AG Campbell announced that she has secured a court order blocking former Franklin-based debt buying company Assessment Resolution, LLC, Franklin-based “phantom” debt collector East Coast Financial, and the companies’ respective owners and operators, brothers Paul and Richard Santorsola, from engaging in a debt collection scam to extract money from Massachusetts consumers. In its order, the Court requires the Defendants to immediately halt all debt collection activities and prohibits them from destroying or tampering with any evidence and from dissipating their assets.  

“Phantom debt collectors who prey upon the fears and financial vulnerabilities of Massachusetts residents have no place within our Commonwealth, and my office will not tolerate this kind of harassment and calculated deception. This order will prevent further harm to Massachusetts residents as my office continues to hold these companies and individuals accountable and seek relief for the victims of their scheme.” -AG Campbell