CS-2026-614 - BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. v. LARISSA MAUL

What's This Case About?

Let’s get one thing straight: Bank of America is suing a woman in Oklahoma for $3,167… because she didn’t pay her credit card bill. That’s it. No embezzlement. No diamond heist. No secret offshore accounts. Just a Visa Signature card, a statement that looks like a ransom note written by a finance major, and the cold, unblinking machinery of corporate debt collection grinding its way through the Canadian County court system. Welcome to the wild world of civil litigation, where the stakes are low, the paperwork is high, and the real crime might just be compound interest.

Meet Larissa Maul — a resident of El Reno, Oklahoma, a town best known for tornadoes and being halfway between Oklahoma City and nowhere. She’s not a celebrity. She’s not a con artist. As far as we can tell from the court file, she’s just a regular person who opened a credit card account at some point, probably with the best intentions — maybe to cover an emergency, maybe to buy something nice, maybe just to keep the lights on. The card had a credit limit of $2,500, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t go far these days. But somewhere along the way, the balance crept up, the payments stopped, and the financial dominoes began to fall. The last payment she made? April 23, 2024. After that — crickets. Silence. Radio silence. The kind of silence that makes a credit card company nervous. And when banks get nervous, they don’t send flowers. They send attorneys.

Enter Bank of America, N.A. — not just a bank, but a national banking association, which is the legal way of saying “we are very serious and have a lot of lawyers.” Represented by Nelson and Kennard, LLP — a debt collection law firm that, fun fact, operates out of Colorado but files suits all over the country — the bank is not messing around. Their argument is as simple as it is brutal: Larissa Maul had a contract. She agreed to pay. She didn’t. Therefore, breach of contract. That’s the entire case. No drama. No hidden clauses. Just a credit agreement gone sideways. The account was charged off on December 31, 2024 — meaning the bank officially gave up on getting paid and wrote it off as a loss. But “charged off” doesn’t mean “forgiven.” Oh no. It just means the bank is now coming after her with the full force of the law to collect what it says she owes.

And what does she owe? $3,167.29. Let that number sink in. The original credit line was $2,500. But thanks to interest — specifically, a 27.49% variable APR on purchases — plus who-knows-what in fees over time, that $2,500 snowballed into over three grand. The final statement, dated December 16, 2024, shows a balance of $3,167.29, with $70.73 in interest just for that single billing cycle. That’s right — in 30 days, the bank tacked on more than $70 just for the privilege of owing money. And get this: the statement helpfully warns that if you only make the minimum payment, it’ll take 14 years to pay off the balance, and you’ll end up shelling out over $7,200 in total. That’s not a credit card. That’s a financial horror story disguised as a piece of plastic.

So why are we in court? Because Bank of America wants its money. Not through negotiation. Not through payment plans. Not through a polite phone call. No, they want a judgment — a court order declaring that Larissa Maul legally owes them $3,167.29, plus court costs, sheriff’s fees, and any other random charges that pile up when you drag someone into the legal system. It’s not about the principle. It’s about the precedent. And the profit. Debt collection law firms like Nelson and Kennard don’t work for free — they’re paid by the bank to recover as much as possible, and lawsuits are their weapon of choice. One filing, one signature, one judge’s approval, and boom — wage garnishment, bank levies, or a lien on property could all be on the table. All for a debt that started as a $2,500 line of credit.

Now, is $3,167 a lot of money? Depends on who you ask. To Bank of America, it’s a rounding error — a tiny blip on a balance sheet that measures wealth in trillions. But to an individual in El Reno, Oklahoma? That’s rent. That’s a car payment. That’s a year of groceries. That’s a medical bill. That’s a life-altering sum for someone already in the red. And yet, here we are — not with a negotiation, not with a hardship program, not with a “we’re here to help” customer service rep — but with a lawsuit. A formal, notarized, attorney-signed demand for payment, filed in the District Court of Canadian County like it’s some kind of criminal indictment.

What’s the most absurd part? It’s not the amount. It’s not even the interest rate, though 27.49% should be illegal in a civilized society. It’s the tone. The statement is dripping with faux concern. “You’re a valued customer,” it says. “We haven’t received your payment. Please send it today.” It’s like a breakup text from someone who’s already hired a private investigator. And then there’s the rewards section — “20.78 Total Cash Back Available” — as if Larissa is just one redeemed reward away from financial salvation. “Make the most of your rewards program today!” the statement chirps, while simultaneously threatening legal action. It’s gaslighting with a side of points.

