You opened your mailbox and found a Summons from “LVNV Funding LLC.” You probably don’t recognize the name. You definitely didn’t open a credit card with them. And now they are suing you.
First: Take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this is not a hopeless situation. LVNV Funding files thousands of lawsuits every month, banking on one simple outcome: that you will be too scared or confused to respond. When you don’t respond, they win by default.
But here is the truth they don’t want you to know: They are often unprepared to prove their case.
If you fight back, you can win. This guide breaks down exactly who LVNV Funding is and the three simple steps to resolve this lawsuit before it ruins your financial future.
[Create your court-ready Answer to LVNV Funding in 15 minutes]
Who Is LVNV Funding?
LVNV Funding LLC is what the industry calls a “junk debt buyer.” They are a legitimate company (accredited by the BBB), but their business model is aggressive.
Here is how it works: You might have had a credit card with Capital One, Chase, or Synchrony Bank (like an Old Navy card). If you fell behind on payments, the original bank eventually gave up on collecting and sold your account to LVNV Funding for pennies on the dollar.
Now, LVNV is suing you for the full amount. They didn’t lend you money; they just bought the right to hassle you for it. Because they buy debts in bulk, their records are often messy, incomplete, or missing entirely. This is your advantage.
Step 1: File an Answer (The Most Critical Step)
The moment you are served with a lawsuit, a clock starts ticking. Depending on your state, you have only 14 to 30 days to file a formal legal response called an “Answer.”
Do not ignore this deadline. If you miss it, the court issues a “Default Judgment.” This gives LVNV the power to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, and put a lien on your property without ever having to prove you actually owe the money.
How to Draft Your Answer
You don’t need a lawyer to file an Answer, but you do need to follow the rules. Here are the core principles of a strong defense:
- Keep It Simple: The Answer is not the place for your life story. You do not need to explain why you fell behind.
- Deny, Deny, Deny: The burden of proof is on them. If you “Admit” to the debt, you lose. By selecting “Deny,” you force LVNV to produce the original contracts and payment history—paperwork they often don’t have.
- Assert Affirmative Defenses: These are legal reasons why you shouldn’t pay, such as the Statute of Limitations (the debt is too old).
Writing a legal document from scratch is risky. One formatting error can get your defense thrown out.
Pro Tip: Use DebtAegis to generate a court-approved Answer tailored to your specific case. We guide you through the questions, format the PDF instantly, and provide filing instructions. Get started here.
Step 2: Force Them to Validate the Debt
If you haven’t been sued yet (or if you just received a collection letter), send a Debt Validation Letter immediately. This forces LVNV to prove:
- They legally own the debt.
- The amount is correct.
- The debt belongs to you.
Often, junk debt buyers will drop the collection simply because validating the debt costs more than the debt is worth. You can mail your request to:
LVNV Funding LLC55 Beattie PlGreenville, SC 29601Phone: (888) 665-0374
Note: If you have already been sued, the “Validation Letter” window may have closed, and you must file an Answer (Step 1) immediately to preserve your rights.
Step 3: Negotiate a Settlement (On Your Terms)
Once you file your Answer, the dynamic shifts. LVNV knows you are fighting back. They know they will have to spend money on lawyers to prove their case in court. This makes them much more willing to settle.
If you know the debt is valid and you just want it gone, you can offer to settle for a lower amount (often 40-60% of the total). You can offer a lump sum or a monthly payment plan.
The Golden Rule of Settlement
Get it in writing. Never send a dime until you have a signed agreement stating that the payment satisfies the debt in full and that the lawsuit will be dismissed. Without this document, they can take your money and continue the lawsuit.
Ready to Fight Back?
A lawsuit feels heavy, but the solution is procedural compliance. You just need to file the right paper at the right time.
Don’t let LVNV Funding win by default. Generate your defense today, file it with the court, and get on with your life.