The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information. The FCRA imposes restrictions on the type of information that can be included in a credit report to protect…
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Securing a personal loan with bad credit can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. While traditional lenders may be less willing to extend credit to individuals with a history of poor credit, alternative options exist for those in need of…
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Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in assessing and compiling individuals’ creditworthiness, providing lenders with information to make informed decisions. These agencies collect a variety of data to create comprehensive credit reports. The information obtained by credit reporting agencies…
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Reading a credit report is a crucial skill for maintaining financial health and making informed decisions about your creditworthiness. A credit report provides a comprehensive overview of your credit history, including accounts, payment history, and other relevant financial information. Understanding…
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Building your credit is a gradual process that involves demonstrating responsible financial behavior over time. A good credit score is essential for securing favorable interest rates on loans, credit cards, and other financial products. Here are some steps to help…
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Today, qualifying for financing, favorable insurance rates, rental housing, and more is important to many people and households. Your credit score is something that lenders and landlords use to determine your creditworthiness, and they will not hesitate to decline applications…
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Creditors and other large corporations have significant power over consumers, especially when it comes to credit reporting. Companies can report information, and the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) will generally add these details to your report without…
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A credit card reporting due date is at least 30 days after the last payment. Unfortunately, some creditors or lenders don’t disclose late payments until they’re 60 days past the due date. This is why it’s imperative to check…
If you’re worried about your current collection of credit cards, you’re not alone. The average American cardholder has four credit cards, says Experian. Nowadays, banks, credit unions, and even grocery stores are handing out credit cards like Halloween candy….
Consumer protection laws are in place to help with issues that may arise when purchasing goods and services. In some cases, you may feel that the business has taken advantage of you, or you may need help if something…
When you’re the victim of identity theft, it can be a traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the stress of having your personal information stolen and used against you, but it can also take a…
When you owe money to a credit card company, utility company, bank, or any other creditor, you could be sued in civil court and have that judgment entered on your credit report. Obviously, having a civil judgment on your…
The numerous variables of your credit report can be intimidating, especially if you are simply trying to improve your rating. It can be difficult to contend with all of the sometimes conflicting information as well as keeping track of…
If you’re wondering what laws might apply to independent contractors in the state of Florida, you’re not alone. Some of these statutes and laws are written in ways that establish a gray area, creating confusion for human resources and alternate…
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Medical issues, whether they happen to you or someone in your family, can have an extremely negative impact on your everyday life. Not only will you have to focus on healing and getting back to normalcy at work and…
Dealing with creditors is difficult enough on its own, but when reporting errors show up on your credit report and hurt your credit rating, it can be very demoralizing. If this has happened to you, you know first hand…
Having incorrect information on your credit report may easily damage your credit score, but you’re not alone. If you’re worried about the adverse effects of false information related to your student loans on your credit report, you may be…
When you are a job applicant, it is essential to have a perfect resume, cover letter, and interview. What you may not know is that polishing your credit is also a vital part of the application process. The Professional…
A consumer’s financial future is greatly affected by what is in their credit report. Keeping close tabs on the rise and fall of the score may be important for everyone. Your credit report may dictate whether you qualify for…
Job hunting can be stressful and often requires just as much work as a full-time position. You likely have a full plate between revamping your resume, filling out applications, and scheduling interviews. However, it may surprise you that some…
Your credit can significantly impact many aspects of your life, from your ability to rent or buy a home to whether you get hired for the job of your dreams. As much as you may strive for a high…
Errors on your credit report could cause your credit score to be significantly lower than it would usually be. Unfortunately, a lower credit score could impact your ability to get a loan or credit card and could drive your…
Having a good credit score is essential to take care of many of life’s necessities, such as buying or renting a home or purchasing a car. Since your score can impact many areas of your life, credit bureaus are required…
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A collection can be a significant and lasting detriment to your credit report. Having a collection on your credit report will negatively impact your credit score and could remain on your report for up to seven years. Even if…
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) includes a section known as permissible purpose. It establishes the need for written consent or documentation from the consumer before a financial institution can pull the individual’s credit report. This credit report investigation…
