According to the Federal Trade Commission, its number one complaint from consumers in 2014, was identity theft.  This crime has been on a meteoric rise since the 1990s.  You can blame computers and the internet for its stellar rise in … Continue reading →

The scenario of a debt collector from a Michigan creditor knocking on the door of a Virginia debtor is so surreal that it could occur only in an imaginary situation. In reality, interstate debt collection activities are by remote communications … Continue reading →

With the accumulating information available on eah person, identity theft has become an increasing threat. Thousands of people a year are affected by this crime. Their personal information is used in a myriad of ways without their consent. Here is … Continue reading →

There are many ways to commit identity theft. Unfortunately, identity theft happens every day all over the world. Some of the most popular ways to commit identity theft are filing false tax refunds, medical identity, through credit cards, and even … Continue reading →

Since the inception of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), I had expected the Federal Trade Commission to put its proverbial feet up on its desk and collect is federal funds.  After all, the FTC unloaded a lot of the … Continue reading →

Identity theft is a real problem that millions of Americans face on a yearly basis. Not only does identity theft lead to severe intrusion into your personal life, but it can have repercussions on your finances too. According to Daily … Continue reading →

I thought this was really interesting.  TheFederal Trade Commission keeps a list of Banned Debt collectors.  You can click on links and see the pleadings in each such banned debt collectors case. Today, I learned that one banned debt collector, … Continue reading →

Our office helps people whose identities have been stolen by thieves.  Our credit repair services are limited to fixing credit on credit reports.  We don’t work on tax identity theft. Take heart.  The Internal Revenue Service has a great website … Continue reading →

Debt collectors often use unsavory tactics to try to strong-arm debtors into making payments. When there is no money available to make payments, debtors who are being harassed by collectors may be continuously called at home, work or even at … Continue reading →

We don’t hide our utter contempt for Payday Loan Companies.  At Michigan Consumer Credit Lawyers, we think they are scum.  They charge interest rates that no one, who didn’t absolutely need the cash would pay, often in the triple digits.  … Continue reading →

Similar to adults, thousands of children across the United States are no strangers to identity theft. Thieves often steal social security numbers from children to help them apply for government benefits, obtain a loan or new credit cards, and can … Continue reading →

In Michigan, there is a statute of limitations on debt. For some reason, many debt collectors either conveniently forget this fact, or they knowingly pursue old debt illegally. In either case, you have rights. The Official Statute of Limitations on … Continue reading →

If you have gone through a foreclosure in Michigan, chances are that you are incredibly distraught about how it will affect your credit. You are not alone; After sub-prime and adjustable rates for mortgages spiked, many Americans were not able … Continue reading →

Identity theft is a huge problem for adults – but did you know that it is actually around 50 times more likely for a child to have their identity stolen? This, according to Kenneth Abbey of the Federal Trade Commission, … Continue reading →

Scam debt collectors are everywhere and their tactics are downright frightening for most people. Some are threatened with arrest, exposure to employers, or humiliating calls to friends, relatives and neighbors. Every day we receive calls from scared, angry consumers in … Continue reading →

We all know how important credit reports/scores are to our daily lives. They determine whether we can buy our dream home, lease a car, or even get a job. But a new study done by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau … Continue reading →

  Every day we receive calls in our office by frantic people that have been caught in payday loan land. It all starts with a short term loan that you anticipate paying back on payday. But what most people don’t … Continue reading →

With all of the holiday spending becoming a distant memory, it can be hard for consumers to keep accurate records about finances. Sleazy fake debt collectors are taking advantage of this vulnerability and using it to their advantage. The Consumer … Continue reading →

The financial crisis that began 5 years ago hurt a lot of Americans, as millions lost their jobs and homes. As consumers fell behind on their credit cards and other debts, the debt collection industry boomed. In fact, the past … Continue reading →

One of the major complaints filed against debt collectors is that they are contacting the wrong person. This is especially true for people who have common names. But for Doug Dansie, this case of mistaken identity has turned into 6 … Continue reading →

The Federal Trade Commission continues its crackdown on abusive debt collectors with its latest million dollar victory over a Van Nuys debt collection operation, alleging they bullied consumers and deceived them about fees. The deal stems from a 2011 case … Continue reading →

The newest tactic of sleazy debt collectors involves trickery, deception and pictures of hot bikini babes. Welcome to the world of undercover debt collection, where debt collectors pose as hot young girls in bikinis to get you to friend them. … Continue reading →

Recently a CNN story highlighted debt collector horror stories. The latest allegations of abuse of consumers include threats to dig up dead relatives, take their children into protective custody and even to kill the family pet. These gross abuses are … Continue reading →

Credit reports: we know we need them to buy a home, secure a car loan or get approved for a credit card. We worry about our credit score and how to raise it. But a new government study conducted by … Continue reading →

  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unfair practices regarding their credit report. A class of more than 60,000 job applicants recently sued Kmart claiming that Kmart did not inform them … Continue reading →

