From consumeraffairs.com:

The Federal Trade Commission has wrapped up a case that drew the largest civil penalty ever imposed on a debt collection business, for a total of $675,000.

Mann Bracken, LLC, one of the nation's titans of debt collection, filed thousands of arbitration complaints against Pennsylvania consumers in the (now-defunct) National Arbitration Forum ("NAF"). But, Pennsylvania's laws regarding consumer arbitration say Mann Bracken couldn't do so without first obtaining the consumer's consent or waiver.  Of course, they didn't do that. 

The Consumers Law team wishes you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!  Also... may your 2010 be free from obnoxious collection calls! 

Debt collectors may not contact you if they know you’re represented by a lawyer.  Debt collectors may not contact your friends, family or neighbors if they know where you live.  Also, debt collectors may not harass you and your family over an alleged debt.  Debt buyer Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. and its debt collector, the Law Offices of Edwin A. Abrahamsen & Associates, P.C. did all of these things to Lisa Regan in violation of the FDCPA.

A number of our consumer protection cases have gained national attention over the years, but none more than our litigation on behalf of Karen Cappuccio of Hellertown, PA whom we represented in a case against Countrywide Mortgage. On October 9, 2009, Karen was invited to the White House to discuss her story with the President of the United States.