Identity theft can happen to anyone and in many ways. Traditional methods still work, and now perpetrators have more avenues to access your private information. For example, public Wi-Fi, social media, cyberattacks, and the other wonders of the internet…
If there are mistakes in your credit report, you have the right to dispute any inaccuracies. Once you challenge the inaccuracies, the credit reporting agency has a duty to delete the information or further investigate the matter before reporting…
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of the information in consumer credit bureau files. The law regulates how credit reporting agencies collect, access, use, and share the data…
By Carolina Bolado A housing advocacy group hit a Florida apartment complex with a lawsuit Tuesday claiming its blanket ban on tenants with any prior felony convictions discriminates against applicants of color and violates the Fair Housing Act. ![Housing discrimination…
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The National Do Not Call Registry was created to stop unwanted sales calls and it’s free to register your home phone or cell phone. However, many of us continue to endure unwanted telephone calls and text messages from bizarre telemarketers…
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Credit reporting agencies are legally required to gather and report consumer information with the utmost accuracy. Combined, the three largest credit reporting agencies – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax – keep files on hundreds of millions of Americans and issue billions…
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Whether it’s managing debt or being able to keep your finances in order, having an organized budget is essential. One of the best ways to improve your budgeting is to eliminate expenses that are no longer necessary. By focusing on…
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For Americans, dealing with debt is an all too familiar dilemma. Whether it’s student loans, personal loans, or credit cards, debt comes in many forms. With the majority of all three living American generations buried under mountains of debt, having…
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Robocalls are a familiar story for consumers with debt. Even without debt, robocalls can be pervasive and frustrating. Incessant calls, instant hang-ups, and a number of other issues are presented whenever these kinds of calls occur. It’s no surprise that…
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Whether it’s student loans, credit cards, or that payday loan you still owe money on, debt collectors don’t discriminate. If you’re overdue on a payment, debt collectors will call endlessly on behalf of their clients to money owed. Despite their…
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One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of a credit report is the moment between clicking “review” and waiting for when the report is generated. Whether you have good or bad credit, a credit report can always overwhelming, especially when it…
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Bloomingdales is one of America’s largest retail chains, raking in billions in profits worldwide and domestically. By all accounts, Bloomingdales is doing well in the retail space, but it may have overstepped its boundaries. To avoid a lengthy court battle,…
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Debt is a familiar problem for most Americans. Among the three eldest living generations, the Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, and Millennials, all three groups are vastly indebted as a whole. From credit cards to mortgages to student loans, most Americans…
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The inevitable burden that student loans can put on college students’ mind, as well as their credit rating, is seen as a necessary evil; it is part of the protocol that involves acquiring a collegiate degree. When it comes to…
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Most people would never think that their three by three-inch credit card could one day make them the target of a lawsuit by a multi-billion-dollar corporation, but it can happen. More often than not, credit card companies looking to get…
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Most people have a cursory familiarity with the concept of the statute of limitations. Essentially, the statute of limitations states sets an expiration date for when someone can be tried for a crime. Failure to initiate prosecution by the time…
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A $28 million settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit against security services company Alarm.com offers an important warning to marketing companies that regularly contact consumers. This settlement is a result of allegations brought against the company for violating the…
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With the expansion of massive courier companies and straight-to-your-door delivery services, text message notifications are often seen as a matter of convenience for most consumers. Now, recent interpretations of these text messages in relation to the [Telephone Consumer Protection Act…
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Western Union, the renowned named in global money transfers, will be transferring money from its very own coffers to cover a nearly $8.5 million Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) settlement. The settlement comes after the plaintiff, Jason Douglas, [originally filed…
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In a victory for victims of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Education Financial Solutions will have to pay out over $1.1 million in a settlement that alleges the firm used autodialers to contact consumers without their consent. Using the…
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A couple’s “he said, she said” issue could redefine future case law as it relates to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). A judge in Northern Ohio made an interesting decision– while agreeing that a customer, William Hodge, originally consented…
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An Illinois federal court held a corporate officer liable for millions of dollars in damages under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This case exemplifies the personal liability corporate executives face when violating the TCPA. ## Physicians Healthsource, Inc. vs….
