Browsing Tag positive collection stories

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 July 4, 2010

1. State yanks license of collection agency

(SJ-R.com 07/09/10)

A Springfield, Illinois collection agency has been fined $55,000 in addition to having its license revoked.

2. Debt collectors get nasty

(CNNMoney.com 07/10/10)

CNN staff reporter Blake Ellis uses statistics from the FTCs 2009 annual report on the FDCPA to make the claim that debt collectors are “getting desperate and dirty.”

3. Debt Collector Shot Dead While Riding Scooter in Front of School

(GetOutofDebt.org 07/08/10)

A Malaysian debt collector was shot twice from behind in what appears to be an act of revenge.

4. Lawsuits Filed Against 471 Agencies, Creditors

(Collections & Credit Risk, 07/09/10)

In the second half of June it is estimated that 471 collection agencies and creditors were sued. Hopefully your’s wasn’t one of them.

5. New Colorado Collection Agency Requirements Misguided, Say ARM Leaders

(insideARM.com, 07/09/10)

Is it possible that Colorado is enacting legislation to deal with a problem that doesn’t even exist? Some think so. Do you agree?

6. Kaulkin Media Appoints Stephanie Eidelman President to Drive Change

(insideARM.com, 07/08/10)

Kaulkin Media has appointed a new president who is ready to shift the public conversation about the industry.

7. Collection Agency Runs Free Baseball Camp for 50 Kids

(insideARM.com, 07/08/10)

Former Brewers baseball player and current owner of National Recovery Service, Brad DeKraai, recently hosted a free baseball camp for Kansas children.

8. Susan Smith Recognized as “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Women

(MKS Financial Services press release, 07/08/10)

MKS Financial Services’ executive vice president Susan Smith receives honor of as The National Association of Professional Women’s “Woman of the Year.”

9. MicroBilt Corporation Launches New Blog, Newsletter and Forum Resources

(MicroBilt Corporation press release, accessed 07/05/10)

MicroBilt recently unveiled a new blog, newsletter, and forum which will provide useful information to members of the credit and collection industry.

10. FDCPA Plaintiff Attorney Suspended from Practicing Law by State

(insideARM.com, 07/02/10)

The Minnesota Supreme Court has suspended Thomas Lyons from practicing law in the state.

 PRESS RELEASE

HOUSTON, TX –May 6, 2010– Marion Financial Corp. is pleased to announce that two high school seniors have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship for the 2010–2011 academic years. The recipients of the eleventh annual Marion Financial Corp. Scholarship Award are:

• Emily Stephens, whose father is employed at Resurgent Capital Services, plans to attend Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
• Alfred von Krusenstiern, whose father is employed at Coface Collections North America, Inc., is finalizing his options regarding several colleges and universities.

The purpose of the Marion Scholarship is to provide assistance to further the educational development of students who have an affiliation with the Accounts Receivable Management Industry. The competition for this year’s awards was open to the graduating class of 2010 high school students who are employed, or the child of an employee, in the Accounts Receivable Management Industry.

The Marion Scholarship is for high school seniors beginning their first year at any accredited public or private college, university or trade school. To apply, students were asked to complete an application form and submit an essay entitled “Why Further Education is Important to Me”. The recipients were selected based on their essay, grade point average and extra-curricular activities.

Marion Financial Corp. would like to extend their gratitude to judges Dan Desatnick, and Loraine Lyons for their continued commitment to the scholarship selection process.

For more information, contact Tom Edens or Jill Mussman, Marion Scholarship Committee by phone at (713) 988-8000, or by e-mail: mussman@marionfinancial.com.

In my last post I called attention to the awesome contest going on over at InsideARM.com (Share Your Best Collections Story and Win $50!).

The contest closed a few days ago, and the entries have been filtered down to the final five. The polls are currently open and I encourage you to stop by and vote for your favorite story.

Here is a brief overview of the finalists:

• KEEPING INSURERS HONEST – Read how one collector helped a consumer get to the bottom of a $240,000 account.
• COLLECTORS HELP SHOOTING VICTIM – Collectors in one agency raise $2,000 to pay off an account for a consumer who fell victim to a mass shooting in a mall.
• THANK YOU, GRETTA – Ever receive a thank you note from a thankful customer? Read along as Monica expresses her gratitude for one collector’s willingness to help her find a solution.
• STICK TO THE BUDGET – A collector helps a young couple develop a budget to pay their bills. Two years later they come back — debt free — for additional advice as they plan for buying a house.
• DREAM HOME – A collector receives a thank-you note after helping a customer close on her new house by clearing up misinformation.

