Quick Answer: A lawsuit was filed against Credit Counseling, Inc. on January 1, 2026 in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. The complaint alleges the debt collector harassed a Florida family over a $13,576 nursing home debt they never agreed to pay, with an agent calling one plaintiff “a complete incompetent.” This is a legal filing—not a verdict.
Important: A lawsuit filing contains allegations—claims that have not been proven in court. Credit Counseling, Inc. has not been found liable for any wrongdoing. This article summarizes the complaint for educational purposes.
Why This Case Matters: A Confusing Company Name
Before diving into the allegations, I need to point something out: this may be the first time I’ve seen an alleged debt collection agency named “Credit Counseling.”
Why This Is Confusing: “Credit counseling” typically refers to legitimate nonprofit organizations that help consumers manage debt through Debt Management Programs (DMPs). If you were contacted by a company called “Credit Counseling, Inc.” about a debt, you might reasonably assume it was a helpful nonprofit—not a debt collector pursuing payment.
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According to the complaint, Credit Counseling, Inc. (also referred to as “Credit Counsel, Inc.” in some documents) is a Florida corporation that acts as a third-party debt collector for nursing homes and other creditors.
Case Information
- Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- Plaintiffs: Sophia Loubeau-Griggs and Corey Griggs
- Defendants: Credit Counseling, Inc.; Hillcrest OPCO LLC d/b/a Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Claims: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA); Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA)
The Story Behind This Lawsuit
According to the complaint, this case centers on a family’s experience after the death of their mother.
In 2022, Shirley Thornton—Corey Griggs’s mother and Sophia Loubeau-Griggs’s mother-in-law—became seriously ill and was hospitalized. She was later transferred to Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home operated by Hillcrest OPCO LLC.
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The complaint alleges that no family member signed any contract or agreement accepting financial responsibility for Ms. Thornton’s care. The transfer was coordinated by hospital staff.
However, the complaint states that during the admission process, the nursing home internally designated Sophia Loubeau as an “A/R Guarantor”—an accounts-receivable label—without her knowledge or consent and without any signed agreement.
Ms. Thornton passed away in November 2023.
The Collection Calls Begin
After Ms. Thornton’s death, the complaint alleges the family began receiving collection calls from Credit Counseling, Inc., which had been hired by the nursing home to collect the outstanding balance.
The complaint includes specific voicemail transcripts allegedly left by Jeffrey Allen, an agent of Credit Counseling, Inc. According to the filing, Allen identified himself as an attorney and left messages including:
“I’ve had the unpleasant experience of trying to deal with Sophie… she is a complete incompetent… She doesn’t respond to phone calls… If there’s not an attorney handling the matter, you need to hire one. My patience is done.”
— Voicemail transcript from complaint
The complaint alleges Allen also left this message:
“Yeah, I’m looking for Sophie Thornton… my patience with you is about done… your incompetence is preventing these people from getting paid… If you don’t have an attorney handling this, I think it’s time you get one.”
The complaint notes that Loubeau’s name is Sophia Loubeau-Griggs—not “Sophie Thornton”—yet the collector allegedly addressed her using the deceased patient’s last name.
The Written Demand
On October 30, 2025, the complaint states the family received a “Notice of Pending Claim” demanding $13,576.07 and threatening legal action within ten business days.
What the Complaint Alleges
The lawsuit claims Credit Counseling, Inc. violated multiple provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including:
- False representation of debt status (§1692e(2)(A)) — Allegedly misrepresenting that the plaintiffs personally owed the nursing home debt
- Threatening action that cannot legally be taken (§1692e(5)) — Allegedly threatening lawsuits against people with no legal obligation to pay
- Deceptive means to collect (§1692e(10)) — Allegedly using the name “Sophie Thornton” to create appearance of liability
- Harassing and abusive conduct (§1692d) — Allegedly calling plaintiff “incompetent” and making demeaning remarks
- Unfair practices (§1692f) — Allegedly attempting to collect from individuals with no legal obligation
- Failure to validate debt (§1692g) — Allegedly continuing collection without providing verification
The complaint also brings claims under Florida’s Consumer Collection Practices Act against both Credit Counseling, Inc. and the nursing home operator.