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The recent midterm election season was an intense time for numerous campaign ads on television, the radio, and your phone. This cycle was so heated that many political campaigns took action to encourage favorable votes that they recorded robocalls to…
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The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that limits the actions and practices of third-party debt collectors who collect debts on behalf of companies or people. Debt collectors have several rules they must follow per the…
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On October 1, 2018, annual fees for access to the numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry will increase. Access to registered numbers in a single area code will go up to $63 per year while access to area…
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Unwanted phone calls and text messages are the top complaints reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by consumers. According to the FCC, they received over 215,000 complaints under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in 2014. The TCPA protects…
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Are you afraid of what a debt collectors might tell you? It’s understandable to be apprehensive when one of them calls, but don’t give into their pressure tactics. Their job is to get you to pay an overdue debt. While…
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Maybe you bought a phone that gave you trouble or a car that didn’t drive well. You’re considering filing a lawsuit against the seller, manufacturer, or other related party. If a large number of people are having the same trouble…
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A Florida resident has sued a travel company that arranges trips to Cuba after receiving repeated text messages on his phone without his consent. Cubamax Travel, Inc., is accused of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by sending unsolicited…
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For the second time, local MLB team the Tampa Bay Rays is facing a lawsuit for sending unsolicited text messages. The team is being sued under the Telephone Protection Consumer Act (TCPA), which protects consumers from unwanted phone calls, text…
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More than 600,000 Florida residents who received unwanted text offers from weight loss company Jenny Craig will partake in a $3 million class action settlement. Lead plaintiff Zoey Bloom began receiving a number of unwanted text messages from Jenny Craig…
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If you find yourself mired in the world of debt collection, you are likely to hear a lot of comments by people who may or may not know what they’re talking about. If you go online and do a search,…
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You’ve probably answered a call at least once with a phone number that looked local–probably very close to your own–only to be greeted with a recorded message for any number of unwanted products or services. You’ve answered the next-gen version…
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What do you do if you get a call from a debt collector for a debt you don’t remember, still can’t pay, or one that you paid off long ago? Check the date on it. If the debt is over…
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After years of telling taxpayers that they would never call about an overdue tax return or tax bill, things have changed. Now, you could actually get a call from a collection agency for an outstanding tax debt. The IRS has…
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People are living longer after retirement, meaning that you might find yourself talking to a collection agency as a senior citizen. Maybe you forgot to pay a bill. Maybe you had a month when your expenses outpaced your income and…
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a consumer protection expo “aimed at furthering the fight against illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing.” The expo showcased two events: a joint policy forum and an event…
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If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you are likely familiar with how much your life can change. Identity thieves can take your financial information, purchase expensive items in your name, and leave you to deal with the consequences….
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It’s no secret that debt collection agencies use a variety of tactics to contact debtors regarding money that they owe. If you have found yourself in debt you are likely accustomed to repeated phone calls to your home or work,…
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The Second Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals recently defined what “capacity” means in regards to automatic telephone dialing systems (ATDS) under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The court now says that “capacity” is restricted to a device’s…
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against two entities involved in a phantom debt scam. The lawsuit includes debt sellers, debt brokers, buyers, and sellers from Hylan Asset Management and Worldwide…
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Debt collectors are authoritative and intimidating. When they contact you regarding debt, it’s easy to feel guilty and ashamed immediately. It’s important to stand up for yourself and remember that you have rights as a consumer. Under the [Federal Debt…
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A debt collection agency’s goal is to get you to repay your debt through whatever means necessary. If you find yourself in debt, you’re probably no stranger to calls from debt collectors insisting you pay overdue bills. Debt collection agencies…
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Unforeseen expenses resulting from an injury or medical condition happen all the time. People who endure these expenses often can’t pay up front, therefore acquiring a significant amount of debt. Unfortunately, it’s easy to accumulate a great deal of medical…
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If you are surrounded by debt, and you’ve started doing some research on debt collection practices, you may hear a variety of acronyms thrown around. In Florida, two of the most important acronyms are the FDCPA and FCCPA. Consumer law…
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Each year millions of Americans fall victim to scams and fraud. As technology evolves, so do scammers, and they work tirelessly to take advantage of you and your loved ones without a second thought. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) releases…
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National loan servicer Navient Solutions, Inc. (formerly Sallie Mae Inc.) agreed to pay $19.7 million after a class action lawsuit for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Navient was charged with making thousands of automated voice calls to the…
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Debt collectors are well-versed in the rules and regulations surrounding debt and repayment. Unfortunately, most Americans are not as knowledgeable about these rules, and debt collectors take advantage of their naiveté. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Americans report debt collectors…
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Debt is a common occurrence in today’s society and causes stress to millions of Americans each year. Dealing with debt collectors is often overwhelming and seems to make everything a bit worse. If you do find yourself in debt, it’s…
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Similar to how law enforcement must read you your rights before an arrest, there are specific protocols third-party debt collectors must follow to ensure you understand the debt-collection process. When a debt collector contacts you by phone or mail, one…
