A Pennsylvania federal judge has certified a class action against a debt collection firm that allegedly sent out thousands of deposition notices to lure debtors into appearing for settlement talks.

U.S. District Judge Berle Schiller of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled in Barenbaum v. Hayt, Hayt & Landau to certify the class action against Eatontown, New Jersey-based firm Hayt, Hayt & Landau over allegations that the firm’s practices violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The judge’s ruling further granted summary judgment to the plaintiffs on allegations that the firm’s conduct violations the FDCPA’s ban against using false, deceptive or misleading means.