Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of August 8, 2010

1. Woman suing loan company after debt collector goes to her work

(WFAA-TV, 08/13/10)

Being late on a loan has turned into a fiasco that a Fort Worth woman never expected. The debt collector showed up at her job and the ensuing drama didn’t end until police were called.”

2. Debt Collector Gives His Time and Money to Feeding Kansas Citys Hungry

(Debtcollectionagencysoftware.com, accessed 08/13/10)

What started four years as a selfless way to give back to people in his community has grown into a passion for Shawnee, Kan. resident Arthur Lott. Today, Lott purchases, prepares and delivers more than 450 meals to men, women and children at three Kansas City, Mo. homeless shelters each month.”

3. Article On Why The FDCPA Is Designed To Protect Debt Collectors

(Alabama Consumer Law Blog, 08/04/10)

When we think about who the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is designed to protect we don’t normally think of . . . debt collectors. In a new article we explain how the FDCPA is designed to protect honorable . . . law abiding debt collectors from those debt collectors that are abusive and dishonorable.”

4. Raleigh woman sues JCPenney Credit for unfair practices

(The West Virginia Record, 08/12/10)

A Raleigh County woman is suing JCPenney Credit Services, General Electric and NCO Financial Systems after she claims they engaged in unlawful debt collection, unfair or deceptive practices and invasion of privacy, among other things.”

5. 3 things you should never say to a debt collector

(Wallet Pop, 08/12/10)

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox offers consumers three tips for dealing with collectors. Do you agree?

6. Lawsuits Against Collection Agencies, Creditors Spike

(Credit & Collections Risk, 08/12/10)

The number of collection agencies and creditors sued under various consumer statutes spiked to 480 in the second half of July, compared with 389 in the first half, according to data from U.S. District Courts.”

7. Debt collector for $200 bill gets nailed for $1.5-million judgment

(Hanna Boucher’s blog, 08/12/10)

I have worked in the  collections field for over 20 years.  I followed the FDCPA and was compliant.  Most collectors I have seen have been in the grey area. Then there are even many more that I see violate the FDCPA completely while the company owners are aware of it.”

8. Collection law firm sued for attempting to collect debt

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A professional collection law firm is being sued after placing telephone calls to a Texas resident without disclosing they were attempting to collect a debt.”

9. Consumer files two lawsuits against debt collectors

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A Lewisville resident has filed two lawsuits against debt collectors for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”

10. Collection Agency Promotes “Good” Stories of the Collection Industry

(Collections Recon, 08/11/10)

American Profit Recovery,  a collection agency based in Michigan, Massachusetts and North Carolina, recently posted a number of short stories and profiles geared toward showing the general public and others that there are many aspects of the collection industry that go unreported, are misrepresented and intentionally covered in the media one-sided. The stories focus on how the agency has helped businesses and consumers come together in a diplomatic way to resolve debt, not just collect debt. The profiles can be read here at: http://www.collectionagencyblog.com“

Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of June 27, 2010

1. 11 arrested in Taipei for debt collection, betting operations

(The China Post 07/02/10)

The Criminal Investigation Bureau busts gang of illegal collectors and uncovers “… machetes, hammers, wooden sticks, and instant glue, among other items, which were used to assault debtors who failed to return loan fees … “. 

2. DebtCollector Harrasses, Threatens Local Family 

(WESH.com Orlando 07/01/10)

Debt collector caught on tape threatening arrest and harassing a consumer’s 10-year-old daughter.

3. Collection agency to put center in Augusta, GA

(Businessweek 07/01/10)

Convergent ERS to is bringing a new call center to Augusta, Georgia with hopes of hiring 400 employees over the next 18 months.

4. Payback? Consumer lawsuits against bill collectors skyrocket

(The Miami Herald, 07/02/10)

WebRecon’s Jack Gordon talks about the latest lawsuit statistics.

5. Missouri Court Dismisses Missouri Attorney General’s Lawsuit Against Portfolio Recovery Associates

(Market Watch, 06/29/10)

It’s rare these days to see a judge rule in favor of a collection agency, but that’s what recently happened in Missouri.

6. Debt Collector Calling Neighbors, Informing Them of Financial Trouble

(cbsatlanta.com, 06/28/10)

Contacting a consumer’s neighbor inspires investigative story. Video included.

7. CreditCard Debt Delinquencies May Lead to More Illegal Debt Collection, Creditor Harrassment, and Bankruptcy Filings

(Debt Free League press release, accessed on earthtimes.org 06/27/10)

Eric Santacruz, vice president of San Diego, California’s Debt Free League, offers some interesting predictions for the credit and collection industry.

8. Forget to pay court costs? You may get a call from a collection agency chasing unpaid fines, fees

(jacksonsun.com 06/27/10)

Florida clerk of court turns to collection agency for assistance in recovering $3.2 million in unpaid fines and court costs.

9. Portfolio Recovery Associates Appoints New Attorneys

(Portfolio Recovery Associates press release, accessed on insideARM.com 07/01/10)

Portfolio Recovery Associates’ Executive vice president and general counsel Judy Scott announces the addition of five new attorneys to the PRA team. New members include: Trey Huelsberg, Beaufort “Shawn” Martin, Franci Ware, Kevin Duffan, and Brian Pearson.

10. Very Competitive Field in ED Collection Performance Rankings

(insideARM.com, 07/01/10)

Cynthia Wilson offers the latest insight and statistics on the Department of Education’s third-party collection efforts.