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The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi recently won a lawsuit for a Florida man after a debt collector violated the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The trial was about collection jurisdiction and who can collect a debt in…
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Have you recently started receiving debt collection calls for past due loan or credit card payments? If this is your first interaction with a debt collector, you may have many unanswered questions like “What happens if I ignore debt collection…
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The practice of jailing debtors was outlawed in 1833. Yet and still consumers in 2018 continue to share a pressing inquiry: “Can I go to jail for defaulting on debt payments?” As unfavorable as it may be to default on…
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After months of litigation, Bank of America and FIA Card Service collectively agreed to a $32 million settlement for a class action Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) suit. The two separate entities were the collaborative defendants in the lawsuit which…
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Debt collectors are known for taking drastic measures to recover payment. Whether it be sending multiple text messages to your cell phone or calling relatives, they will do whatever they deem necessary to get you to pay up. However, debt…
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concluded its year-long investigation into Adrian Abramovich with the issuance of a $120 million fine for placing nearly 100 million robocalls. The calls offered vacation packages and timeshares disguised as being from prominent hospitality and…
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A call from a debt collector is rarely a welcoming one. They are likely calling as a result of several missed payments or to update you on the status of your account. These calls aren’t meant to be intrusive or…
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A recent class-action suit accusing Hooters of America, LLC of sending out unwanted text messages ended in a $1.3 million settlement agreement. Michael Etzel, the lead plaintiff, alleged that the unsolicited text messages were a violation of the [Telephone Consumer…
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In this day in age, living without some line of credit is nearly impossible. With credit being a necessity to purchase a home or car and when renting, it is of no surprise why roughly [79% of Americans have at…
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Are you struggling to track down your debt collector? It may sound a bit off kilter, but this is a common issue for debtors. A TransUnion study concluded that Americans possess an average of 2.69 credit cards per person. Combine…
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Nationally-recognized residential and commercial energy provider NRG Residential Solar Solutions agreed to a $7 million settlement in response to a Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action lawsuit. Lead plaintiff Michael Dobkin alleged the company of placing unsolicited calls to…
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The role of marketers is to ensure that their brand remains relevant in the eyes of the consumer. In this day and age, easing your foot off of the figurative marketing pedal can result in a competitor taking over the…
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It has become common knowledge that robocalls are illegal, yet and still, companies continue to place them at an alarming rate. For those unaware, a robocall is call placed using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS). The technology used can…
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The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) has long-served as the protective barrier between consumers and unsolicited calls and texts. The statute protects consumers from calls made using automated telephone dialing systems (ATDS), otherwise known as robocalls. Telemarketers, debt collectors, and…
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Remember the days when spam was a few stray pieces of mail in your mailbox welcoming you to sign up for a credit card or accept a “free” cruise? It has then since evolved to thousands of unread messages in…
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Have you ever received a phone call from someone selling luxury catalog items, digital protection, or worse, chocolate? These are some of the most common telemarketing calls placed on a daily basis to millions of unwilling Americans. When faced with…
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Many Americans would admit that they have become somewhat immune to debt collection calls. With calls occurring at such a high frequency and regarding everything from student loans to mortgage payments, people often forget to stop and figure out if…
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Our phones are sacred devices. More than a hunk of metal jam-packed with technology, cell phones have become intimate devices that people hold dear to their heart. This is understandable as spending almost a $1,000 for a cell phone has…
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Tax season can bring about great optimism as well as angst. After a financially damaging holiday season, many people yearn for their income tax return as they often already have plans for how to spend the money before it ever…
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The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) are statutes enacted to protect consumers from harassment and invasive practices. Having undergone multiple updates since their inception, the types of complaints that consumers report are ever-changing,…
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Living with debt has become a societal norm, but so has dying with debt. A recent study concludes that 73% of Americans will die with some sort of debt tied to their name. The average person leaves behind $61,554 in…
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You understand that you owe money on a particular account, but you just don’t want to be bothered at the moment. You may have other more immediate financial issues to address, or you’re not sure if the debt in question…
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One well-known fact about debt collectors is that they can be relentless. They will often try every method of contacting you about debt, whether that be via email, text, or phone call. Although all such means of contact are legal,…
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Tax season is officially recognized as the period from the beginning of the new year (January 1st) to the last day to file your taxes (April 17th). During this time, hardworking people around the nation are scheduling appointments with their…
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Your credit score is likely something you hold dear to your heart, as you should. It can expose you to exclusive opportunities while simultaneously restricting you to limited, unfavorable options. With services like Credit Karma and myFICO, individuals can get…
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When a loved one dies, many decisions must be made: “When should the funeral take place?” and “Where should the burial site be?” are two of the most common questions presented. One question that rarely surfaces during this time is…
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Debt collection and telemarketing calls have long irritated consumers, so much so that many people regularly ignore calls from unsaved numbers. Receiving calls with individuals requesting debt payment or making sales pitches while you’re getting ready for work or trying…
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As a result of legal pressure from multiple class action lawsuits for Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) violations, Medicredit, Inc. agreed to settle out of court for $5 million. Medicredit is a debt collector accused of making unwanted, pre-recorded calls…
