Quick Answer: A federal lawsuit was filed on January 15, 2026, alleging multiple debt relief companies targeted a 72-year-old Wisconsin woman on Social Security. The complaint names 11 defendants including Level Debt, Set Forth, and Premier Legal, alleging they operated an unlicensed debt settlement scheme and failed to provide promised legal representation when a creditor sued her. This is a legal filing—not a verdict.
Important: A lawsuit filing contains allegations—claims that have not been proven in court. None of the defendants have been found liable for any wrongdoing. This article summarizes the complaint for educational purposes.
Case Information
- Court: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- Plaintiff: Patricia A. Wilson
- Defendants: JKB Financial LLC (d/b/a Level Debt), Level Coaching LLC, MBOCAL Inc. (d/b/a Level Lending), Set Forth Inc. (f/k/a Forth), Premier Legal Plans LLC, Pinnacle Legal Plans LLC, and individual defendants Kenneth Bartlett, William Osborne, Kris Kehler, and Vincent Renda
The Story Behind This Lawsuit
According to the complaint, Patricia A. Wilson is a 72-year-old woman from Montello, Wisconsin whose sole income is approximately $1,362 per month in Social Security benefits.
The lawsuit alleges that Wilson was contacted through telemarketing and enrolled in a debt settlement program. The complaint paints a concerning picture of what happened next.
What the Complaint Alleges:
- Wilson paid a total of $4,368.57 to the defendants
- Level Debt instructed her to stop paying her creditors
- When Capital One sued her, “Pinnacle Legal” was supposed to provide legal representation
- No Wisconsin-licensed attorney ever appeared on her behalf
- None of her debts were resolved
The complaint alleges the defendants operated through multiple related companies—Level Debt for enrollment, Set Forth (formerly “Forth”) to hold escrow funds, and Premier/Pinnacle Legal for supposed legal protection.
What the Complaint Alleges
This is a complex lawsuit bringing claims under multiple federal and state laws:
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- Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) Violations: The complaint alleges the defendants charged advance fees and made misleading representations about services.
- Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) Violations: The filing alleges illegal telemarketing practices including advance fee collection for debt relief services.
- Wisconsin Consumer Act Violations: The lawsuit claims unauthorized practice as a debt settlement provider in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Deceptive Trade Practices Act: The complaint alleges multiple deceptive representations about services.
- Elder Financial Exploitation: The lawsuit invokes Wisconsin’s elder protection statute (Wis. Stat. § 46.90), claiming the defendants targeted a vulnerable senior citizen.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law: The complaint alleges the “legal” defendants provided legal services without proper Wisconsin licensure.
Who Are the Defendants?
The complaint names 11 defendants. According to the filing, these are the key entities:
The Debt Settlement Operation
- JKB Financial LLC (d/b/a Level Debt): California LLC allegedly operating the debt settlement enrollment
- Level Coaching LLC: Related entity allegedly involved in the operation
- MBOCAL Inc. (d/b/a Level Lending): Related entity allegedly involved in the scheme
The Escrow/Payment Company
- Set Forth Inc. (f/k/a Forth): Nevada corporation that allegedly held escrow funds; the complaint alleges it operates “setforth.com” and previously did business as “Forth”
The “Legal” Entities
- Premier Legal Plans LLC: Allegedly provided “legal protection” promises
- Pinnacle Legal Plans LLC: Allegedly was supposed to represent plaintiff in court but failed to appear
Individual Defendants
Kenneth Bartlett, William Osborne, Kris Kehler, and Vincent Renda are named as individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
What This Could Mean for Consumers
This case highlights several concerning patterns to watch for:
Red Flags Alleged in This Case:
- Multiple related companies with similar names (Level Debt, Level Coaching, Level Lending)
- Promises of legal representation that don’t materialize
- “Stop paying your creditors” advice without proper legal guidance
- High fees relative to fixed income
- No licensed attorney in your state
The Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) specifically prohibits debt relief companies from charging fees before settling or reducing your debt. The Credit Repair Organizations Act requires clear contracts and prohibits certain advance fees.
Before You Sign Anything: If you’re considering hiring any debt relief company, run their contract through the Contract Decoder first. It’s free—and it’s your last chance to spot red flags before you commit.
Elder Financial Exploitation Claims
The complaint specifically invokes Wisconsin’s elder protection statute (Wis. Stat. § 46.90), which provides additional protections and remedies for financial exploitation of individuals 60 and older.
According to the filing, the plaintiff is 72 years old and lives on approximately $1,362/month in Social Security income—making the alleged fees particularly significant relative to her resources.
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:
2:26-cv-00068 - Select Court: Eastern District of Wisconsin
PACER charges $0.10/page, but the first $30/quarter is free for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this lawsuit mean for Level Debt or Set Forth customers?
If you’re a current customer, this lawsuit doesn’t automatically change your situation. However, if you’ve experienced similar issues—particularly if creditors have sued you and promised legal help hasn’t materialized—document your experience and consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney.
Are Level Debt and Set Forth scams?
This lawsuit contains allegations that have not been proven. Whether these companies are “scams” depends on court findings. Monitor the case for developments and consult official sources before drawing conclusions.
Can I join this lawsuit?
This is currently an individual lawsuit, not a class action. If you’ve had similar experiences, consult with a consumer protection attorney about your own potential claims.
I’m a senior on fixed income considering debt settlement. What should I know?
Be especially cautious about fees relative to your income. Ask if attorneys are licensed in YOUR state. Get promises about legal representation in writing.
Contact the Defendants Directly
If you have questions about this lawsuit or are a current customer, I encourage you to contact the companies directly rather than jump to conclusions based on allegations alone.
A Note to Level Debt, Set Forth, and Other Defendants: 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.
TL;DR: A 72-year-old Wisconsin woman on Social Security has filed a federal lawsuit against Level Debt, Set Forth, and 9 other defendants, alleging they ran an unlicensed debt settlement operation that charged her $4,368.57 but failed to resolve any debts or provide promised legal representation. The complaint includes elder financial exploitation claims. This is a complaint filing—allegations, not a verdict. Use the Contract Decoder before signing with any debt relief company.
(Source: U.S. District Court, E.D. Wisconsin)
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