Although no one enjoys debt collection phone calls, ignoring them is rarely the right response. Even if you don’t owe the debt in question, it is better to address the situation than to ignore it and hope it just goes away. However, if you do decide to speak to a debt collector on the phone,…
Continue reading…4 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with a Debt Collector
Debt collectors can be extremely aggressive when attempting to collect debts. Often, they employ tactics that bend—or even break—the law. Therefore, when dealing with a debt collector, you must be highly vigilant. Otherwise, you risk making mistakes that can cost you money. In this article, we examine five common mistakes to avoid when dealing with…
Continue reading…I’ve Been Sued by a Debt Collector: Now What?
If you’ve been sued by a debt collector, you must take immediate action. If you fail to respond to your lawsuit, the court will likely enter a default order in favor of the debt collector. In other words, if you ignore your lawsuit, you will automatically lose your case. Once this occurs, the debt collector…
Continue reading…6 Things Anyone Dealing with a Debt Collector Should Know
No one likes dealing with debt collectors. Not only are they often aggressive and rude, but some are willing to go to great lengths to collect a debt—even violate the law. Unfortunately, many debtors are ill-prepared to address the demands of unscrupulous debt collectors. Debtors who are armed with a solid knowledge of the laws…
Continue reading…Can Debt Collectors Garnish Social Security?
When people borrow money, they usually plan on paying it back. Unfortunately, however, certain events, such as illness or job loss, can interfere with a person’s ability to honor his or her financial commitments. Failing to pay a debt can result in several negative consequences, including lawsuits, credit damage, and even wage garnishment. In this…
Continue reading…What Debt Collectors Can and Can’t Do
The law is very clear about what debt collectors are permitted to do when dealing with consumers. Unfortunately, however, debt collectors often do whatever it takes to collect a debt—even break the law. When this occurs, affected consumers may pursue legal remedies. In this article, we examine what debt collectors can and can’t do when…
Continue reading…The Importance of Fighting Debt Collection Lawsuits in California
Debt collection lawsuits are among the most common type of civil litigation in the U.S. In fact, between the years 1993 and 2013, the number of debt collection lawsuits filed each year increased from around 1.7 million to roughly four million. In other words, as a consumer in the U.S., there is a chance that…
Continue reading…Can a Debt Collector Text or Email Me?
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) prohibits debt collectors from engaging in abusive, harassing, and unfair debt collection practices. However, since, this law was passed many years ago, it doesn’t address modern communication methods, such as text messages and emails. In late 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) took steps to address…
Continue reading…What to Do When a Debt Collector Calls You
Although debt collectors are permitted to contact consumers by telephone, there are strict rules they must follow when doing so. Unfortunately, however, debt collectors don’t always abide by these rules. Often, debt collectors employ high-pressure tactics in an attempt to coerce consumers into paying up. Therefore, consumers must always remain vigilant when dealing with debt…
Continue reading…Vehicle Repossession in California
In California, if you fail to pay your car loan, a repossession agent may take your car. In fact, as soon as you miss a car payment, the lender can arrange—without notice—to repossess your vehicle. The lender also may repossess your car if you breach your loan agreement in some other way, such as by…
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