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In the spring of 2017, Real Time Resolutions settled a class action lawsuit for alleged Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) violations for $1.3 million. The suit alleged that they violated the TCPA by placing robocalls or calls using an automated…
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The Federal Trade Commission or FTC is a federal consumer protection agency. They manage the National Do Not Call Registry (DNC) and release a biennial report to Congress on its progress. The report is “a summary of the current operations…
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If you are like the majority of Americans in 2018, an overwhelming amount of your shopping has gone digital. Whether you’re searching for a last minute birthday gift or ready to upgrade your car, there is a great chance that…
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When was the last time you’ve written a check to send to a creditor for debt payment? If you can’t recall ever doing so, you’re like a vast majority of debtors in America today. Debt payments have almost gone exclusively…
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All consumers who received telemarketing calls from Birch Communications on or after Oct. 27, 2011, may be eligible for a potential award of up to $200 per person. The ruling came on Oct. 13, 2017, and came as a result…
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Imagine this: You lose your wallet, spend days searching for it, and after flipping every pillow in the house, you decide to call your bank to cancel your cards. However, by the time you’ve reported the situation, a thief has…
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Third-party debt collector Expert Global Solutions agreed to halt harassment of consumers and pay a civil penalty of $3.2 million. This agreement came as a result of the company allegedly using debt collection practices that violated the Fair Trades Commission…
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Receiving debt collection calls is something that every one of the over 30 million Americans in debt has experienced. The calls may be from a familiar company or one you’ve never heard of; what remains the same is that they…
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Our phones are precious to us, and the last thing anyone wants is to be bombarded by incoming calls from foreign numbers. For a long while, telemarketers, debt collectors, and scammers alike had the freedom to contact you whenever and…
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People commonly associate credit checks with events like purchasing a car, renting a home, applying for a loan, and many other situations where knowing your credit history is pertinent. One instance when many people do not expect to have their…
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Have you ever received an automated call from an unknown source? Most people ignore them and get back to their day-to-day activities, but robocalls are prohibited under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Fort Lauderdale-based Caribbean Cruise Line is one…
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JPMorgan Chase bank and Dallas-based debt collector Real Time Resolutions collaboratively agreed to settle a class action case for $4.3 million. This settlement will compensate and reimburse thousands of individuals who were on the receiving end of allegedly misleading debt…
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Debt collection schemes are highly popular as roughly 80% of Americans currently live with some type of debt. The various forms of debt include credit card, medical, and student loan debts. They even extend to include utility bills, bank overdraft…
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Debt issues arise as a result of numerous circumstances and consumer debts are some of the most common. Maybe you fell behind on paying off one account as you were focused on fixing another, or went on vacation and forgot…
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that they will be using private debt collectors to assist in collecting millions of dollars in past due federal taxes. They began outsourcing collection efforts in April of 2017, handing over about 100 accounts…
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Every day someone is trying out a new scheme to swindle consumers out of their hard-earned money. Although many of these attempts are unsuccessful, there are a few that result in an individual losing hundreds and even thousands of dollars….
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The Baltimore City Circuit Court ordered that Las Vegas-based debt buyer LVNV Funding, LLC (LVNV) pay $38 million to split among 1,590 individuals. This judgment is by far the largest in Maryland against a debt collector. Although they will have…
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People use their credit cards to purchase just about anything in-store or online, leaving the opportunity for complications to arise. Many consumers choose to shop strictly with cash to avoid the possible problems associated with regular credit card use. One…
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Cell phone scams come in various forms. What they all have in common is that they are made with the intention of cheating you out of your hard-earned money. Some of the most common cell phone scams are debt collection…
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Everyone with an email or a mailbox has been a victim of junk mail. Junk mail is usually comprised of letters, offers, promotions, and advertisements sent out to a wide demographic of people with no other purpose but to get…
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A Missouri woman was awarded $83 million after receiving a favorable judgment against Portfolio Recovery Associates — one of the largest debt buyers in the country. A few years back, Portfolio Recovery Associates began contacting Maria Mejia requesting that she…
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Consumer fraud is an issue that affects all Americans, but no demographic is targeted more than the elderly (60 and over). According to AARP, more than $3 billion is swindled from older adults each year through exploitation calls, scams, and…
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There are a few things you must pay attention to when you open a credit card account: the annual percentage rate (APR), credit limit, and any charges or fees. Knowing this information can help you choose the right credit card,…
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Credit cards are known to be convenient finance options, but there is plenty more to having a credit card than knowing your limit. There are retailers and financial institutions that access your credit report via inquiries that have the potential…
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Unbeknownst to them, college students and high school seniors are primary targets of identity theft. Their credit reports are typically limited, and neither they nor their parents tend to pay much attention to their credit history. Combine this with young…
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A creditor has the right to sue you if you fail to make payments on your debt. They can file a civil lawsuit to obtain a judgment against you in what is usually a last-ditch attempt to collect payment. A…
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The number of lawsuits invoking the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) has gone up dramatically since 2014, the same year that lawsuits surrounding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) officially fell below 10,000. These two federal laws aim to…
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Has your unpaid debt gone into collections? You may be receiving unrelenting calls from a debt collector as a result. Many people choose to simply ignore these calls and continue on with their lives. This is not the best option….