We’re rooting for the little guy — not because Larissa Maul is innocent, but because the system is rigged. Because credit cards are designed to trap people. Because interest compounds faster than common sense. Because a company that made $20 billion last year is suing an individual for three grand and pretending it’s justice. This isn’t a breach of contract. This is the inevitable result of a financial ecosystem that profits from failure. And while we’re not saying anyone should skip out on their debts, we are saying that maybe — just maybe — a bank that big shouldn’t need a court order to collect a debt this small. But hey, that’s capitalism. And that’s why we’re here, covering a lawsuit over a credit card bill like it’s the O.J. Simpson trial. Welcome to CrazyCivilCourt. Where the stakes are petty, the interest is high, and the real victim is dignity.

Case Overview

Petition

Jurisdiction

District Court of Canadian County, Oklahoma

Filing Attorney

Ashton Dewayne Sears

Nelson and Kennard, LLP

Relief Sought

$3,167 Monetary

Plaintiffs

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. business
Rep: Nelson and Kennard, LLP

Defendants

LARISSA MAUL individual

Claims

#	Cause of Action	Description
1	breach of contract	failure to make required monthly payments on credit account

Petition Text

2,354 words

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF CANADIAN COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. LARISSA MAUL Defendant(s). Case No. PETITION COMES NOW the Plaintiff, by and through counsel, Nelson and Kennard, LLP, and herewith alleges the following and seeks redress as hereafter delineated. 1. Plaintiff is a national banking association, which transacts business within the State of Oklahoma. 2. Venue is proper in this County, as the Defendant(s) reside(s) in this County at the commencement of this action. 3. The last four (4) digits of the Defendant’s account number, used by the current creditor as of the date of default are XXXXXXXXXXXXXX6497. 4. Plaintiff’s claim arises when the Defendant(s) opened a credit account and failed to make the required monthly payments as agreed. The credit account charged off for non-payment on 12/31/24, the balance due at time of default was $3,167.29. A true and accurate copy of the last periodic statement provided to the Defendant(s) prior to charge-off is attached hereto as Exhibit 1. 5. The Defendant(s) breached the Contract by failing to make the required periodic payments. 6. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendant(s) default, the total amount of debt claimed is $3,167.29. 7. The date of the last payment made by the Defendant(s) is April 23, 2024. 8. Plaintiff seeks court costs, and for such further relief as the Court may deem proper in the premises. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. prays for judgment against the Defendant(s), LARISSA MAUL in the amount of $3,167.29, plus all costs herein expended, including but not limited to, court costs, sheriff’s fees, and special process server fees; and for such other and further relief as the Court may deem proper in the premises. Dated this January 27, 2026 Nelson and Kennard, LLP By: [signature] Ashton Dewayne Sears, OBA # 35737 12596 W. Bayaud Ave., Ste. 120 Lakewood, CO 80228 Phone: 866-920-2295 [email protected] Attorney for the Plaintiff EXHIBIT 1 BANK OF AMERICA P.O. BOX 15284 WILMINGTON, DE 19850 LARISSA MAUL 505 SW 23RD ST EL RENO OK 73036-5855 Customer Service Information: www.bankofamerica.com 1-800-421-2110 Mail billing inquiries to: Bank of America P.O. Box 672050 Dallas TX 75267-2050 Mail payment to: Bank of America P.O. Box 851001 Dallas TX 75285-1001 Account Summary/Payment Information Previous Balance $3,096.56 Payments and Other Credits $0.00 Purchases and Adjustments $0.00 Fees Charged $0.00 Interest Charged $70.73 New Balance Total $3,167.29 Total Credit Line $2,500.00 Total Credit Available $0.00 Cash Credit Line $200.00 Portion of Credit Available for Cash $0.00 Statement Closing Date 12/16/2024 Days in Billing Cycle 30 New Balance Total $3,167.29 Current Payment Due $101.00 Past Due Amount $859.00 Total Minimum Payment Due $960.00 Payment Due Date 01/13/2025 Visa Signature® Account# 6497 November 17 - December 16, 2024 Late Payment Warning: If we do not receive your Total Minimum Payment by the date listed above, you may have to pay a late fee of up to $38.00 and your APRs may be increased up to the Penalty APR of 29.99%. Total Minimum Payment Warning: If you make only the Total Minimum Payment each period, you will pay more in interest and it will take you longer to pay off your balance. For example: <table> <tr> <th>Payment Method</th> <th>Years to Pay Off</th> <th>Total Estimated Payment</th> <th>Total Estimated Interest</th> <th>Total Estimated Balance</th> </tr> <tr> <td>All Minimum Payments</td> <td>4 years</td> <td>$1,960.00</td> <td>$1,500.00</td> <td>$3,460.