest and fees may resume and the firm is not legally required to remind you of that in the same letter. Call us to understand what the offer means before responding.
Source: vLex: Kelsey v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
Case 2: Kelsey v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
Citation: 353 F. Supp. 3d 223 (W.D.N.Y. 2019) Case No.: 1:18-cv-00092 Court: U.S. District Court, Western District of New York Decided: 2019 Official Source: vLex: Kelsey v. Forster & Garbus, LLP
What Happened: Consumer William B. Kelsey filed an FDCPA complaint alleging that Forster & Garbus filed an attorney affirmation in a state court case against him that falsely stated he had failed to answer the summons and complaint — when in fact he claimed he had both appeared and filed an answer with the court. Kelsey argued this false affirmation violated 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e. The Western District of New York granted Forster & Garbus’s motion for judgment on the pleadings and dismissed the complaint, finding that the issue turned on whether Kelsey had properly complied with state court procedures rather than on the content of the affirmation itself.
Attorney Commentary: Even where Forster & Garbus wins a case procedurally, the underlying allegations matter. Kelsey illustrates what we hear regularly from clients: the firm files court papers that contain representations consumers believe are inaccurate. When you receive any court filing from Forster & Garbus, read it carefully and compare it to your own records. If you believe a document misrepresents your actions or identifies you as someone who didn’t appear when you did document that discrepancy immediately and contact an attorney. A court filing containing a false statement is not just a civil matter; it is also a violation of attorney professional conduct rules.
What Are Your Legal Rights Against Forster & Garbus?
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Requires validation of debts within 5 days, cessation of collection after disputes, and prohibits harassment or deceptive practices ā Forster & Garbus LLP may violate it by failing to provide proper validation, continuing collection after written disputes, using misleading legal threats, or engaging in aggressive or repetitive communication.
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Prohibits autodialed or prerecorded calls to cell phones without prior express written consent ā Forster & Garbus may violate it by placing robocalls, using automated dialing systems without consent, or continuing calls after consent has been revoked.
- New York General Business Law Ā§ 601: Prohibits abusive, harassing, or unconscionable debt collection conduct ā Forster & Garbus may violate it by contacting consumers in a harassing manner, applying undue pressure, or using oppressive communication tactics.
- 23 NYCRR Part 1: Requires disclosure of substantiation rights, full written substantiation within 60 days, and cessation of collection until provided ā Forster & Garbus may violate it by failing to provide substantiation upon request, continuing collection without verification, or ignoring the 60-day requirement.
- New York statute of limitations on credit card debt: Limits the time to sue on credit card debt (generally 3 years) ā Forster & Garbus may violate it by filing lawsuits or threatening legal action on time-barred debts that are no longer legally enforceable.
- New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection regulations: Require licensing and compliance with NYC-specific consumer protections ā Forster & Garbus may violate them by operating without proper licensing, failing to provide required disclosures, or not complying with local consumer protection rules.
FDCPA and TCPA Violations
The following practices are prohibited under federal law. If Forster & Garbus has engaged in any of the following, you may have an actionable claim:
| Violation Type | Federal Statute | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Filing a lawsuit without proper documentation | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e | Suing on a debt with no chain of title, signed contract, or account records |
| False attorney representation | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e | Placing an attorney’s signature on a complaint the attorney did not meaningfully review |
| Misrepresenting the creditor’s identity | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e(2) | Collection letter names wrong entity as creditor |
| Contacting third parties about a debt | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692b / 1692c(b) | Calling family members to discuss or disclose your debt |
| Continuing to collect after a validation request | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692g(b) | Filing a lawsuit or continuing calls after a written dispute is submitted |
| Failure to provide debt validation | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692g | No written notice within 5 days of first contact |
| Suing on a time-barred debt | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e / 1692f | Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired |
| Improper service of process | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692i | Filing in a jurisdiction other than where the consumer lives or signed the contract |
| Robocalls to cell phones without consent | 47 U.S.C. Ā§ 227 (TCPA) | Automated or prerecorded calls to your cell phone |
| Excessive or harassing calls | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692d(5) | Repeated calls with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass |
| Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692c(a)(1) | Early morning or late evening phone contact |
| False statements in collection communications | 15 U.S.C. Ā§ 1692e | Threatening legal action they cannot or will not take |
What to Do If Forster & Garbus Has Contacted You?
Step 1: Do Not Ignore It
Forster & Garbus is a litigation firm. Unlike many collection agencies that send letters and make calls, this firm files lawsuits. Ignoring a summons can result in a default judgment that authorizes wage garnishment and bank account restraints. Even if the debt is disputed or wrong, you must respond to court papers.
Step 2: Request Written Debt Validation Immediately
If you have received a letter or call but not yet a lawsuit, send a written debt validation request by certified mail to Forster & Garbus, LLP, 2950 Express Drive South, Suite 234, Islandia, NY 11749. Under the FDCPA, all collection activity must stop until they provide proper written verification. Under New York’s Debt Collection Regulation, they must provide full substantiation within 60 days.
