Man on the phone with debt collector

Should You Answer Debt Collection Calls?

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,…

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Woman filing debt collection lawsuit

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…

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Debt collection defense attorney in office

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…

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Woman going over debt collection lawsuit document

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…

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Debt collection attorney sitting with client

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…

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Woman going over debt collection lawsuit document

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…

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Woman reviewing her debt

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…

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Woman calculating her debts

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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