Difference between revisions of "Debt Collection help"

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[[File:Whitebox.jpg|914-Collection Agency|link=_Hint]]
  
 
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| <h4 align="center"><big>DEBT COLLECTION HELP</big><br /></h4>
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| DEBT COLLECTION HELP
 
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|  [[D|go back]]
 
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<p>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.</p><br>  
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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.   
  
−
<p>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 Better Business Bureau or District Attorney’s office, as some of them have mediation programs.</p><br>  
+
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 Better Business Bureau or District Attorney’s office, as some of them have mediation programs.   
  
  
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'''Basic debt collection information for consumers:'''<br>
+
'''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.<br>
+
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.<br>
+
2. Don’t ignore letters and communications.
  
−
3. Seek self-help resources as soon as possible and avoid further damage to their credit rating.<br>
+
3. Seek self-help resources as soon as possible and avoid further damage to their credit rating.
  
−
4. Report illegal threats.<br>
+
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.<br>
+
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.
  
  
  
  
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'''Here are some helpful websites with more information:'''<br>
+
'''Here are some helpful websites with more information:'''
  
  
−
'''Federal Trade Commission sites:'''<br>
+
'''Federal Trade Commission sites:'''
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm '''Debt Collection FAQ's''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm '''Debt Collection FAQ's''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm '''Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm '''Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/debt/debt-collection.shtm '''Dealing with Debt''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/debt/debt-collection.shtm '''Dealing with Debt''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/debtcollect.shtm '''FTC Issues Report on Reforming Debt Collection Litigation''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/debtcollect.shtm '''FTC Issues Report on Reforming Debt Collection Litigation''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/academy.shtm '''Debt Collection Supervisors Settle FTC Charges''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/academy.shtm '''Debt Collection Supervisors Settle FTC Charges''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre44.shtm '''Debt Collection Arbitration: The Who, What, Why and How''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre44.shtm '''Debt Collection Arbitration: The Who, What, Why and How''']
  
−
[http://business.ftc.gov/blog/2010/11/second-largest-debt-collection-civil-penalty-ftc-history-%E2%80%93-and-new-compliance-resource- '''Second Largest Debt Collection Civil Penalty in FTC History''']<br>
+
[http://business.ftc.gov/blog/2010/11/second-largest-debt-collection-civil-penalty-ftc-history-%E2%80%93-and-new-compliance-resource- '''Second Largest Debt Collection Civil Penalty in FTC History''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fdcpa.shtm '''FTC Report Urges Reform and Modernization of Federal Debt Collection Law; Agency Also Issues Annual FDCPA Report to Congress''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fdcpa.shtm '''FTC Report Urges Reform and Modernization of Federal Debt Collection Law; Agency Also Issues Annual FDCPA Report to Congress''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/debt/debt-collection_eileen.shtm '''Dealing with Debt - Know Your Rights''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/debt/debt-collection_eileen.shtm '''Dealing with Debt - Know Your Rights''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/oxford.shtm '''Debt Collectors Settle with FTC; Abusive Practices Affected Consumers Nationwide''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/oxford.shtm '''Debt Collectors Settle with FTC; Abusive Practices Affected Consumers Nationwide''']
  
−
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/debt.shtm '''In Debt? Facts for Consumers''']<br>
+
[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/debt.shtm '''In Debt? Facts for Consumers''']
  
  
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'''Golden Gate BBB:'''<br>
+
'''Golden Gate BBB:'''
  
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[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/phony-debt-collectors-target-pay-day-loan-borrowers-13286 '''Phony Debt Collectors Target Pay Day Loan Borrowers ''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/phony-debt-collectors-target-pay-day-loan-borrowers-13286 '''Phony Debt Collectors Target Pay Day Loan Borrowers ''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/widespread-harassment-from-phony-debt-collectors-raises-concerns-of-mass-data-breach-warns-bbb-11825 '''Widespread Harassment from Phony Debt Collectors Raises Concerns of Mass Data Breach, Warns BBB''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/widespread-harassment-from-phony-debt-collectors-raises-concerns-of-mass-data-breach-warns-bbb-11825 '''Widespread Harassment from Phony Debt Collectors Raises Concerns of Mass Data Breach, Warns BBB''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---before-you-file-for-personal-bankruptcy-information-about-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-4723 '''Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---before-you-file-for-personal-bankruptcy-information-about-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-4723 '''Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---for-people-on-debt-management-plans-a-must-do-list-4655 '''For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---for-people-on-debt-management-plans-a-must-do-list-4655 '''For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---knee-deep-in-debt-4671 '''Knee deep in debt''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---knee-deep-in-debt-4671 '''Knee deep in debt''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---fiscal-fitness-choosing-a-credit-counselor-4728 '''Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/ftc---fiscal-fitness-choosing-a-credit-counselor-4728 '''Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor''']
  