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Debt buying is a strong industry in America. Every day, there are companies that sell their debts to third-party agencies and banks that continue to pursue the amount owed. Many citizens have received phone calls from agencies they have never…
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Santander Consumer USA has been no stranger to Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violations. Their website describes the company as a “full-service, technology-driven, consumer finance company focused on vehicle finance and unsecured consumer lending products.” The everyday person may…
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Millions of Americans graduate college with thousands of dollars in debt. This debt is usually scheduled to be paid on a monthly basis and has the potential of being a recurring bill for multiple decades. There are both private and…
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Since the inception of telecommunication, phones have been used for various purposes. They started off as landlines in everyone’s home to cell phones that occupy the pockets and purses of almost every American today. These same phones have recently been…
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A class action lawsuit was filed on January 12, 2017 by plaintiff Amy Viggiano, who claims that Kohl’s allegedly violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by sending her unwanted text messages. She is seeking up to $1500 per TCPA…
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An improperly programmed register can easily print your sensitive information on the receipt, exposing you and thousands of others to fraud. This has happened to many Americans and continues to be an issue which is why Congress implemented the [Fair…
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Fifty-six people were charged in an international scheme which resulted in over $300 million being extorted from Americans. The scammers presented themselves as IRS agents and immigration authorities. They requested individuals to pay a sum to clear non-existing debts and…
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A class action lawsuit was filed against American Honda Finance in California for the alleged violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This act protects consumers from receiving unsolicited phone calls which can come in the form of a…
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A rule change has been put into effect by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing lawmakers and their agents to contact cell phones without consent. This came as a result of three petitions that were filled requesting the clarification of…
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A North Carolina judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $20.5 million in a class action lawsuit brought against Dish Network. The trial lasted five days and Dish Network was ultimately found liable for 51,000 telemarketing…
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Major healthcare diagnostics company LabCorp has settled a striking class action lawsuit for allegations that it violated terms of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). With over 50 locations throughout Florida, they are a prominent healthcare provider known…
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Identity fraud is rampant in the United States, which is why there are several protections for consumers who use a bank or credit card to make purchases. Millions are affected by identity fraud every day, particularly in Florida which holds…
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Since the inception of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare companies have faced several issues unique to the healthcare industries. It is extra-difficult for these companies to comply with the provisions in the TCPA while…
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Having to choose which debts to pay off first is not a situation anyone wants to be in, yet millions of Americans face these decisions every day. When it comes to credit card debt and payday loan debt, it can…
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Up until the mid-1800s in Colonial America, placing people in debt in real, brick-and-mortar prisons was a common way to deal with individuals who could not pay back their debts. In fact, several historical figures spent time in debtors’ prison,…
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In the consumer banking industry, Wells Fargo is not known for doing what is best for their customers. Just last year, they settled a massive class-action lawsuit for over $16 million after allegations that they had violated the [Telephone Consumer…
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Federal and state laws exist to protect people in debt from predatory and harassing behavior from banks, creditors, collection agencies, and other entities that exist to collect on debt. These laws aim to protect personal information and privacy, which has…
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Tech giant Microsoft Corp. recently agreed to settle allegations that its retail stores printed receipts that violated terms of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). A class action lawsuit raised in Florida found that receipts issued by Microsoft…
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If you are among the millions of Americans currently in debt, you may be growing weary of receiving collection calls. In a last-ditch effort to collect on debt, banks, creditors, and lenders can sell debt to debt buyers **for just…
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Are you tired of receiving calls that you were not expecting to your landline or cell phone? Telemarketers, political parties, and debt collection agencies are among the top entities to place unwelcome phone calls. If you have registered your phone…
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It seems that although there are more consumer protections available to guard against identity theft, such the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), the crime of identity theft and fraud continues to rise. One reason this may be the…
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South Florida is the nation’s epicenter for cases of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission ranked Florida as the top state for ID theft, with over 200,000 fraud complaints a year. Of all its regions, South Florida has the highest…
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Millions of people across the country are disenfranchised every day by identity theft and fraud. Residents of Florida are particularly at risk of being victims of these crimes, considering the state holds the highest rate of identity theft and fraud…
