Browsing Tag weekly 10

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

Week of August 22, 2010

1. BBB Warns About Bogus Debt Collectors; Local Woman Targeted

(KWTX.com, 08/27/10)

The Better Business Bureau issued a bulletin Friday warning about phony debt collection callers who claim to be from the Kentucky-based payday loan company U.S. Cash Advance.”

2. HEPSEN v. J.C. CHRISTENSEN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

(Leagle.com, 08/25/10)

This appeal concerns an award of attorneys’ fees under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. After a one-day bench trial before a magistrate judge, Defendant J.C. Christensen and Associates, Inc. (“Christensen”), was found to have committed two violations of the FDCPA. The magistrate judge awarded Plaintiff Ahmet Hepsen (“Hepsen”) $500 in statutory damages. Having prevailed in his FDCPA action, Hepsen filed a motion for an award of attorneys’ fees under the FDCPA. At the time the magistrate judge ruled on the motion, Hepsen sought $54,273.50 in attorneys’ fees. Hepsen did not receive the requested $54,273.50..”

3. Debt collector accused of continuing to run an agency from prison

(Buffalo News, 08/25/10)

A Lancaster man imprisoned on a parole violation has been accused by Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo of illegally operating his Buffalo debt collection agency from federal prison.

4. Ramos bill would set criteria for reporting outstanding health care debt

(NJ.com, 08/24/10)

Hoboken Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. will introduce legislation that would require health care providers to notify patients with outstanding debt before reporting them to a private collection agency or consumer reporting agency.”

5. City approves new system to collect unpaid taxes

(Lancaster Eagle Gazette, 08/24/10)

Lancaster will enter into a new agreement with a tax collection agency in an effort to acquire money owed to the city, but not paid.”

6. Lawsuits Filed Against Agencies, Creditors Decline

(Credit & Collections Risk, 08/24/10)

The number of collection agencies and creditors sued between August 1-15 totaled 426, down from 488 sued in the July 16-31 period, but up from 389 in the first half of July, according to data from U.S. District Courts.”

7. Collection Agencies Maintain Growth Posture in Tough Economy

(insideARM.com, 08/18/10)

An increase in placements and portfolio supply has prompted collection agencies and debt buyers to hire people recently. Meanwhile, the performance outlook for the ARM industry remains strained.”

8. Kaulkin Gingsberg’s Michael Lamm asks, “What is Your “Plan of Attack”?

(insideARM.com, 08/24/10)

I love the summer. Who doesn’t?  It is a great time to be with your family and friends and to be outside if it is not 100 degrees and humid, like it has been in the Philadelphia area recently!  It is also a good time to reflect on how the year has been going with your debt collection agency, and to figure out your “plan of attack” for the remainder of the year and 2011.”

9. Final Changes Restricting Credit Cards will have Lingering Impact on ARM

(insideARM.com, 08/23/10)

The rules of the game governing credit cards are changing yet again, as the final provisions of federal legislation involving credit card interest rates and fees went into effect yesterday. The big buzz this is creating is centered on credit card interest rates reaching a nine-year high, expected to go up even further in light of these new restrictions.”

10. TOTAL U.S. BANKRUPTCIES IN FIRST HALF OF 2010 UP 14 PERCENT OVER FIRST HALF OF 2009

(American Bankruptcy Institute press release, 08/17/10)

The total number of U.S. bankruptcies filed during the first six months of 2010 increased 14 percent over the same six-month period in 2009, according to data released today by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Total filings reached 810,209 during the first half of the calendar year of 2010 (January 1-June 30), compared to 711,550 cases filed over the same period in 2009. The totals represent the highest number of filings for the first six months of a calendar year since 2005, when the Bankruptcy Code was amended.”

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

Week of August 15, 2010

1. ‘The Huckebee Show’ Features ‘Debt Collectors Gone Wild’ (VIDEO)

(TVSquad.com, 08/17/10)

The Huckebee Show‘ (weekdays, syndicated) on Tuesday featured the cautionary tale of Michelle Minton. The mother of two young children received a call from a bill collector — who also represented himself as a lawyer — claiming she owed $4,500.”

2. Judgments Are Not Worth The Paper They’re Printed On

(JD SUPRA, 08/19/10)

The current economic crisis is making the debt collectors scared. When there’s no money to put food on the table, even a favorable judgment through the courts means nothing. The judgment by itself doesn’t get you paid, according to Cincinnati debt collection law firm Slovin & Associates partner Randy Slovin.”

You can download a .pdf copy of the story here.

3. Minnesota orders debt collector out of business

(Star Tribue, 08/19/10)

A Wayzata debt collector who allegedly told a debtor “I will hunt you down like a dog” was ordered by state regulators to cease operations in Minnesota.”

4. Local debt-collection business expands to Sartell

(sctimes.com, 08/19/10)

A local debt collector’s business is booming — and its space is growing along with it.  Array Services is building a new home for one of its companies, ProSource Billing. Later this fall it will move into a new 23,000-square-foot facility in Sartell. Construction has already begun.”

5. SMITH v. ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC

(Leagle.com, 08/17/10)

This is a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) case in which Plaintiff Pamela E. Smith alleges that Defendant violated provisions of the Act through three voicemail messages and one email exchange. Defendant’s position is that both the voicemails and emails were left or sent in response to a specific request by Plaintiff at least a year into an ongoing and regular communication between Plaintiff and Defendant, and therefore were not in violation of the Act.”