−
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/new-laws-go-into-effect-to-fight-deceptive-debt-relief-22930 '''New Laws Go Into Effect to Fight Deceptive Debt Relief''']<br>
+
[http://goldengate.bbb.org/article/new-laws-go-into-effect-to-fight-deceptive-debt-relief-22930 '''New Laws Go Into Effect to Fight Deceptive Debt Relief''']
  
  
  
−
'''Public Good Law Center:'''<br>
+
'''Public Good Law Center:'''
  
−
[http://publicgoodlaw.org/downloads/Avery-brief-cleaned-up.pdf '''publicgoodlaw.org''']<br>
+
[http://publicgoodlaw.org/downloads/Avery-brief-cleaned-up.pdf '''publicgoodlaw.org''']
  
  
  
−
'''DCA LA County:'''<br>
+
'''DCA LA County:'''
  
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[http://dca.lacounty.gov/tscollectionagencies.htm '''dca.lacounty.gov''']<br>
+
[http://dca.lacounty.gov/tscollectionagencies.htm '''dca.lacounty.gov''']
  
  
  
−
'''Attorney General’s Office:'''<br>
+
'''Attorney General’s Office:'''
  
−
[http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/collection_agencies10.php '''ag.ca.gov/consumers''']<br>
+
[http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/collection_agencies10.php '''ag.ca.gov/consumers''']
  
−
[http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/print_release.php?id=1788 '''ag.ca.gov/newsalerts''']<br>
+
[http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/print_release.php?id=1788 '''ag.ca.gov/newsalerts''']
  
  
  
−
'''Better Business Bureau Southland:'''<br>
+
'''Better Business Bureau Southland:'''
  
−
[http://www.la.bbb.org/GIReport.aspx?NewsID=288 '''www.la.bbb.org''']<br>
+
[http://www.la.bbb.org/GIReport.aspx?NewsID=288 '''www.la.bbb.org''']
  
  
  
−
'''California and Nevada Credit Union League:'''<br>
+
'''California and Nevada Credit Union League:'''
  
−
[http://education.ccul.org/etrain_detail.cfm?ID=3632 '''education.ccul.org''']<br>
+
[http://education.ccul.org/etrain_detail.cfm?ID=3632 '''education.ccul.org''']
  
  
  
−
'''Consumer Action:'''<br>
+
'''Consumer Action:'''
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/downloads/english/CA_News_winter_07-08.pdf '''Consumer Action - News Winter 2007-2008''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/downloads/english/CA_News_winter_07-08.pdf '''Consumer Action - News Winter 2007-2008''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/helpdesk/articles/debt_collectors/ '''Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What types of debt collectors are sunject to the FDCPA?''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/helpdesk/articles/debt_collectors/ '''Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What types of debt collectors are sunject to the FDCPA?''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/index.php/alerts/articles/arbitration_doesnt_shield_debt_collectors_from_liability '''Consumer Action - Arbitration no shield for debt collectors''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/index.php/alerts/articles/arbitration_doesnt_shield_debt_collectors_from_liability '''Consumer Action - Arbitration no shield for debt collectors''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/ftc_proposes_new_rules_for_collecting_debt_from_dead_people/ '''Consumer Action - FTC proposes new rules for collecting debt from dead people''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/ftc_proposes_new_rules_for_collecting_debt_from_dead_people/ '''Consumer Action - FTC proposes new rules for collecting debt from dead people''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/press/articles/robo-signing_at_debt_collection_companies/ '''Consumer Action - Robo-signing at debt collection companies''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/debt_settlement/ '''Consumer Action - Don't get caught in the debt settlement trap''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/alerts/articles/debt_settlement/ '''Consumer Action - Don't get caught in the debt settlement trap''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/the_fair_debt_law_eng '''Consumer Action - The Fair Debt Law - Consumers in Debt Series''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/the_fair_debt_law_eng '''Consumer Action - The Fair Debt Law - Consumers in Debt Series''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/collecting_debts_from_the_dead/ '''Consumer Action - Collecting debts from the dead''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/collecting_debts_from_the_dead/ '''Consumer Action - Collecting debts from the dead''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/helpdesk/articles/mini_miranda_disclosure/ '''Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What is the "mini-Miranda" warning?''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/helpdesk/articles/mini_miranda_disclosure/ '''Consumer Action - Help Desk FAQ - What is the "mini-Miranda" warning?''']<br>
+
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/2008_2009_winter_issue/ '''Consumer Action - 2008-2009 Winter Issue: Dealing with Debt''']
  
