Difference between revisions of "Debt Collection help"
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[http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm '''Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links'''] | [http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm '''Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links'''] | ||
− | [ | + | [https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/dealing-debt '''Dealing with Debt'''] |
[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/debtcollect.shtm '''FTC Issues Report on Reforming Debt Collection Litigation'''] | [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/debtcollect.shtm '''FTC Issues Report on Reforming Debt Collection Litigation'''] | ||
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[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/debt.shtm '''In Debt? Facts for Consumers'''] | [http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/debt.shtm '''In Debt? Facts for Consumers'''] | ||
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'''Public Good Law Center:''' | '''Public Good Law Center:''' | ||
− | [http://publicgoodlaw.org/ | + | [http://publicgoodlaw.org/ '''publicgoodlaw.org'''] |
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'''Attorney General’s Office:''' | '''Attorney General’s Office:''' | ||
− | [ | + | [https://oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/debt-collectors '''ag.ca.gov/consumers'''] |
− | [ | + | [https://oag.ca.gov/search-results/?query=newsalerts+print_release?id=1788 '''ag.ca.gov/newsalerts'''] |
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'''Better Business Bureau Southland:''' | '''Better Business Bureau Southland:''' | ||
− | [ | + | [https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-los-angeles-and-silicon-valley '''www.la.bbb.org'''] |
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'''California and Nevada Credit Union League:''' | '''California and Nevada Credit Union League:''' | ||
− | [ | + | [https://www.ccul.org/education '''education.ccul.org'''] |
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'''Consumer Action:''' | '''Consumer Action:''' | ||
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+ | [https://www.consumer-action.org/helpdesk/faqs/ '''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'''] | [http://www.consumer-action.org/index.php/alerts/articles/arbitration_doesnt_shield_debt_collectors_from_liability '''Consumer Action - Arbitration no shield for debt collectors'''] | ||
− | [ | + | [https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0081-debts-and-deceased-relatives '''Consumer Action - FTC proposes new rules for collecting debt from dead people'''] |
[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'''] |
Revision as of 20:55, 29 August 2019
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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.
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:
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links
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
Dealing with Debt - Know Your Rights
Debt Collectors Settle with FTC; Abusive Practices Affected Consumers Nationwide
Public Good Law Center:
DCA LA County:
Attorney General’s Office:
Better Business Bureau Southland:
California and Nevada Credit Union League:
Consumer Action:
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 - 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:
After the Judgment - collecting or Satisfying the Judgment
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 GuideDirectory of State Agencies
Directory of Federal Agencies
Return to DCA Home Page