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Debt Collector Prevails In Lawsuit Tied To 2 Words

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — Is there a difference between the words "of" and "after?" A federal court says no, at least not in a dispute between a Detroit man and a debt collector.

Carl Wallace filed a lawsuit against Diversified Consultants, accusing the company of violating a federal law because of the wording of a debt notice related to a $2,000 phone bill.

Wallace was asked to respond within 30 days "of" receiving a notice. But the law covering debt collections says people have 30 days to respond "after" getting a notice.

So what? Indeed, that's what an appeals court said Wednesday in affirming the dismissal of a class-action lawsuit in Detroit federal court. The court doubts that anyone who got the letter was confused.

Attorney Brian Parker of Bingham Farms was seeking thousands of dollars.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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