This guide explains who Stenger & Stenger is, the types of debts the firm may collect, your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), reported consumer complaints, and the steps you can take if you are facing collection efforts or a pending lawsuit.
Who Is Stenger & Stenger, P.C.?
Stenger & Stenger, P.C. is a creditors’ rights law firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm represents creditors, lenders, financial institutions, and other businesses seeking to recover past-due accounts and unpaid financial obligations.
Firm Contact Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Firm Name | Stenger & Stenger, P.C. |
| Address | 2618 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 |
| Main Phone | (616) 940-1190 |
| Toll-Free | (888) 305-7775 |
| Fax | (616) 940-1192 |
| TTY | (888) 520-0466 |
| Headquarters | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Primary Function | Debt Collection and Creditors’ Rights Litigation |
| Service Area | Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, and Tennessee |
| Customer Service Hours | MondayâFriday, 8:00 a.m. â 6:00 p.m. EST |
What Distinguishes Stenger & Stenger from Many Collection Firms?
Several characteristics set Stenger & Stenger apart from smaller collection agencies and local law offices.
Multi-State Operations: Unlike firms that operate in a single jurisdiction, Stenger & Stenger provides collection and litigation services across multiple states. This allows the firm to represent creditors with accounts located in different regions of the country.
Combination of Collection and Legal Services: The firm does more than send collection notices. It also assists clients with litigation, judgment enforcement, and other legal collection activities when accounts remain unresolved.
Focus on Accounts Receivable Recovery: Stenger & Stenger’s practice is concentrated on helping creditors recover delinquent accounts and manage outstanding receivables. As a result, consumers may encounter the firm at various stages of the collection process.
Multiple Communication Channels: The firm offers several methods for consumers to communicate regarding their accounts, including telephone, mail, fax, email, and online contact forms. This may provide additional options for discussing account-related issues or settlement opportunities.
Stenger & Stenger Reported Complaints
Consumers have shared complaints about Stenger & Stenger which have been documented by Better Business Bureau. While experiences vary from person to person, several recurring concerns appear in publicly available reports.
Wage Garnishment Issues: Some consumers report that wage garnishments or account withdrawals continued after a settlement agreement had allegedly been reached or a balance had been resolved. These complaints generally involve disputes over the timing of payment processing or account updates.
Credit Reporting Concerns: Several consumers claim that paid or settled accounts were not updated on their credit reports as quickly as expected. Others report delays in reflecting account resolutions with the major credit reporting agencies.
Persistent Collection Communications: Some consumers describe receiving repeated collection letters or phone calls regarding alleged debts. However, a number of online discussions also indicate that certain consumers were able to communicate directly with firm representatives to discuss payment arrangements and account resolution options.
If you believe a collection account has been reported inaccurately, a garnishment has continued in error, or collection communications have violated your rights, keep copies of all correspondence and account records while evaluating your available options.
Your Legal Rights Under the FDCPA
If Stenger & Stenger is attempting to collect a consumer debt, you may be protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692â1692p. This federal law establishes rules that debt collectors must follow when communicating with consumers.
Right to Request Debt Verification â 15 U.S.C. § 1692g: If you are unsure whether a debt is accurate, you can request information identifying the creditor and supporting the amount being claimed. Reviewing this information can help you determine whether the account belongs to you.
Protection from Harassing Conduct â 15 U.S.C. § 1692d: Debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in behavior intended to intimidate, abuse, threaten, or harass consumers while attempting to collect a debt.
Protection from Misleading Statements â 15 U.S.C. § 1692e: Collectors may not use false, deceptive, or misleading information regarding the debt, the amount owed, or the consequences of nonpayment.
Protection from Unfair Collection Methods â 15 U.S.C. § 1692f: The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using unfair practices or improper tactics when attempting to recover a debt.
Right to Seek Legal Remedies â 15 U.S.C. § 1692k: If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, consumers may have the right to pursue legal action. Depending on the circumstances, available remedies may include damages and recovery of attorney’s fees.
Right to Defend Yourself in Court: If Stenger & Stenger files a lawsuit against you, you generally have the right to receive proper notice, submit a response, raise applicable defenses, and require the plaintiff to prove its case before obtaining a judgment.
Stenger & Stenger Lawsuit History
In Crow v. Stenger & Stenger, P.C., (25th May 2025) a consumer filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Stenger & Stenger and several of its attorneys violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) during efforts to collect an alleged credit card debt. According to the complaint, the consumer disputed the debt and requested validation, but claimed that a collection lawsuit was filed before the requested verification was provided.
Stenger & Stenger asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the consumer lacked standing because he had not suffered a legally recognized injury. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio disagreed at that stage of the case. The court found that the consumer had alleged sufficient harm by claiming he was forced to defend against a collection lawsuit that he believed should not have been filed when it was.
As a result, the court denied the firm’s motion to dismiss and allowed the FDCPA claims to proceed. The ruling addressed only whether the consumer had standing to pursue the case and did not determine whether Stenger & Stenger ultimately violated the FDCPA.
