STROUDSBURG, PA – Debt settlement company Beyond Finance has filed preliminary objections to Monroe County District Attorney Michael Mancuso’s amended consumer fraud complaint, setting the stage for a legal battle that will head to a jury in January 2027.

The company submitted its objections November 20, 2025, challenging the DA’s allegations that Beyond Finance used deceptive sales tactics and hidden fees to exploit financially distressed Pennsylvanians. The court issued an order the following day setting consideration of the objections.

Judge David J. Williamson has placed the case on a standard litigation track, with jury selection scheduled for January 19, 2027.

Upcoming Court Date:

• January 19, 2027, 8:30 a.m. – Jury Selection

Beyond Finance’s Defense

Beyond Finance, represented by attorney Travis N. Gery of K&L Gates LLP, argues the complaint should be dismissed because it rests on the grievance of only one Monroe County resident.

The company contends the remaining consumer complaints cited in the filing come from non-Pennsylvania residents in Michigan, Utah, Florida, Oklahoma, and California—experiences that are “beyond the reach of, not subject to, irrelevant and immaterial to” Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and Debt Settlement Services Act.

Beyond Finance further argues the complaint improperly references federal FTC regulations and a 2010 Telemarketing Sales Rule business guide that have “no bearing” on claims brought under Pennsylvania state law.

The company also asserts the DA failed to allege—as required by statute—that the lawsuit is “in the public interest,” pointing to 13,380 reviews on Trustpilot.com averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars as evidence that the action does not serve the public interest.

Beyond Finance asks the court to strike 17 paragraphs from the complaint for “scandalous and impertinent matter” and dismiss the case entirely for “insufficient specificity.”

The Legal Battle So Far

This marks Beyond Finance’s second round of preliminary objections.

The company first challenged the original complaint filed in June 2025, prompting the Commonwealth to seek leave to amend. The court granted that motion October 16, and the DA’s office filed an amended complaint November 1.

Beyond Finance responded with fresh objections less than three weeks later.

The Houston-based company is one of the largest debt settlement firms in the nation, with reported annual revenues exceeding $700 million.

What the DA Alleges

Special Assistant District Attorney Patrick J. Best filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Commonwealth, alleging Beyond Finance violates Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Debt Settlement Services Act.

The amended complaint accuses Beyond Finance of four categories of deception: obscuring its 25% fee during sales calls and “front-loading” charges so consumers pay the company before their debts; inflating savings projections by comparing settlements to theoretical decades of minimum payments; providing vague timelines despite having specific data on creditor negotiations; and steering consumers toward debt settlement without discussing alternatives like bankruptcy.

The Monroe County Consumer

Central to the case is a Monroe County woman who enrolled with $28,510 in debt after Beyond Finance projected savings of $15,186.20.

According to the complaint, within six months Beyond Finance collected $5,602 in fees while paying only $805.96 toward her actual debt. The company ultimately settled her accounts for $21,461.64—well above its $17,818.75 estimate. Combined with $8,275.05 in program fees, she paid $29,736.69 total—$1,226.69 more than her original debt.

The complaint states she was never told creditors might sue her and was not presented with alternatives. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy could have eliminated her debt in four months for under $2,000.

What’s at Stake

The DA’s office seeks a permanent injunction, full restitution for Pennsylvania consumers, and civil penalties of $1,000 per violation—$3,000 for victims age 60 and older.

The case remains active as the court considers Beyond Finance’s latest objections.

Case Number: 003919-CV-2025

Court: Monroe County Court of Common Pleas

Judge: Hon. David J. Williamson

Plaintiff: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Monroe County District Attorney Michael Mancuso

Defendants: Beyond Finance, LLC, successor-by-merger of Beyond Finance, Inc.; John Does 1-10

Plaintiff’s Counsel: Patrick J. Best, Esq., Special Assistant District Attorney

Defense Counsel: Travis N. Gery, Esq., K&L Gates LLP

Case Status: Active – Preliminary Objections Pending

Jury Selection: January 19, 2027

Civil litigation involves allegations not yet proven in court. All parties are entitled to present their case.