Avon Debt Collector Barred from Operating in Massachusetts

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office reached a settlement banning Avon-based Judgement Acquisitions Unlimited, Champion Funding, and owner Andrew Metcalf from engaging in debt collection in the state, providing about $52 million in relief to over 6,000 consumers. This agreement addresses allegations of unfair practices, including unlawful vehicle seizures, and imposes strict prohibitions and a suspended penalty to protect Massachusetts residents from aggressive debt collection tactics.

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office announced this week a settlement barring an Avon-based debt collection company and its owner from engaging in debt collection activities in the state. The agreement provides approximately $52 million in relief to over 6,000 consumers and addresses allegations of unfair and deceptive debt collection practices.

The settlement involves Judgement Acquisitions Unlimited, Champion Funding, and their owner, Andrew Metcalf. Under the terms, the companies and Metcalf are prohibited from buying, selling, transferring, assigning, or collecting any debts allegedly owed by Massachusetts consumers. Additionally, they are permanently barred from seeking a debt collector license in Massachusetts and from conducting any debt collection activities inside the state.

According to the Attorney General’s office, Metcalf and his companies owned more than 7,300 debts totaling about $58.9 million, with over 6,400 of those debts held by Massachusetts residents amounting to roughly $52.8 million. The office alleged that the companies used aggressive tactics, including the seizure of vehicles to pressure debtors into payments. In some instances, the vehicles taken were reportedly worth very little and were the sole means for the owners to commute to work, potentially making them exempt from seizure under the law.

The complaint further states that some vehicles seized were owned by individuals other than the debtors, and that the companies continued to demand payment without returning the cars. The Attorney General’s office filed suit against the companies in 2024 and secured two preliminary injunctions that limited their operations in the state prior to reaching the settlement.

As part of the resolution, the defendants face a suspended penalty of $650,000, which could be imposed if they violate the terms of the settlement or if their financial disclosures are found to be untruthful. Metcalf and his companies deny the allegations detailed in the complaint. Representatives for Metcalf did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell emphasized the importance of protecting Massachusetts consumers, stating that rising living costs should not be compounded by aggressive or unlawful debt collection tactics.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.