Step 3: Check Whether the Debt Is Time-Barred
New York’s statute of limitations for credit card debt is generally three years from the date of last payment or charge-off. For student loans, the applicable period depends on the loan type and jurisdiction. If the debt is old, do not make any payment before checking with an attorney, a payment can restart the clock.
Step 4: Respond to Any Lawsuit in Writing
If you receive a court summons from Forster & Garbus, you have a limited time window to file a written answer, typically 20 to 30 days depending on how service was made. Failing to respond results in a default judgment. Even if you dispute the debt entirely, you must file an answer raising your defenses. Contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC at (877) 700-5790 immediately if you receive a summons.
Step 5: Document All Contact
Keep a log of every call, letter, email, or court filing from Forster & Garbus. Note dates, times, phone numbers, and exactly what was said or written. Save all voicemails. This documentation supports both your defense in any lawsuit and any FDCPA counterclaim.
Step 6: Send a Cease-Communication Letter
If you are receiving calls and have not yet been served with a lawsuit, send a certified mail cease-communication request. Forster & Garbus may continue contact only to confirm cessation or announce a specific legal action.
Step 7: Contact a Consumer Rights Attorney
You do not pay our fees. The FDCPA requires the debt collector to pay attorney fees if you prevail. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC has represented consumers against high-volume collection law firms since 2010. Call (877) 700-5790 or visit Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for a free case review.
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing harassment from debt collectors in any form, including telephone communication. Rather than suffer alone, contact our office to begin the process to stop the Forster & Garbus LLC harassment. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options without any financial risk. If you believe you have a potential case against debt collectors under laws like the TCPA or EFTA, we can provide the legal support you need. We have anĀ A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are interested in learning more about how to safeguard yourself and prevent harassment from Forster & Garbus call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance or visit our website.
Success Stories
- “From the moment I called Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, I felt a huge weight lifted. They were clear, honest, and took immediate steps to stop the debt collector that had been harassing me for months. Their legal team was always responsive, and they treated me with compassion and respect. I wouldnāt hesitate to recommend them to anyone dealing with unfair debt collection practices.”
- “I was receiving calls at all hours and felt like I had no control over my life. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC stepped in and made the harassment stop. They explained everything in plain language and made me feel like I was in good hands. Thanks to them, I learned my rights and stood up to the abuse. Great firm with a strong mission!”
- “Outstanding service! The team at Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC knew exactly how to handle my case. They filed a complaint against the debt collectors on my behalf, and within a few weeks, I stopped receiving calls completely. I was even compensated for the harassment. If you’re dealing with this, donāt waitācall them!”
FAQs
Who is Forster & Garbus and why are they calling me?
Forster & Garbus is a New Yorkābased debt-collection law firm that buys defaulted debts and contacts consumers to collect them, often via phone.
Are Forster & Garbus phone calls harassment under the FDCPA?
Yes ā if they make repeated calls, use threats, or call at inconvenient times, that can be harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
How many calls from Forster & Garbus count as too many?
Under the CFPBās rule, more than seven calls from the same collector in seven days may qualify as harassment, and the FDCPA prohibits repeated calls intended to annoy or abuse.
Can Forster & Garbus legally robocall or spoof numbers?
They must identify themselves and provide a valid callback number. Robocalls or spoofed numbers without prior consent may violate the FDCPA and TCPA.
What should I do if Iām being harassed by Forster & Garbus on the phone?
Keep a log of each call, send a written cease-and-desist, and if calls continue, file a complaint with the CFPB or FTC and consider consulting a consumer-rights attorney.
Can I dispute the debt when Forster & Garbus calls?
Yes ā you have the right to request validation of the debt within 30 days of the initial call, and they must stop collection until they provide proof.
Can I sue Forster & Garbus for phone harassment?
Yes ā if they violate FDCPA or TCPA through harassment, threats, or unauthorized robocalls, you may sue and recover damages.
Will calls from Forster & Garbus affect my credit score?
Potentially ā if they report your debt to credit bureaus or obtain a judgment, that can negatively affect your score.
Are Forster & Garbus legitimate or is it a scam?
Forster & Garbus is a legitimate law firm, but many consumers report aggressive or misleading calls. If suspicious, ask for written verification.
How can I make Forster & Garbus stop calling me?
Send a cease-and-desist letter instructing them to stop calling. If they continue, file complaints or seek legal help.
Reported Phone Numbers Forster & Garbus May Use
| 800-245-9943 | 877-323-3393 | 631-000-0000 |
| 866-805-6850 | 646-352-9798 | 866-514-6949 |
| 866-454-6489 | 877-319-6846 | 904-416-0769 |
| 800-577-0729 | 716-204-1082 | 213-261-0030 |
| 877-709-6889 |
