Is anyone familiar with the current class action lawsuits filed against most of the major banks and credit card companies because of alleged illegal overseas or abroad transactions fees (up to 3% of the transaction value) as well as manipulating the foreign exchange rates to cost the cardholder even more?. We were sent claim forms to complete or do so in the internet... American Express was sued for this several years ago also but is appealing... This refers to debit cards as well!. In addition, does anyone have any info or ideas about the current hearings in the senate and/or house of representatives concerning the outrageous interest rates, fees, and service to their credit card customers?. My question is thus can one use these developments as a defense against a lawsuit from these banks and credit companies or even help out?. I know I wrote a lot here but I tried to include all relevant info... Thanks!

The answer is no. The only defenses against a lawsuit for non-payment of a debt are:

1) The debt is invalid
2) The debt was already paid
3) The lawsuit was initiated after the SOL expired.