−
[http://www.consumer-action.org/news/articles/2008_2009_winter_issue/ '''Consumer Action - 2008-2009 Winter Issue: Dealing with Debt''']<br>
 
  
  
 +
'''Consumers Union:'''
  
−
'''Consumers Union:'''<br>
+
[http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/001345.html '''Support for SB 339''']
 +
[http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/015701.html '''Beware of Debt Settlement Trap Consumer Groups Offer Debt-Strapped Consumers Advice on Getting Real Relief''']
  
−
[http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/001345.html '''Support for SB 339''']<br>
 
−
[http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/015701.html '''Beware of Debt Settlement Trap Consumer Groups Offer Debt-Strapped Consumers Advice on Getting Real Relief''']<br>
 
  
  
 +
'''Department of Consumer Affairs:'''
  
−
'''Department of Consumer Affairs:'''<br>
+
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/dc_2.pdf '''Summary of the fair debt collection practices statutes''']
  
−
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/dc_2.pdf '''Summary of the fair debt collection practices statutes''']<br>
+
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/small_claims/collect.shtml '''After the Judgment - collecting or Satisfying the Judgment''']
  
−
[http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/small_claims/collect.shtml '''After the Judgment - collecting or Satisfying the Judgment''']<br>
+
[http://consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov/wiki/index.php/Collection_Agencies '''Collection Agencies''']
  
−
[http://consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov/wiki/index.php/Collection_Agencies '''Collection Agencies''']<br>
 
  
  
 +
'''Marin County District Attorney:'''
  
−
'''Marin County District Attorney:'''<br>
+
[http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/DA/main/dist/consumerpages/debtagen.cfm?print=yes& '''WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT FROM A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY''']
  
−
[http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/DA/main/dist/consumerpages/debtagen.cfm?print=yes& '''WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT FROM A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY''']<br>
 
  
  
 +
'''San Diego District Attorney:'''
  
−
'''San Diego District Attorney:'''<br>
+
[http://www.sandiego.gov/cityattorney/pdf/cepunewsoct10.pdf '''Consumer news - San Diego City Attorney's Office''']
  
−
[http://www.sandiego.gov/cityattorney/pdf/cepunewsoct10.pdf '''Consumer news - San Diego City Attorney's Office''']<br>
 
  
  
  
−
 
+
[[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/guide/index.shtml|Consumer Resource & Referral Guide]]
−
<p>[[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/guide/index.shtml|Consumer Resource & Referral Guide]]
+
     Consumer Resource & Referral Guide
−
     Consumer Resource & Referral Guide<br>
+
 
   [[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.ca.gov/CaSearch/Agencies.aspx|Directory of State Agencies ]]  
 
   [[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.ca.gov/CaSearch/Agencies.aspx|Directory of State Agencies ]]  
−
     Directory of State Agencies<br>
+
     Directory of State Agencies
 
   [[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/links_federal.shtml|Directory of Federal Agencies]]
 
   [[file:green_arrow.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/links_federal.shtml|Directory of Federal Agencies]]
−
     Directory of Federal Agencies<br>
+
     Directory of Federal Agencies  
 
   [[file:green_dca.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/|Return to DCA Home Page]]
 
   [[file:green_dca.jpg|link=http://www.dca.ca.gov/|Return to DCA Home Page]]
−
     Return to DCA Home Page<br>
+
     Return to DCA Home Page
−
</p>
+

Revision as of 21:10, 23 August 2019

914-Collection Agency

DEBT COLLECTION HELP go back


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 Better 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



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


Better 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 - 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 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 

    Consumer Resource & Referral Guide
  Directory of State Agencies 
    Directory of State Agencies
  Directory of Federal Agencies
    Directory of Federal Agencies 
  Return to DCA Home Page
    Return to DCA Home Page
Retrieved from "http://consumerwiki.dca.ca.gov/w/index.php?title=Debt_Collection_help&oldid=7971"