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Answer

Is Malen & Associates legit -- and how do you deal with them?

Yes -- Malen & Associates, P.C. is a legitimate law firm that also operates as a debt collector, not a scam. It represents original creditors and debt buyers pursuing consumer accounts (commonly credit-card and other unsecured balances), primarily in New York, and because it's a law firm it can actually file a lawsuit. That's the key distinction: a letter or call from a law firm is NOT the same as being sued -- but the risk of a lawsuit is real, so you should never ignore them. A law firm collecting debts is still a "debt collector" under the FDCPA, which means you have the same rights: demand written debt validation that names the amount, the original creditor, and who owns the account now. If the debt was sold to a buyer, require proof the owner holds your specific account, with the chain of title -- resold accounts often have thin paperwork, and that's your leverage. Don't admit the debt or agree to pay on a phone call before it's validated, and dispute anything that isn't yours. Check the statute of limitations, because a payment or a written promise can restart the clock. Most important: if you are actually served with a summons and complaint, do NOT ignore it -- file a written answer with the court by the deadline, or the firm can win a default judgment that leads to wage garnishment or a bank levy. If the balance is genuinely yours, validated, and within the statute of limitations, an unsecured account can often be settled in writing -- get any agreement in writing before you pay, and know that a forgiven balance over $600 can trigger a 1099-C.

DW
By Dana Whitfield — Personal finance writer

A letter from a law firm like "Malen & Associates" is scarier than a normal collection notice -- because a law firm can sue. Here's the calm version: Malen is a real, licensed law firm acting as a debt collector, a letter isn't a lawsuit, but you can't ignore them either. Know the difference and protect your deadlines.

Short answer

Yes, Malen & Associates is legit -- a real New York law firm that collects consumer debts for creditors and debt buyers and can file lawsuits. A letter is not a lawsuit, but never ignore a law-firm collector -- and if you're served, file a written answer by the deadline. An accurate unsecured balance can often be settled in writing.

A letter is not a lawsuit -- but don't ignore it

Your rights

Is it a scam?

No -- Malen & Associates is a real, licensed law firm, not a fake front. But impostors do imitate law-firm names to pressure people, so verify in writing, never pay from a phone call or link, and confirm the account before you engage.

If the debt is genuinely yours

Once it's validated and within the statute of limitations, a genuinely-owed unsecured balance can often be settled in writing -- sometimes even after a suit is filed but before judgment. Get any agreement in writing before you pay. If a forgiven balance exceeds $600, you may receive a 1099-C; consider asking a tax professional.

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.

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