When you owe money to a debt collection agency, its employees have the right to contact you and try to recoup that debt. But those rights only go so far. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates what debt collectors, or law firms acting as collectors, can do when contacting Pennsylvania consumers, and bars …
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When an account goes into collection, it’s stressful and overwhelming for anyone. But debt collection can be especially troublesome for military service members. Financial trouble could result in negative consequences like loss or denial of security clearance. Frequent moves and relocations can make it difficult for service members to keep up with bills and collection …
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You may have heard that the IRS has hired four private debt collection agencies to collect unpaid income tax. These agencies are CBE Group, ConServe, Performant and Pioneer Credit Recovery. This means that consumers may begin receiving collection contact from these agencies. To tell the difference between a scam and legitimate collection contact on behalf …
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Sometimes collectors contact consumers and ask for payment on a debt that was already satisfied. Whether the collector made calls or sent letters, the consumer may be left confused and uncertain about whether there was a clerical error or if the collection effort is a scam. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines actions that debt …
The three main national credit bureaus — Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian — have agreed to make changes in the reporting of medical debt. As of July 1, 2022, settled medical debt that would normally remain on credit reports for up to 7 1/2 years should come off the report. As a result, consumers may …
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Are you getting calls or collection letters about an old debt from years ago? Perhaps you forgot about it, or you simply did not have the money to pay for it at the time. But now, debt collectors are calling and sending you letters, demanding that you pay up. You may be asking yourself: What …
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Bankruptcy may be an opportunity for a fresh start, however, it is not without consequences. Often the ripples resonating from bankruptcy can affect your financial life for many years to come. If you are overwhelmed with debt, you may want to consult with a consumer protection attorney. The consumer protection laws provide protections from abusive …
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You might owe money on a credit card or loan, a utility or medical debt, but you still have rights against abusive debt collectors. Read more to learn about your rights.
When it comes to debt collection, it’s important to find a balance between looking out for scams and ensuring you pay the debt you actually owe. You should begin by establishing whether or not you owe the debt the collector is contacting you about. Debt negatively affects your credit report and credit score. Make sure …
When a debt collector contacts you to collect payment on an account, it can be scary and overwhelming, especially if the debt in question is unfamiliar to you. Collectors may contact you from an agency you’ve never heard of, and some may even threaten legal action against you. It’s possible that you don’t recognize the …
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