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What This Could Mean for Consumers
This case highlights several important consumer protection issues:
Know Your Rights
- Family members are generally not responsible for a relative’s debts unless they signed a guaranty
- Being listed as an “emergency contact” does not create financial liability
- Internal billing designations like “A/R Guarantor” don’t create legal obligations without a signed agreement
- The FDCPA prohibits harassment, threats, and collecting debts from the wrong person
Red Flags to Watch For
- Collectors demanding payment for a relative’s debt you never agreed to pay
- Threats of lawsuits without proof you owe the debt
- Collectors who refuse to provide written verification
- Insulting, demeaning, or abusive language
Before You Sign Anything: If you’re dealing with a nursing home or hospital admission for a family member, read any documents carefully before signing. Look for “guarantor” language that could make you personally responsible for bills. If you’re unsure, consult with an attorney before signing.
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How to Follow This Case
Track this case and read all court filings through PACER:
- Go to pacer.uscourts.gov
- Create a free account (required)
- Search for Case Number:
0:26-cv-60001 - Select Court: Southern District of Florida
PACER charges $0.10/page, but the first $30/quarter is free for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Credit Counseling, Inc. a credit counseling agency?
Despite its name, Credit Counseling, Inc. appears to be a debt collection company, not a nonprofit credit counseling agency. Legitimate credit counseling agencies help consumers manage debt through counseling and Debt Management Programs—they don’t collect debts on behalf of nursing homes. If you’re contacted by any company about a debt, always verify what type of company it is before providing any information or payment.
Can a debt collector pursue me for my parent’s nursing home bills?
Generally, adult children are not legally responsible for their parents’ debts unless they signed a guaranty or admission agreement accepting financial responsibility. Simply being listed as an emergency contact or “A/R representative” for billing communications does not create a legal obligation to pay. However, laws vary by state, so consult with an attorney if you’re being pursued for a family member’s debt.
What should I do if a debt collector calls me about a relative’s debt?
First, don’t admit to owing anything. Ask for written verification of the debt, including proof that you personally agreed to pay it. Under the FDCPA, collectors must stop collection activity until they provide verification if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of their first contact. If you never signed anything making you responsible, say so clearly and consider consulting with a consumer rights attorney.
Is Credit Counseling, Inc. a scam?
This lawsuit contains allegations that have not been proven. Whether a company is legitimate or a “scam” depends on court findings and regulatory actions. Monitor the case for developments. If you’ve had dealings with Credit Counseling, Inc., you may want to document your experience and consult with an attorney.
Contact Credit Counseling, Inc. Directly
If you have questions about this lawsuit or have had dealings with Credit Counseling, Inc., you can contact them using the information from the complaint:
- Phone: 1-800-328-8123 (from complaint)
- Address: 8362 Pines Blvd, Ste 316, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 (from complaint)
A Note to Credit Counseling, Inc.: I believe in fair coverage. If you would like to provide a statement about this lawsuit for my readers, please contact me. I will add your response to this article so readers can hear your perspective.
Key Takeaways
- A debt collector named “Credit Counseling, Inc.” is being sued—don’t confuse this with legitimate nonprofit credit counseling agencies
- The complaint alleges the company pursued family members for a nursing home debt they never agreed to pay
- Family members generally aren’t responsible for relatives’ debts without signing a guaranty
- If you’re being contacted about a relative’s debt, request written proof that you personally owe it
TL;DR: Credit Counseling, Inc.—a debt collector, not a credit counseling nonprofit—faces an FDCPA lawsuit alleging it harassed a Florida family over a $13,576 nursing home debt they never signed for. This is a complaint filing—allegations, not a verdict. If you’re contacted about a relative’s debt, don’t assume you owe it—request written verification.
(Source: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, Case 0:26-cv-60001)
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