Turnbull Law Group, sometimes misspelled as Turnball Law Group, is a debt-focused law firm known for contacting consumers about unpaid debts, settlement offers, or pending legal action. If you’ve been getting calls from Turnbull Law Group, you’re not alone. Many people aren’t sure whether these calls are legitimate or how to respond. In this article, we’ll break down exactly who they are, why they might be contacting you, and what you can do to protect your finances and credit.
Getting phone calls from unknown law firms can be stressful, especially when you're not sure what they want or whether they're legitimate. If you've been receiving calls from Turnbull Law Group, you're not alone. Many consumers find themselves wondering who this company is and why they're reaching out.
As someone who's spent over a decade in the credit repair industry, I've seen countless clients deal with calls from debt-related law firms. Understanding who's calling and why can help you make informed decisions about your financial situation.
Let me break down everything you need to know about Turnbull Law Group.
What Is Turnbull Law Group (Turnball Law Group)?
Turnbull Law Group, just like Moore Law Group is a law firm that can help you fight creditors in court and negotiate a debt settlement. While they primarily market themselves as a debt relief service helping consumers defend against creditors, many people receive calls from them regarding debt collection matters.
The firm operates as a law firm specializing in debt-related legal services, with their main office located at 1431 Opus Place, Suite 110, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Christopher Turnbull serves as the owner, and they have additional locations in South Carolina and New Jersey.
Turnbull Law Core Services Offered
Turnbull Law Group provides several debt-related services like:
Debt Collection Services: Turnbull Law Group also works as a collection law firm on behalf of creditors and debt buyers. When original creditors or third-party debt buyers hire them, they contact consumers to collect outstanding debts, negotiate payment arrangements, and pursue legal action when necessary. This is often why people receive calls from them about old debts.
Debt Negotiation and Settlement: Their debt negotiation program allows consumers to work their way out of debt by negotiating lower balances with creditors. Initially, clients meet with an attorney to explain their financial situation. If they enroll in the program, they make monthly payments toward debt settlement, which Turnbull Law Group places in a special account. As the balance accumulates, they negotiate a settlement with each creditor. Most programs last between two and four years.
Legal Representation: Unlike many debt settlement companies, a licensed attorney oversees the debt settlement program and provides attorney representation if a creditor decides to sue the consumer for their obligation.
Bankruptcy Representation: When debt settlement isn't viable, they can help clients file for bankruptcy protection.
FDCPA Violation Claims: They assist clients in filing claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act when dealing with abusive or unfair debt collection practices.
So they offer a variety of services, but in this content, we will focus on debt collection, as many consumers get harassed or confused by collection agencies and are unsure of their rights.
Is Turnbull Law Group Legit?
This is probably the first question on your mind if they've been calling you. Based on available data and customer feedback, Turnbull Law Group appears to be a legitimate law firm, but there are some important considerations.
The Good News: Turnbull Law Group Reviews
Turnbull Law Group has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, with over 1,079 customer reviews. Many clients praise their professionalism and effectiveness in reducing debt burdens.
The firm is registered with appropriate legal authorities and employs licensed attorneys. They're listed with the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission in Illinois, which adds credibility to their operations.
Areas of Concern: Turnbull Law Group Complaints
However, several red flags and concerns have emerged about their business practices:
BBB Alert and Investigation: Based on a solosuit content, the Better Business Bureau placed an alert on the company after performing an investigation into the business in November 2020. According to the BBB, consumers allege that they made payments for debt settlement, but the business didn't apply them to their obligations. Others complained that they didn't receive legal representation from Turnbull after receiving a court summons for debt.
Lack of Transparency: When the BBB asked Turnbull Law Group for supporting information, such as fee disclosures and written agreements, it wasn’t provided. As a result, the BBB states they can't offer confidence in the company's business practices.
Continued Billing Issues: Multiple customers complained about billing problems, including one where Turnbull Law Group continued to debit the customer's bank account even after they canceled their program, leaving the customer with overdraft fees and missed bill payments. Another customer completed the debt negotiation program and paid off all their debts, but Turnbull continued to debit their account for weeks after graduation.
Auto-Dialer Practices: The company's homepage features a consent form that stipulates your submission authorizes Turnbull Law Group to call you using auto-dialers and automated texts, even if you're registered on a Do Not Call list.
Limited Attorney Information: The website doesn't provide details about Christopher Turnbull's legal education, practice, or case results, which is unusual for legitimate law firms.
The Illinois office is not BBB accredited, though their South Carolina office has maintained BBB accreditation since 2019.
Why Is Turnbull Law Group Calling Me About Debt Collection?
