The Law Offices of Lobeck & Hanson PA Over-billed, threatening, questionable collection practices Sarasota, Florida

I was late on some of my HOA dues - yes a wrong on my part but issues came up - so the HOA sent my dues to collections with Lobeck & Hanson, fair enough in my book. Once I got back on my feet I called the number provided on the collection letters from Lobeck & Hanson to setup payment.

I asked the first lady I talked about what I felt were very high attorney fees & they were also charging a collection fee - note I read over my HOA by-law and they noted that if dues were sent to collections that collection fees may apply, but my main question was regarding the high attorney fees. The attorney fees were almost as much as my late dues + interest. The lady said she wasn't able to reduce the amount but would submit my request for a reduced payoff, and inturn I would pay the outstanding balance + collection fees in full.

I got an email from Mr. Lobeck and it stated all fees were final and I was required to pay or interest and late fees would continue to rack up. We went back and fouth a few times, and mind you I was willing to make the full payment but the attorney fees had be reduced since I konw they were also collecting the 'collection fee', but then Mr. Lobeck stated that any further communications between he and I would result in additional charges to my account. This action does not seem professional or legal to me - it seemed like shady collection practices.  

Since no body in his office has the authority, or so they say, to reduce fees I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Not to mention my HOA board wasn't very helpful either. So I ended up paying the full amount (shame on me) but I have some relief in writing this report & I feel what goes around always comes around.

~may you roast Mr. Lobeck!~