Press Release: 6/17/2026

AG’s Office Secures Court Order Preventing Phantom Debt Collectors from Engaging in Illegal Debt Collection Scheme

 

Court Order Prevents Defendants from Engaging in Debt Collection Activities, Destroying or Tampering with Evidence, and Dissipating Assets as Lawsuit Continues 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

6/16/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary

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Call Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543

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Email Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at Kennedy.Sims@mass.gov

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today that she has secured a court order blocking former Franklin-based debt buying company Assessment Resolution, LLC (“Assessment”), Franklin-based “phantom” debt collector East Coast Financial (“ECF”), and the companies’ respective owners and operators, brothers Paul and Richard Santorsola, from engaging in a debt collection scam to extract money from Massachusetts consumers. In its order, the Court requires the Defendants to immediately halt all debt collection activities and prohibits them from destroying or tampering with any evidence and from dissipating their assets. 

“Phantom debt collectors who prey upon the fears and financial vulnerabilities of Massachusetts residents have no place within our Commonwealth, and my office will not tolerate this kind of harassment and calculated deception,” said AG Campbell. “This order will prevent further harm to Massachusetts residents as my office continues to hold these companies and individuals accountable and seek relief for the victims of their scheme.”  

The preliminary injunction comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in June 2026, alleging that ECF operates as a “phantom” debt collector, attempting to collect debts via telephone using profane language, false threats, and misrepresentations. The lawsuit alleges that the Santorsola brothers and ECF’s associates used false names and identities, including fake affiliations with a constable’s or law office, to threaten consumers with arrest or property seizure in order to extract money from them. According to the AGO, the Defendants consistently called and harassed unknowing residents, demanding payment for old court judgments. Despite requests from consumers, the Defendants never provided documentation demonstrating that they actually own the debts in question.  

None of the Defendants have licenses to collect debts as required by Massachusetts law, nor do they have the ability to garnish consumers’ wages, seize their property, place liens on their homes, or have them arrested. The AGO alleges that as a result of the Defendants’ scheme, consumers have lost more than $26,000. 

The AGO alleges that the Defendants’ conduct violates the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act and the AGO’s debt collection regulations. AG Campbell continues to seek comprehensive injunctive relief and restitution for the victims of the alleged scheme.  

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Colin Harnsgate and Caroline Glickler and Paralegal Aidan Goldberg, all of the AGO’s Consumer Protection Division, and Senior Investigator Anthony Crespi of the AGO’s Civil Investigations Division.  

Consumers who believe they have been subjected to unfair or deceptive business practices, including by debt collectors, should file a complaint with the AGO.