There are several reasons why Turnbull Law Group might be reaching out to you regarding debt collection matters:
Scenario 1: They're Working on Behalf of a Creditor
In some cases, Turnbull Law Group may be contacting you because they've been hired by a creditor or debt buyer to collect on a debt. This means they're acting as a collection law firm rather than offering you debt relief services.
Real Example: Jennifer received a call from Turnbull Law Group about a $3,200 credit card debt from Capital One that had been charged off two years ago. The firm was contacting her on behalf of a debt buyer who had purchased the debt, demanding payment and threatening legal action if she didn't respond within 30 days.
Scenario 2: Pre-Legal Collection Efforts
Before filing a lawsuit, many creditors have law firms like Turnbull Law Group make contact to see if the debt can be resolved without going to court. These calls often include demands for immediate payment or settlement offers.
Real Example: Mark got repeated calls from Turnbull Law Group about a $5,800 medical debt. They offered to settle for $3,500 if he could pay immediately, warning that if he didn't accept the offer, they would recommend their client file a lawsuit against him.
Scenario 3: Marketing for Debt Relief Services
Sometimes Turnbull Law Group calls people who haven't directly contacted them but may benefit from debt relief services. Like many legal and financial services companies, they purchase leads from various sources.
Scenario 4: Following Up on Debt Collection Inquiries
If you've previously inquired about their services, received legal notices, or had any interaction with debt-related legal matters, they might be following up to offer their collection defense services.
How to Handle Debt Collection Calls from Turnbull Law Group
If Turnbull Law Group is calling you, here's what you should do:
Step 1: Verify the Caller if its really from Turnball Law Group
Ask for the caller's full name, title, and direct callback number. Legitimate companies will provide this information without hesitation. You can verify their contact information against their official website.
Step 2: Understand Why They're Calling
Don't be afraid to ask direct questions:
- "How did you get my information?"
- "What specific services are you offering?"
- "What are your fees?"
- "Are you calling because I inquired about something specific?"
Step 3: Don't Make Immediate Decisions
Legitimate debt relief companies shouldn't pressure you into immediate decisions. Take time to research their services, read reviews, and compare options.
Step 4: Get Everything in Writing
If you're interested in their services, request all information in writing before making any commitments. This includes fee structures, service descriptions, and expected timelines.
Protecting Your Credit Score Against Collections
If Turnbull Law Group or any collection agency is pursuing you for debt, protecting your credit score should be a top priority. As a credit repair professional, I've helped countless clients minimize collection damage and rebuild their credit. Here's what you need to know:
Understanding Turnball Law Group Collection Impact on Credit
When a debt goes to collections, it can drop your credit score by 50-100 points or more. The impact depends on several factors:
- Your current credit score (higher scores see bigger drops)
- The amount of the collection
- How recent the collection is
- Your overall credit profile
Collections can stay on your credit report for up to seven years from the original delinquency date, even if you pay them off.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Credit
Request Debt Validation: Within 30 days of first contact from Turnbull Law Group, send a debt validation letter requesting proof that you owe the debt. This stops collection activities until they provide verification.
Check Your Credit Reports: Pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to see if the collection has already been reported. Look for inaccuracies in dates, amounts, or account information.
Don't Ignore Court Documents: If you receive a summons or court papers, respond within the required timeframe. Default judgments can lead to wage garnishment and are much harder to remove from your credit report.
Negotiation Strategies That Protect Your Credit
Pay-for-Delete Agreements: Before paying any collection, negotiate a "pay-for-delete" agreement in writing. This means the collector agrees to remove the negative item from your credit reports after payment.
Settlement Considerations: If you settle for less than the full amount, ensure the account will be marked as "paid" rather than "settled for less than full balance," which is slightly better for your credit score.
Payment Plan Impact: Setting up payment plans with collectors won't immediately improve your credit score, but it prevents the situation from getting worse.
What to Avoid
Don't make small payments just to "show good faith" - this can reset the statute of limitations on the debt and hurt your negotiating position. Avoid acknowledging the debt is yours until you've verified it's legitimate and accurate.
Final Thoughts About Turnbull Law Group
Getting calls from Turnbull Law Group doesn't necessarily mean you're in legal trouble or that you must use their services. They're primarily a marketing-driven business looking for clients who need debt relief help.
As someone who's helped hundreds of people navigate debt challenges, my advice is simple: take your time, understand all your options, and don't let anyone pressure you into quick decisions about your financial future. Whether you work with Turnbull Law Group or choose another path, make sure it's the right decision for your specific situation.
If you're struggling with debt, remember that you have options and rights. Don't let stress cloud your judgment, and don't be afraid to ask questions until you fully understand any service you're considering.