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Only the Total Minimum Payment</td> <td>14 years</td> <td>$7,213.00</td> <td>-</td> <td>$3,167.29</td> </tr> </table> If you would like information about credit counseling services, call 866.300.5238. BANK OF AMERICA P.O. BOX 851001 DALLAS TX 75285-1001 LARISSA MAUL 505 SW 23RD ST EL RENO OK 73036-5855 Account Number: 6497 Payment Due Date: 01/13/2025 New Balance Total: $3,167.29 Total Minimum Payment Due: $960.00 Enter payment amount For change of address/phone number, see reverse side. Make your payment online at www.bankofamerica.com or Mail this coupon along with your check payable to: Bank of America IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ACCOUNT PAYING INTEREST - We will not charge interest on Purchases on the next statement if you pay the New Balance Total in full by the Payment Due Date, and you had paid in full by the previous Payment Due Date. We will begin charging Interest on Balance Transfers and Cash Advances on the transaction date. TOTAL INTEREST CHARGE COMPUTATION - Interest Charges accrue and are compounded on a daily basis. To determine the Interest Charges, we multiply each Balance Subject to Interest Rate by its applicable Daily Periodic Rate and that result is multiplied by the number of days in the billing cycle. To determine the total Interest Charge for the billing cycle, we add the Periodic Rate Interest Charges together. A Daily Periodic Rate is calculated by dividing an Annual Percentage Rate by 365. HOW WE ALLOCATE YOUR PAYMENTS - Payments are allocated to posted balances. If your account has balances with different APRs, we will allocate the amount of your payment equal to the Total Minimum Payment Due to the lowest APR balances first (including transactions made after this statement). Payment amounts in excess of your Total Minimum Payment Due will be applied to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PAYMENTS BY PHONE - When using the optional Pay-by-Phone service, you authorize us to initiate an electronic payment from your account at the financial institution you designate. You must authorize the amount and timing of each payment. For your protection, we will ask for security information. To cancel, call us before the scheduled payment date. Same-day payments cannot be edited or canceled. YOUR CREDIT LINES - The Total Credit Line is the amount of credit available for the account; however, only a portion of that is available for Bank Cash Advances. The Cash Credit Line Is that amount you have available for Bank Cash Advances. Generally, Bank Cash Advances consist of ATM Cash Advances, Over-the Counter (OTC) Cash Advances, Same-Day Online Cash Advances, Overdraft Protection Cash Advances, Cash Equivalents, and applicable transaction fees. MISCELLANEOUS - Promotional Rate End Date: This date is based on a future statement closing date. If you change your payment due date, this date could change. The New Balance Total which appears on this statement is not a payoff amount and may be subject to additional interest charges when you pay in full after your statement closing date. Virtual cards are the digital form of your eligible physical credit cards stored within a digital wallet. © 2024 Bank of America Corporation CALCULATION OF BALANCES SUBJECT TO INTEREST RATE Average Daily Balance Method (including new Purchases): We calculate separate Balances Subject to an Interest Rate for Purchases and for each Introductory or Promotional Offer balance consisting of Purchases. We do this by: (1) calculating a daily balance for each day in the billing cycle; (2) adding all the daily balances together; and (3) dividing the sum of the daily balances by the number of days in the billing cycle. To calculate the daily balance for each day in this statement’s billing cycle, we: (1) take the beginning balance; (2) add an amount equal to the applicable Daily Periodic Rate multiplied by the previous day’s daily balance; (3) add new Purchases, new Account Fees, and new Transaction Fees; and (4) subtract applicable payments and credits. If any daily balance is less than zero we treat it as zero. Average Balance Method (including new Balance Transfers and new Cash Advances): We calculate separate Balances Subject to an Interest Rate for Balance Transfers, Cash Advances, and for each Introductory or Promotional Offer balance consisting of Balance Transfers or Cash Advances. We do this by: (1) calculating a daily balance for each day in this statement’s billing cycle; (2) calculating a daily balance for each day prior to this statement’s billing cycle that had a “Pre-Cycle balance” - a Pre-Cycle balance is a Balance Transfer or a Cash Advance with a transaction date prior to this statement’s billing cycle but with a posting date within this statement’s billing cycle; (3) adding all the daily balances together; and (4) dividing the sum of the daily balances by the number of days in this statement’s billing cycle. To calculate the daily balance for each day in this statement’s billing cycle, we: (1) take the beginning balance; (2) add an amount equal to the applicable Daily Periodic Rate multiplied by the previous day’s daily balance; (3) add new Balance Transfers, new Cash Advances and Transaction Fees; and (4) subtract applicable payments and credits. If any daily balance is less than zero we treat it as zero. To calculate a daily balance for each day prior to this statement’s billing cycle that had a Pre-Cycle balance: (1) we take the beginning balance attributable solely to Pre-Cycle balance (which will be zero on the transaction date of the first Pre-Cycle balance); (2) add an amount equal to the applicable Daily Periodic Rate multiplied by the previous day’s daily balance; (3) and add only the applicable Pre-Cycle balances and their related Transaction Fees. We exclude from this calculation all transactions posted in previous billing cycles. For the complete terms and conditions of your account, consult your Credit Card