You may have seen the recent 60 Minutes newscast about the frequency of credit report errors and how hard it is for consumers to dispute mistakes. Most people understand that your credit report will determine how much interest you pay … Continue reading →

Many Americans today are suffering from the financial recession. After years of unreliable job markets, economic instability and dwindling savings accounts, some families are turning to unconventional options to make ends meet. Introducing payday loans. At first glance, they can … Continue reading →

You’ve heard the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” This was a catchphrase used by the Better Business Bureau to alert the public to shady business practices. And it definitely applies to the most … Continue reading →

  You’ve seen the stories on ABC News about the fake debt collection scams harassing millions of Americans. These scammers threaten criminal charges, fraud, arrest and prosecution. The word for this behavior – extortion. The scammers have an enormous amount … Continue reading →

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers in the field of debt collection. One of its provisions deals with lawsuits and the age of debt. The FDCPA prohibits a debt collector from … Continue reading →

Earlier this year, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman claimed a massive victory for consumers by prosecuting two shifty debt collectors in the State of NY. The companies used business names that made it sound as if they were law … Continue reading →

Attorney Generals are cracking down on the shady payday loan industry and winning big. Most recently, the payday loan company CashCall, Inc., after being investigated and sued by the West Virginia Attorney General, was penalized more than $13 million over … Continue reading →

You have heard of the “Big 3” credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. But you may not have heard of the newest one – CoreLogic. For people who want to buy a home, a new FICO credit score … Continue reading →

Accretive Health has been in the news for months now regarding their abusive and illegal debt collection practices in hospitals nationwide. Today we are celebrating the excellent news about the result of the Minnesota Attorney General’s investigation of Accretive Health. … Continue reading →

Americans are generally good at living on credit. Between car loans, mortgages and credit cards, millions of Americans live daily on the financial edge, with significant debt. And some of us can’t pay on time, due to job losses, medical … Continue reading →

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law designed to help consumers fight against abusive and bullying debt collectors. Here are the top five ways that you can make the FDCPA protects you: 1. Your financial situation is … Continue reading →

The debt collection industry has become a $12-billion-a-year business, as people have fallen behind on bills due to exorbitant hospital bills, crushing student loans or sky high interest credit cards. The recession has impacted many Americans lives, resulting in a … Continue reading →

Far and away, the largest volume of calls that I get from frantic consumers is for payday loan collectors. In the hundreds of phone calls that I have received from frantic consumers, I can count on one hand the number … Continue reading →

In June of 2012, the news organizations were all talking about a student loan debt collector who made $454,000 in one year by collecting defaulted student loans. His name is Joshua Mandelman and he works for a specific type of … Continue reading →

Debt collectors can sometimes use the court’s contempt powers to enforce their debts. Even though “Debtors’ Prison” were outlawed in the 1830s, in the ultimate for of bullying people collectors can actually have consumers put in jail under some circumstances. … Continue reading →

In a shocking new study conducted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (America’s cop for consumers), it was discovered that the credit score you may have been banking on to get the lowest rate on your mortgage or credit card … Continue reading →

A recent case by a Wisconsin woman highlights the unbelievable depths to which some debt collectors will sink. They are called “Death Debt Collectors”. The Milwaukee woman is suing Capital One and its lawyers, Phillips & Cohen Associates for pursuing … Continue reading →

Sen Franken from Minnesota has proven himself to be a major consumer advocate. He has recognized the abuses by Accretive Health and others in collecting medical debt and has proposed changes to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”). This … Continue reading →

Accretive Health Care is the collection agency that has been all over the papers lately. They placed debt collectors in hospitals to collect money from consumers. You think that is low? Just wait. The Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson just … Continue reading →

HOT ON THE PRESSES….SUPREME COURT TO HEAR A NEW KEY FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT CASE   Olivia Marx owed a student loan that General Revenue was assigned to collect. GR sent a fax to Ms. Marx’s employer. This form … Continue reading →

  The Statute of Limitations for an action under Fair Credit Reporting Act is as follows: An action must be filed two years after plaintiff discovers the violation or five years after the violation occurs, whichever is earlier. But you … Continue reading →

Experian has recently announced that its creating a new credit scoring system to help people who live off the financial grid. These are people who cannot traditionally obtain bank loans. Experian’s new credit scoring system would consider a variety of … Continue reading →

Many people think that hiring a lawyer is expensive. Today I’d like to explain to you how and why I am able to represent you, the consumer, for free against bullying debt collectors. First, under the federal law, the Fair … Continue reading →

Does your generation decide your debt or credit score? The credit reporting agency Experian has completed a trend study on the four generational age groups regarding debt and credit scores. The results just may surprise you, and prompt you to … Continue reading →

What Debt Collector’s Won’t Tell You The less you know your rights, the greater a debt collector’s advantage is over you. A recent article on MSN Money by Gerri Detweiler of Credit.com outlines the most common omissions of debt collectors. … Continue reading →