Month: February 2013

Identity theft is a very real and serious crime that is rapidly growing.  It happens when a person, whether known or unknown, steals your identity and uses your personal information without your knowledge and/or permission to open accounts and borrow money in your name.  Identity theft can destroy your financial reputation and can cost both […]

Earlier this week, we discussed the 2003 amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) called FACTA, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.  Last year an issue based on the statute came before the Northern District of Illinois and the Court was forced to decide on summary judgment whether distributing a copy of a […]

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (“FACTA”) is an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) that was added in 2003 to safeguard consumers from the growing dangers of identity theft.  FACTA sets out guidelines for which consumer information can be shared and sets parameters for the use, privacy, and accuracy of this information.  This amendment to […]

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) was created to aid consumers in preventing the occurrence of fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices.  Over the last decade, the FTC has spent a considerable amount of time policing the Debt Collection Industry.  In a recent opinion of a long-running investigation, the FTC ordered collection agencies, namely Rumson, Bolling […]

There are many issues to consider when buying a used car.  If you are purchasing a used car, review  the following tips to avoid unexpected bumps in the road. Find a reputable dealer to purchase your vehicle.  Talk to friends and family and see if they can recommend a used car dealer.  Research the dealer […]

Each state has its own lemon law rules.  Click here to check the law in your state.  However, all consumers can be protected by federal law.  The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was enacted by Congress  to protect consumers when purchasing a warranted product.  Consumer products are not required to have warranties, but if one is given, […]

Consumers call our law firm with many questions about debt collectors.  Frequently, consumers ask what to do about harassing debt collection calls.  Here is the answer: 1.  Find out who is calling you.  Pick up the phone and ask the caller for the name of the caller and their location. Write down the number on […]

Many consumers lives are dependent on their ability to maintain a strong credit standing. Those who have good credit are quick to share that information with you and those who don’t are usually ashamed.  In fact, poor credit scores have launched an entire industry of credit repair companies who are willing to take money to […]

Often times when a debt goes unpaid the original creditor will hire a collection agency to file suit against you. If successful, this suit will result in a judgment and then, likely garnishment.  Garnishment is a means of involuntarily collecting money owed on a debt after obtaining a judgment against the debtor.  The most common […]

With the use of social media on the rise, more and more businesses are turning to Facebook and other social media sites to aid in their advertising.  The collection industry is no different.  Recently a case was found in which a collector reached out to a debtor by sending a message through Facebook.  Can a […]