Guadalupe Credit Union

Allegations that Guadalupe Credit Union engaged in the unauthorized practice of law by filing collection lawsuits in New Mexico without a licensed attorney.

Guadalupe Credit Union agreed to a class action settlement of at least $565,532 to resolve allegations that it filed collection lawsuits in New Mexico magistrate courts without representation by a New Mexico-licensed attorney, which plaintiffs claimed constituted the unauthorized practice of law and violated the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act. Eligible class members, who were sued by Guadalupe Credit Union in a New Mexico magistrate court on or after Oct. 7, 2015, without the credit union being represented by a licensed attorney, may receive a $1,000 cash payment plus a refund of any amount collected after the lawsuit's filing. No claim form is required, but class members can submit address updates online or by mail/email. Name changes for deceased class members also require specific documentation.

• Individuals whom Guadalupe Credit Union filed a collections lawsuit against in a New Mexico magistrate court on or after Oct. 7, 2015.
• Guadalupe Credit Union was not represented by a New Mexico-licensed attorney in the lawsuit.