Photo on Flickr c/o Theresa Thompson

 InsideARM.com is currently running a contest for the Best Collection Story! And, get this…the winner will get their hands on a crisp $50 bill! Cha-ching!But, you gotta hurry. The contest closes on April 30th! Here are the details c/o of InsideARM.com: 

 Debt collectors: We’re looking for the best collection stories in the industry. They can be inspiring, funny, poignant…whatever you’ve got. 

 We’ll pick the top submissions and then showcase the finalists on insideARM for a reader vote to determine a winner.. The story with the most votes wins a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. 

 This is the first contest in a series we will be running for ARM professionals. We want to show the world that collectors approach their work basically the same way as everyone else, even if our stories are unique to the collection industry. Be on the lookout for more contests, complete with prizes, very soon. 

 So send in those stories where you helped someone with a long-running debt, or received payment in full in nickels, or had a consumer speak to you in Scooby Doo’s voice. There are no guidelines, just please keep the stories clean and respectful. 

 Submissions will be accepted until April 30, with voting beginning the following week on this page. 

 Email editor@insidearm.com or use the form here http://www.insidearm.com/go/story-contest to submit your story. Remember: you only have until April 30.

Gibbsboro, NJ, 11/19/09 – Jaws Youth Fund (JYF) is pleased to announce that it is teaming-up with LEIB Solutions for a holiday Toy Drive. LEIB Solutions will collect items for the toy drive through employees, clients and business partners,. It will run from Thanksgiving to December 19, 2009

LEIB is collecting new, unwrapped toys or books which the Jaws Youth Fund will distribute to several Camden-area programs including: Center for Family Services, MLK Child Development Center, El Centro Child Care Center and Mi Casita Child Care.

“Everyone at the LEIB is excited about giving back to the community. This is a special time of the year, and we’re happy that we can help make a difference,” said Bryan E. Leib, Vice President of Operations, LEIB Solutions. “We are especially appreciative of Jaws Youth Fund and United Way of Camden County for their assistance in ensuring that the toys get to deserving families.”

“We are honored to partner with LEIB to help us extend our outreach, and to make a difference in the lives of deserving families during the holiday season,” said Ron Jaworski, Founder Jaws Youth Fund and ESPN Analyst.

About LEIB Solutions
LEIB Solutions, www.leibsolutions.com, is a full service Accounts Receivable Management company, handling Domestic and International accounts receivables for small, mid-size and large companies. Founded in 1986, LEIB and it’s management team have been the recipients of many awards and certifications over the last 23 years. Respect. Tenacity. Results.

About Jaws Youth Fund
The United Way of Camden County Jaws Youth Fund, www.RonJaworski.com, is a partnership by United Way of Camden County and the family of Ron Jaworski, ESPN’s Monday Night Football Analyst and former NFL Eagles Great. The JAWS Youth Fund is an initiative serving at-risk youth throughout Camden County and the Delaware Valley region.

United Way and the Jaworski Family are committed to giving children a better life by creating opportunities for them to be successful. Through special events fundraising, the United Way JAWS Youth Fund has delivered over $2.5 million to over 70 non-profit organizations providing services to children ages 7-18. These programs must provide clear goals and demonstrated outcomes

————————-
LEIB Solutions

20 East Clementon Road, Suite 100 South

Gibbsboro, New Jersey USA 08026

www.leibsolutions.com

Industry Pros Set to Tackle Topics on Skiptracing, Commercial Collections

ADEL, IOWA — Skills World announced today that credit and collections industry experts Steve Taylor and Bryan Leib have joined its popular publication, collector mentor, as columnists.

Taylor, president of RZD Investigative Group, will offer advice and insight on the topic of skiptracing. His experience as a private investigator, trainer, and management executive will provide valuable perspective for professionals involved in locating customers and assets.

“Steve takes skiptracing very seriously. It’s his ‘thing,’” said Gary Jensen, founder and chief learning officer at Skills World and collector mentor editor. “His insight will help fellow industry professionals become better informed about the fine art of skiptracing.”

Leib, a second-generation collector and vice president of operations for Leib Solutions, one of the nation’s premier commercial collection agencies, will address commercial collections.

“Bryan’s experience working with many of the nation’s top Fortune 500 companies will be of great value to our first-party and commercial collection subscribers,” Jensen said. “The economic tornado has left a path of destruction for many creditors, and now those subscribers will be able to benefit from a voice that specifically addresses the unique challenges of commercial collections.”

As the premier skill-development publication for credit and collections professionals,
collector mentor delivers insightful and powerful articles in the areas of collections, credit, skiptracing, industry regulations, and soft business skills.

For more information about collector mentor, or to download a sample electronic copy, please
visit www.collectormentor.com.

