Month: March 2012

Complaints from consumers about debt collection tactics are at their highest levels in history.  Many Americans are feeling the heat of debt collection calls.  But in those calls there are things that the collector won’t let you know and surely won’t tell you.  Here are 6 items: 1.  They really don’t intend on suing you. […]

Contacts with third parties, disclosure of the debt to third parties, and a multiplicity of calls leading to harassment are some of the complaints heard from consumers regarding Pioneer Credit Recovery.  Pioneer is one of the collection agencies that has engaged in a contract with the US Department of Education for the collection of Student […]

Consumers looking to have their credit reports repaired from damaging marks can find an overwhelming number of companies that are willing to help them in the process.  But do these companies actually help you and do they accomplish what you need?  The first step is to determine whether the company you are considering is a […]

If you have had a rough couple of years financially, and weathered the storm, now is time to rebuild your credit.  How can you rebuild their credit after having had multiple delinquencies?  The first rule is that it takes some time.  There is no special formula that can restore your credit overnight. In order to […]

When a family member, loved one, or close friend asks you to assist them with a credit purchase, you naturally want to help.  The advantages are that you are providing someone with a great opportunity, and if they make all their payments on time, you can both benefit from the good credit history. However, there […]

  I just got served with a lawsuit.  Someone knocked on my door and handed me papers called a Complaint and a Summons.  What do I do now? Don’t panic, you are being sued.  It is probably for a debt that a creditor believes you owe, but that does not mean you owe it.  There […]

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides that debt collectors must be careful when acquiring location information about the consumer.  If you are having debt issues, be aware of your rights.   Under the FDCPA, a debt collector can only contact a third party to obtain location information about the debtor.   The collector can not indicate, […]

Reports have surfaced that in some cities, such as Chicago on particular, efforts are being increased to collect old tickets and fines that have yet to be paid.  Some of the fines and tickets may date back more than ten years.  Consumers should be on alert, because it is anticipated that the collection tactics that […]

Buying a used car is not an easy task.  The vehicle might look pretty and polished, but you never know how the vehicle has lived.  To avoid buying a used car that has hidden damage or been previously wrecked, here are some tips to follow.  Ask for a car fax report.  This will tell you […]

You just found out for the first time that a debt collection agency is trying to collect a debt from you.  Perhaps you found out by phone, or perhaps you found out by letter.  You want to dispute this debt for whatever reason you have (not your debt, incorrect amount, etc).  What should go in […]