If Stenger & Stenger Has Filed a Lawsuit Against You
Rubin & Rothman regularly represents creditors and debt buyers in collection lawsuits. Receiving a summons and complaint does not mean the creditor has already won the case, but it does mean that important deadlines may apply.
Step 1: Confirm When You Were Served: Your response deadline is generally tied to the date you were legally served with the lawsuit, not necessarily the date the case was filed. Review all court documents carefully and confirm when and how service was allegedly completed. If you believe you were never properly served, preserve any evidence that may support your position.
Step 2: File a Timely Response: Consumers who fail to respond to a lawsuit risk having a default judgment entered against them. Filing a written answer allows you to participate in the case, challenge the allegations, and raise any defenses that may apply.
Step 3: Review the Plaintiff’s Documentation: The party bringing the lawsuit must generally prove its claim. Depending on the circumstances, consumers may wish to review account statements, ownership records, payment histories, and other supporting documentation.
Questions regarding account ownership and debt verification are common when debts have changed hands between multiple entities.
Step 4: Understand the Consequences of a Judgment: If a creditor obtains a judgment, additional collection remedies may become available under state law. These remedies can include wage garnishment, bank restraints, judgment liens, or other collection procedures.
Responding early often provides consumers with more opportunities to negotiate a resolution or raise legal defenses before a judgment is entered.
Payments, Settlement Opportunities, and Account Resolution
Many accounts handled by Stenger & Stenger are resolved through settlement discussions, payment arrangements, or negotiated resolutions before a final judgment is entered. The options available often depend on the creditor involved, the age of the account, and whether a lawsuit has already been filed.
Review the debt before negotiating: Before discussing payment, request information confirming the balance being claimed and the identity of the creditor. Reviewing account records can help you determine whether the amount is accurate and whether any disputes need to be addressed first.
Credit card and consumer debt settlements: For credit card balances, personal loans, and other unsecured debts, creditors may sometimes consider settlement offers that resolve the account for less than the full amount claimed. Settlement opportunities vary based on the circumstances of the account and the creditor’s policies.
Payment arrangements: Some creditors represented by Stenger & Stenger may be willing to accept structured monthly payments. Before agreeing to a payment plan, confirm the payment amount, schedule, and whether additional interest, costs, or fees may continue to accrue over time.
Accounts already in litigation: If a lawsuit has been filed, resolving the matter early may help avoid additional court costs and collection activity. Consumers should carefully review any proposed agreement and understand how the settlement will affect the pending case.
Get every agreement in writing: Whether you negotiate a settlement or establish a payment plan, obtain written documentation before sending payment. The agreement should clearly state the amount to be paid, any deadlines, and how the account will be treated once the terms have been completed.
Maintain proof of payment: Keep copies of settlement agreements, payment confirmations, correspondence, and account statements. Maintaining complete records can help prevent future disputes regarding the status of the account.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenger & Stenger, P.C.
1. Why is Stenger & Stenger contacting me instead of my original creditor?
Many creditors hire law firms to recover unpaid accounts after collection efforts have been unsuccessful. If Stenger & Stenger contacts you, request written information identifying both the current creditor and the account being collected.
2. Can Stenger & Stenger file a lawsuit without calling me first?
In some situations, collection activity may progress to litigation even if meaningful settlement discussions have not occurred. Review all mail carefully and monitor court notices if you have received prior collection communications regarding the account.
3. What should I do if I believe the debt amount is incorrect?
Do not assume the balance is accurate. Request documentation supporting the amount being claimed, including account statements, interest calculations, fees, and payment history before agreeing to make payments.
4. Can I still negotiate a settlement after a lawsuit has been filed?
Often, yes. Many collection lawsuits are resolved through settlement discussions before trial. However, negotiating a settlement does not automatically extend your court deadlines, so you should continue monitoring the case while discussions are ongoing.
5. What happens if I ignore a summons from Stenger & Stenger?
Failing to respond may allow the creditor to seek a default judgment. Once a judgment is entered, additional collection remedies may become available under state law, including wage garnishment, bank account levies, or judgment liens where permitted.
6. How can I find out whether a judgment has already been entered against me?
You can search court records in the county where the lawsuit was filed or contact the court directly. This is especially important if you recently learned about collection efforts involving an older account.
7. Should I make a payment before receiving debt verification?
Many consumers prefer to review account information first. Obtaining documentation regarding the creditor, balance, and account history can help you make an informed decision before sending money or entering a settlement agreement.
8. What records should I keep when dealing with Stenger & Stenger?
Maintain copies of collection letters, emails, court documents, settlement agreements, payment receipts, and notes from telephone conversations. Organized records can be valuable if questions later arise regarding the debt or payment history.
Sued or Served by Stenger & Stenger?
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC has represented consumers against debt collectors since 2010, holds an A+ BBB rating, and recovers attorney fees under 15 U.S.C. § 1692k when FDCPA violations are established.
For a broader overview of debt collection law firms and your federal rights, visit our collection attorneys resource page. You can also search our complete list of collection agencies in the United States to identify other firms that may be contacting you.