# # # # # # # # # #

About Steve Taylor
Steve is the founder and president of RZD Investigative Group, www.skiptraceconsultants.com, a company specializing in skiptrace training. Steve has dedicated his career to the recovery industry and is a licensed private investigator. Steve’s articles have been featured in several industry publications and he has been a featured guest on radio talk shows. He’s active in social media networks and administers one of LinkedIn.com’s largest credit and collection industry groups, Credit and Collections, which boasts nearly 5,000 members.

About Bryan Leib
Bryan Leib is the vice president of operations for Leib Solutions, www.leibsolutions.com , a best-in-breed commercial collection firm founded in 1986. Bryan is an active member of the Commercial Law League of America and Commercial Collection Agency Association where he serves on the Triadic, Marketing and Education Committees. In addition, Bryan received his Senior Certified Collection Professional (SCCP) designation in 2006 from the Commercial Collection Agency Association. He is a frequent speaker at several industry events.

Three Industry Pros Appointed to collector mentor Editorial Advisory Board
Brockman, Canter, and Freeland add niche experience, diversity

ADEL, IOWA (April 28, 2009) — Skills World, publisher of the popular credit and collections training tool collector mentor, announces the appointment of Bill Brockman, Ronald S. Canter, Esq., and Carol Freeland to the publication’s editorial advisory board.

“The decision to expand the number of board members from five to eight was driven by an increasingly diverse subscriber base,” said Gary Jensen, chief learning officer for Skills World. “As our subscriber base branches into niche markets, we want to fully consider our audience’s needs and ensure that editorial provides balanced coverage.”

Brockman is a Government Collection Specialist with GE Healthcare. With more than 16 years of accounts receivable experience, his background includes third-party collections, healthcare receivables consulting, legal collections, repossessions, and commercial collections. In addition to his accounts receivables industry experience, Brockman spent 15 years in the United States Army where he was awarded numerous service and achievement medals. Brockman is a graduate from Cardinal Stritch University.

“Bill’s collections and credit risk experience at such well known companies as TMP Worldwide, CNAC, and Kohn Law Firm will add strength and depth to the board’s knowledge base,” Jensen said.

Canter, founding member of The Law Offices of Ronald S. Canter, is a recognized authority on creditors’ rights and credit and collection regulations. Canter is an AV rated attorney who has also served in leadership roles with ACA International, the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys, as well as local and state bar associations. Canter was the counsel of record for the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys in Heintz v. Jenkins, the only FDCPA case to reach the Supreme Court. He is a graduate from the University of Maryland School of Law.

“Ron is very highly regarded in the industry for his leadership, dedication, and knowledge. His advanced understating of credit and collection regulations is a tremendous addition,” Jensen said.

Freeland is president and founder of consulting firm Acts Plus. A seasoned executive, Freeland worked with PRM Financial Services for 16 years overseeing human resources, compliance, operations, and training functions among other duties. She has served as the chair for ACA International’s Asset Buyers Division since 2004 and she has been a familiar face on Capitol Hill. Freeland is a graduate from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

“Carol’s experience, professional accomplishments, and keen industry insight will further balance the overall perspective of the board,” Jensen said.

The editorial advisory board also includes Michelle Dunn, president of Michelle Dunn’s Credit and Collections Association; David Glezerman, bursar at Temple University; Matthew Campbell, collections manager at Remit Corporation; Matt Twitty, customer care manager at Advantage Travel; and Debra Schulze, vice president of collections at VyStar Credit Union.

As the premier skill-development publication for frontline credit and collections professionals, collector mentor delivers insightful and powerful articles in the areas of collections, credit, skiptracing, industry regulations, and soft business skills.

The abundance of negative news stories can make it very difficult to keep in mind the positive impact that collectors have. So I thought I’d share an article with you.

This story, Making a Difference One Call at a Time, appeared in the Nov/Dec issue of collector mentor.

We hope you (and your staff) enjoy.

Gary Jensen editor

Press Release

March 30, 2009

Leib Solutions, www.leibsolutions.com , a leading provider of commercial collection services to the insurance, healthcare and legal services industry, has announced the inauguration of The President’s Circle.

The President’s Circle has been launched to recognize the top recovery specialist companywide each month. “We believe that it is an honor to be singled out, and listed with a select group of distinguished individuals who continually excel in all aspects of commercial collections”, said Bryan E. Leib, Vice President of Operations for Leib Solutions.

Mr Leib also added, “We are very pleased to have another avenue of recognizing our top producers for their tireless work ethic, responsive customer service and above-average collection results.”

The recovery specialist will receive their choice of a cash bonus or paid-time-off, as well as having their name engraved on a plaque honoring their accomplishment. They will also attend a special luncheon with the President, Robert. G. Leib.