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The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) is a law aimed at protecting consumers who use credit cards to make purchases. One of its key provisions is the truncation of credit card digits on electronically printed receipts. This safeguards…
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In the summer of 2016, a group of disgruntled customers filed a class action lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation for allegedly violating the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). Costco customers claimed the multi-billion dollar global retailer printed too…
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Forced arbitration clauses have made their way into hundreds of consumer contracts. Whether you are buying a cell phone plan, signing up for a credit card or even purchasing a car (or the insurance that comes with it), you have…
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If you have signed up for a credit card or even downloaded a coupon for a box of cereal recently, you probably have agreed to forced arbitration. Nearly everyone in America has agreed to a forced arbitration clause at some…
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Using a credit card comes with a lot of responsibility and can carry certain risks, yet recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that credit cards are being opened at an alarming rate. As of June…
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Identity theft is a prevalent crime in the United States, with approximately 9 million cases each year. Thieves who steal people’s identities to commit fraud can deplete funds, hurt consumer’s credit scores and even make it difficult for patients to…
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Consumers have many protections in the United States as incidents of fraud are rampant. As an increasing number of consumers rely upon credit and debit cards to make purchases, more sensitive information is released and put at risk of fraud….
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Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), several protections are granted to the average American citizen with a phone number. Whether you have a cell phone or still cling to a landline, companies cannot call you without your consent for…
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Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 consumers are protected from telemarketing communications from entities trying to sell their products or services. The Act restricts the way businesses advertise over the phone, whether by placing phone calls to…
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A major class-action lawsuit was settled recently when pharmacy giant Walgreens agreed to an $11 million settlement to end a lawsuit initiated in 2013. The class-action suit claimed that the company violated provisions in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or…
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The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) aims to regulate all wireless communications to consumers for the purpose of marketing. Mainly, the TCPA targets telemarketing calls, voice messages and text messages and requires companies that engage in this type of marketing…
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The amount of credit card debt owed by U.S. households continues to climb, with the average household debt reaching $16,061, up from $15,762 just last year. Millions of people struggle to keep debt at bay in America, and collection calls…
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If you have a store credit card with a prominent retailer, you may be familiar with Comenity Bank. The company is a giant debt collection agency and manages nearly 200 store credit cards from big names like Victoria’s Secret, Crate…
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For-profit university, University of Phoenix has recently faced complaints for allegedly violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In June 2016 the company was accused of placing unwanted calls to cellular phones without receiving consent. Plaintiff Twonesha Johnson-Hendricks filed a…
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Ride-share company Lyft, Inc. of San Francisco, CA is once again in the hotseat for alleged TCPA violations. For the second time in just a little over a year the company is facing a wave of class-action lawsuits over autodialed…
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Receiving calls from debt collection agencies is hardly a pleasant experience. Oftentimes, these collectors use predatory tactics to attempt to bully you into paying a debt, regardless of whether or not you really owe the debt, or if the debt…
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In 2014, Sheryl Freeman of Georgia pursued litigation against Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Conifer Healthcare Solutions for allegedly violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These companies allegedly called her and several patients illegally for non-emergency reasons. Mrs. Freeman claimed…
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Debt collection harassment specifically refers to conduct by a debt collector that is intended to intimidate, abuse, coerce, or bully a person who is believed to owe a debt in order to get that person to pay up. More often…
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If you are receiving calls about a debt that you think you owe it can be tempting to pick up a small loan to get the debt collection agencies off your back. Payday loans are easy to get and payday…
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Payday loans are an enticing solution for people struggling to pay off debts. Unexpected medical bills and emergency car repairs can be difficult to pay off, and payday loans are readily available throughout the country to provide small loans. The…
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Almost everyone has heard of the Do Not Call List, with over 200 million numbers registered as of 2010. The Do Not Call Registry, as it is formally called, is managed by the Federal Trade Commission to protect the privacy…
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In May 2016, the United States Supreme Court decided on a case that can affect whether consumers entangled in debt collection lawsuits have sufficient “standing” to initiate a lawsuit. Legal standing is defined as the right to initiate a lawsuit…
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Have you received communication from Receivables Management Solutions, Inc.? It may help you to know that this is a debt collection company that has allegedly violated the rights of people like you. You may be in debt, or you may…
