Seeing "Abrahamsen Gindin" -- or "AG Law" -- on a letter or summons is unsettling, especially if the name looks unfamiliar. The short version: it's a real Pennsylvania collections law firm, not a scam. The part that helps you most is understanding the Forster & Garbus connection, and knowing that responding on time is what protects you.
Short answer
Yes, Abrahamsen Gindin is legit -- it's a creditors'-rights and collections law firm that sues consumers on behalf of original creditors and debt buyers. The smart move is to never ignore a court paper, file a written answer by the deadline, and make the plaintiff validate the debt and prove it owns it.
Who they are -- and the Forster & Garbus acquisition
Abrahamsen Gindin LLC, sometimes shown as "AG Law," is a law firm, not your original creditor. It's based in the Scranton / Dickson City area of Pennsylvania and collects across multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. It handles unsecured debt -- credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and debt-buyer portfolios -- for both original creditors and debt buyers. The detail that trips people up: in 2023 Abrahamsen Gindin acquired Forster & Garbus LLP and now pursues many accounts that firm previously handled. So if you once had a Forster & Garbus matter and now see a strange new name, that's legitimate lineage from a normal law-firm acquisition -- not an impostor. Make sure the correct spelling is "Gindin" (not "Grindin"), and confirm the Pennsylvania firm named on your letter, since unrelated firms use similar "AG"-style initials.
If you've been sued
- Never ignore a summons. If you've been served, file a written answer with the court by the deadline -- missing it lets them win a default judgment, which can lead to garnishment or a bank levy.
- Respond through the court, not just by phone, once a case is filed, and keep records of every letter, call, and filing.
- Consider a consult. Many consumers do better with an hour of advice from a local consumer attorney or legal aid before a court date.
Validation and chain of title
An attorney who regularly collects debts is still a "debt collector" under the FDCPA -- lawyers are not exempt -- so you keep your rights. Demand written validation of the debt within the 30-day window, and if the plaintiff is a debt buyer, require proof that it actually owns your specific account, including the chain of title; buyer cases can rest on thin documentation. If a tradeline tied to the account is inaccurate, you can also dispute it on your credit report. And don't make a payment or a written promise before you've confirmed the account is yours -- a payment can restart the statute of limitations.
If the debt is really yours
If the debt is validated, enforceable, and within the statute of limitations, you can often settle these unsecured accounts for less than the full amount -- and settling before a judgment is entered is usually better for you. Negotiate in writing and get the terms on paper: what you'll pay, that it resolves the case in full, and that the suit will be dismissed. Keep the agreement and proof of every payment. Be aware that if more than $600 of a balance is forgiven, you may receive a 1099-C and the forgiven amount could be treated as taxable income; consider asking a tax professional. Finally, know the impostor red flags -- demands for gift cards, wires, or "pay today or you'll be arrested" are how scams operate, not a real firm.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Your rights and timelines vary by state; consider consulting a qualified attorney, a nonprofit credit counselor, or legal aid.