Debt Collection help

From Consumer Wiki

Revision as of 21:22, 3 January 2011

All debt collection regulations in California were sunset (shut down) in 1992. There is currently no state agency that accepts consumer complaints and mediates/investigates individual complaints.

The best recourse today is for consumers to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General’s office. They don’t act on individual consumer complaints but do look at trends and file large cases. Consumers should also contact their local Beter Business Bureau or District Attorney’s office, as some of them have mediation programs.

Basic debt collection information for consumers:

1. If a consumer owes money, they can contact the company and try to work out a payment plan.

2. Don’t ignore letters and communications.

3. Seek self-help resources as soon as possible and avoid further damage to their credit rating.

4. Report illegal threats.

5. To stop debtors from harassing calls/communications consumers can send them a “cease and desist” demand letter, which requires that debt collector to stop their communications, or to communicate with their attorney if they have one.

Here are some helpful websites with more information:

Federal Trade Commission sites:

Debt Collection FAQ's

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links

Dealing with Debt

FTC Issues Report on Reforming Debt Collection Litigation

Debt Collection Supervisors Settle FTC Charges

Debt Collection Arbitration: The Who, What, Why and How

Second Largest Debt Collection Civil Penalty in FTC History

FTC Report Urges Reform and Modernization of Federal Debt Collection Law; Agency Also Issues Annual FDCPA Report to Congress

Dealing with Debt - Know Your Rights

Debt Collectors Settle with FTC; Abusive Practices Affected Consumers Nationwide

In Debt? Facts for Consumers

Debt Collection Agency Agrees to Pay $140,000 Civil Penalty to Settle Charges it Violated in Debt Collection Practices Act

Golden Gate BBB:

Phony Debt Collectors Target Pay Day Loan Borrowers

Widespread Harassment from Phony Debt Collectors Raises Concerns of Mass Data Breach, Warns BBB

Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List

Knee deep in debt

Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor

New Laws Go Into Effect to Fight Deceptive Debt Relief

Public Good Law Center:

publicgoodlaw.org

DCA LA County:

dca.lacounty.gov

Attorney General’s Office:

ag.ca.gov/consumers

ag.ca.gov/newsalerts

Beter Business Bureau Southland:

www.la.bbb.org

California and Nevada Credit Union League:

education.ccul.org

Consumer Action:

Consumer Action - News Winter 2007-2008

Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What types of debt collectors are sunject to the FDCPA?

Consumer Action - Arbitration no shield for debt collectors

Consumer Action - FTC proposes new rules for collecting debt from dead people

Consumer Action - Robo-signing at debt collection companies

Consumer Action - Don't get caught in the debt settlement trap

Consumer Action - The Fair Debt Law - Consumers in Debt Series

Consumer Action - Collecting debts from the dead

Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What is the "mini-Miranda" warning?

Consumer Action - 2008-2009 Winter Issue: Dealing with Debt

Consumers Union:

Support for SB 339

Consumers Union recommends key areas for new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to target

Beware of Debt Settlement Trap Consumer Groups Offer Debt-Strapped Consumers Advice on Getting Real Relief

Department of Consumer Affairs:

Summary of the fair debt collection practices statutes

After the Judgment - collecting or Satisfying the Judgment

Collection Agencies

Marin County District Attorney:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT FROM A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY

San Diego District Attorney:

Consumer news - San Diego City Attorney's Office

Consumer Resource & Referral Guide
Directory of State Agencies
Directory of Federal Agencies
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