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Nobody is fond of being in debt, yet for millions of Americans, deceitful debt collectors make this reality much more troublesome. Dozens of collection agencies throughout the country refuse to abide by consumer protection laws which aim to protect your…
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Anybody with outstanding credit card, student loan, or even medical debt can be a target of predatory debt collection agencies. With the average person’s debt a whopping $5,000, it’s no wonder so many debt collectors cannot control themselves when they…
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Consumer protection laws have expanded to protect the increasing number of ways consumers can be contacted. Although a handful of debt collection agencies attempt to abide by the rules, many fail to respect the privacy of the consumers they are…
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Too many people in America are in debt these days making it all too easy for collection agencies like Performant Recovery, Inc. (formerly Diversified Collection Services) to target consumers who are going through a rough time. Sadly, debt is a…
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There is no shortage of debt collection agencies throughout the country ready to pounce on consumers who have fallen behind in paying their bills. Millions of Americans are in debt right now and for many, their daily lives are further…
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Chase Receivables is a collection agency from Sonoma, California that opened back in 1953 as the Credit Bureau of Napa County, Inc. Chase Receivables does not always respectfully collect on debt. The company has very poor ratings on Yelp and…
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One of the largest debt collection agencies here in America is Enhanced Recovery Services or Enhanced Recovery Company, with over a thousand employees nationwide. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville but has satellite offices throughout the U.S. including in Orange…
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When debt collection agencies persistently call consumers at all hours of the day, every day of the week that is considered harassment by federal law. Too many Americans are in between a rock and a hard place right now, with…
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When debt collection agencies persistently call consumers at all hours of the day, every day of the week, that is considered harassment by federal law. Too many Americans are in between a rock and a hard place right now, with…
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Are you being called every day of the week by a collection agency attempting to collect on your outstanding debt? Do they call at random hours of the day, even late in the evening or early mornings? Millions of Americans…
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When it comes to being in debt in Florida, there are unpleasant realities you often face. There are dozens of debt collection agencies throughout the country that don’t play by the rules. Collectors are on the prowl seeking to recover…
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Being in debt is a stressful enough time as it is without the attention of debt collection companies. Yet, if you have an outstanding debt, or even share the same phone number as someone who does, you could be the…
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When you have outstanding debt with a credit card company you become a target of debt collectors. Whether it is the original creditor or a collection agency, you run the risk of becoming the victim of debt collection harassment. Only…
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When a debt goes to collections, it may mean that a collection agency has purchased the debt from a creditor, such as a credit card company or bank. A person’s debt is purchased for a fraction of the value of…
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Wage garnishment is a last resort approach that debt collectors utilize to gather the debt owed to them. The process begins when a court order, or judgment, is approved to be held against the debtor, at which point a percentage…
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Yet another national banking giant agrees to pay a whopping settlement to a Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuit. As of June 30th, Wells Fargo Bank is due to reimburse over three million customers a serious sum for its alleged…
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Wage garnishment is permissible in all 50 states, with most states having their own set of specific rules and exemptions. Some states abide solely by the federal model and do not provide additional protections. Chapter 77 of the Florida Statutes…
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A class-action lawsuit filed against one of the nation’s largest banking institutions was resolved late last month in a Florida federal court. JP Morgan Chase reached a settlement of over $3 million in response to the accusation that the bank…
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Every now and again there are instances in which a routine debt collection call sparks a series of unprecedented events that lead to a wild and unexpected outcome. In one such instance, a Missouri woman from Kansas City was targeted…
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A large investigation by ProPublica last fall uncovered a shocking fact: debt collectors target minorities; in particular, African Americans. Debt collection lawsuits were revealed to be much more common in minority communities in the large metropolitan areas where the investigation…
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As modern communication technology advances, so too does the harassment by unlawful debt collectors. Although many debt collectors do their best to abide by today’s consumer protection laws, too many take advantage of technology to engage in unlawful conduct such…
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These days, most people carry a debit card with them in place of cash to pay for purchases when they do not want to run up their credit cards. In fact, 185 million people in the United States are debit…
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If you are tired of receiving countless telemarketing calls with bogus offers and cheap attempts at stealing your personal information, you are not alone. Millions of telemarketing calls are placed per year, and a grand majority of them are deceptive…
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The amount of credit card debt owed by U.S. households continues to climb, with the average household debt reaching $16,061, up from $15,762 just last year. Millions of people struggle to keep debt at bay in America, and collection calls…
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