Debt collector filed more than 20,000 lawsuits in Maricopa County [Video]

One of the largest debt collectors has faced penalties for violating consumer rights. Still, it filed more than 20,000 lawsuits in Maricopa County since 2022.

PHOENIX — In retirement, Anne Munoz, a former school bus driver who now cares for her husband with Parkinson’s disease, was prepared for life’s challenges.

She cares for her garden, a flock of chickens, even ducks. Munoz also saves money each year to give back to her community. She donates to the food pantry each Thanksgiving and donates gifts to a family from the “Angel Tree” at her local school each Christmas.

She’s seen a lot. She does a lot.

She thought she was ready for anything.

Until last September, when she was sued by a debt collector.

“This came out of the blue, and it really kind of knocked me back, because I had no idea what this was about,” Munoz said.

The lawsuit demands more than $2,700 for a Dell Financial Services account that was allegedly opened back …