Agreement. This account is issued and administered by Bank of America. Bank of America is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. PAYMENTS - We credit mailed payments as of the date received. If the payment is: (1) received by 5 p.m. local time at the address shown on the remittance portion of your monthly statement; (2) paid with a check drawn in U.S. dollars on a U.S. financial Institution or a U.S. dollar money order; and (3) sent in the return envelope with only the remittance portion of your statement accompanying it. Payments received by mail after 5 p.m. local time at the remittance address on any day including the Payment Due Date, but that otherwise meet the above requirements, will be credited as of the next day. Payments made online or by phone will be credited as of the date of receipt if made by 11:59 p.m. ET. Credit for any other payments may be delayed up to five days. Cash payments made with our tellers will only be accepted with a valid identification (ID). No payment shall operate as an accord and satisfaction without the prior written approval of one of our Senior Officers. We process most payment checks electronically by using the information found on your check. Each check authorizes us to create a one-time electronic funds transfer (or process it as a check or paper draft). Funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment. Checks are not returned to you. If you have authorized us to pay your bill automatically from your savings or checking account with us, you can stop the payment on any amount you think is wrong. To stop payment, your letter must reach us at least three business days before the automatic payment is scheduled to occur. Change of Address/Phone number: Online at www.bankofamerica.com Please do not add any written communication in this space Transactions <table> <tr> <th>Transaction Date</th> <th>Posting Date</th> <th>Description</th> <th>Reference Number</th> <th>Account Number</th> <th>Amount</th> <th>Total</th> </tr> <tr> <td>12/16</td> <td>12/16</td> <td>Interest Charged<br>INTEREST CHARGED ON PURCHASES</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>70.73</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>12/16</td> <td>12/16</td> <td>INTEREST CHARGED ON BALANCE TRANSFERS</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>0.00</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>12/16</td> <td>12/16</td> <td>INTEREST CHARGED ON DIR DEP&CHK CASHADV</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>0.00</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>12/16</td> <td>12/16</td> <td>INTEREST CHARGED ON BANK CASH ADVANCES</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>0.00</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="6"><b>TOTAL INTEREST CHARGED FOR THIS PERIOD</b></td> <td>$70.73</td> </tr> </table> <table> <tr> <td>Total fees charged in 2024</td> <td>$380.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total interest charged in 2024</td> <td>$760.95</td> </tr> </table> Interest Charge Calculation Your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the annual interest rate on your account. <table> <tr> <th>Type of Balance</th> <th>Annual Percentage Rate</th> <th>Promotional Transaction Type</th> <th>Promotional Offer ID</th> <th>Promotional Rate End Date</th> <th>Balance Subject to Interest Rate</th> <th>Interest Charges by Transaction Type</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Purchases</td> <td>27.49%V</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>$3,130.61</td> <td>$70.73</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Balance Transfers</td> <td>27.49%V</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>$0.00</td> <td>$0.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Direct Deposit and Check Cash Advances</td> <td>29.24%V</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>$0.00</td> <td>$0.00</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bank Cash Advances</td> <td>29.24%V</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>$0.00</td> <td>$0.00</td> </tr> </table> APR Type Definitions Daily Interest Rate Type: V= Variable Rate (rate may vary) Important Messages You're a valued customer and we want you to know that we haven't received your current payment due. Please send your payment due today. If you've already mailed it, thank you. Your statement balance exceeds the Total Credit Line. To ensure uninterrupted use of your account, please make a payment to bring your balance under the Total Credit Line. There is no fee for being over your Total Credit Line. When this statement was created, the account's Credit Line was in a restricted status and not available for use. You can request a copy of this statement in either Braille or Large Print by calling 800.432.1000 or going to bankofamerica.com and enter Visually Impaired Access from the home page. Your Reward Summary | .00 | Base Cash Back Earned | | 20.78 | Total Cash Back Available | Make the most of your rewards program today! How are we doing? Your opinion is important to us. You are invited to join the Bank of America® Advisory Panel and share what you think we are doing right — and what we need to do better. Enter code CACC at bankofamerica.com/AdvisoryPanel to learn more and join. When you use the QRC feature, certain information is collected from your mobile device for business purposes. Inclusion on the Advisory Panel is subject to qualifications.