6. Five men detained over debt collection released

(IrishTimes.com, 08/19/10)

FIVE MEN arrested by gardaí investigating aggressive debt collecting practices in the building trade in Dublin have been released without charge.”

7. Actions taken by debt collection agencies are limited by law in Oklahoma

(NewsOK, 08/18/10)

Seniors, beware. If you’re being harassed by calls from debt collectors, don’t be bullied into paying anything before knowing the law. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations on most debt is three years and if you pay even as little as $5 on an old debt, you’ll reset the clock.”

8. Collection effort pays off

(TribToday.com, 08/18/10)

Warren’s debt collection agency has netted nearly $340,000 for city coffers since it started working on delinquent accounts four months ago.”

9. ANCHONDO v. ANDERSON, CRENSHAW & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.

(Leagle.com, 08/16/10)

Defendant Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, L.L.C. (ACA) appeals from a district court order awarding plaintiff Elsa Anchondo $63,333.52 in attorney fees, gross receipts tax, and costs under 15 U.S.C. § 1692k(a) after ACA agreed to a settlement in favor of Ms. Anchondo and the class she represents on their claims against ACA under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). ACA contends the district court erred in certain respects in determining the amount of the attorney fee award. We review the district court’s award for an abuse of discretion, see, e.g., Jane L. v. Bangerter, 61 F.3d 1505, 1509 (10th Cir. 1995), and affirm for the reasons expressed below.”

10. Collection Agency Opens Case On Anthony’s Court Debt

(WESH.com, 08/17/10)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Court records show that a collection agency has opened a case to recover money Casey Anthony owes on her theft case.”

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 August 1, 2010

1. ‘Debt tagging’ by collection agencies a growing problem

(The Washington Post, 08/08/10)

Is it true that debt collectors are increasingly trying to collect from the wrong people?

2. Seminar on helping small businesses collect debts to be held in Massena, NY in September

(North Country Now, 08/07/10)

Northern Asset Recovery will be offering a seminar designed to assist small businesses in collecting their debts.”

3. NCLC Releases Report on “The Debt Collection Machine”

(ACA International, 08/06/10)

The National Consumer Law Center recently released a report claiming that the collection industry treats consumers unfairly and burdens the court systems.

4. Mickey Rourke – Rourke Nearly Shot Man As Debt Collector

(Contactmusic.com, 08/07/10)

Hollywood tough guy MICKEY ROURKE nearly shot a man during his work as a debt collector, when his gun misfired during a heated exchange with a delinquent borrower.”

5. Martin Sher of Birmingham Takes the Gavel as President of International Trade Association

(PRWeb.com, 08/06/10)

Martin Sher, a Birmingham, Ala businessman has been named the 2010-2011 president of ACA International, the association of credit and collection professionals. Sher, co-owner with his brother David of AmSher Receivables Management, assumed the president’s gavel in July at the ACA International Convention in Washington D.C.”

6. Richmond Using Collection Agency for $3M in Unpaid Tickets

(WTVR.com, 08/06/10)

The City of Richmond, Virginia is chasing down $3 million in unpaid parking tickets.
 

7. Collector sued after sending fax to debtor’s employer

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/05/10)

According to court records, Check Recovery Services sent a fax to [David] Oefelein’s work requesting verification of his employment which included his full social security number. The plaintiff states he was embarrassed that this was sent to his work and also concerned that the information contained his social security number.”

8. Guns don’t kill people, debt collectors kill people?

(insideARM.com, 08/06/10)

Are debt collectors to blame for the recent shootings that left eight people dead in Hartford, Connecticut?

9. Are your collectors a data security risk?

(insideARM.com, 08/03/10)

collector mentor editor Gary Jensen shares some tips on how collection agencies can prevent employee dishonesty.

10. Collection Agency Receives Readership Poll Award

(PRLog.com, 08/04/10)

American Profit Recovery, a collection agency based in Michigan, Massachusetts and North Carolina, recently received the Banker & Tradesman’s First Place Gold Award in the Banking Section/Asset Recovery category for their 2010 readership poll. The award recipients were determined in the BEST OF Banker & Tradesman Poll where readers voted from April 30th – July 2nd to determine who they believe to be the best providers.”

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

Week of July 25, 2010

1. Facebook makes debt collection sweet for creditors

(Business Daily Africa, 08/02/10)

Collectors overseas harness the power of Facebook.

2. Lawsuits Against Agencies, Creditors Down In Early July

(Credit & Collections Risk, 07/30/10)

Is the decline in lawsuits only temporary?

3. CSA Diploma winners celebrate at awards day

(Business Credit Management UK, 07/29/10)

Seventy-two industry professionals successfully passed the UK’s leading accredited credit and collection training program.

4. Portfolio Recovery, Asset Acceptance Q2 Profits Beat

(Rueters.com, 07/29/10)

Two collection agencies beat expectations for second quarter earnings.

5. Laguna Beach hospital chief was also its debt collector

(California Watch, 07/29/10)

Conflict of interest, yes or no? You be the judge. Share your thoughts in the comments section.

6. Could the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection be Positive for Collectors?

(insideARM.com, 07/29/10)

Kaulkin Media president Stephanie Eidelman shares her opinion on the highly anticipated BCFP.

7. Debt collection firm Affiliated Group to add up to 60 employees

(Post-Bulletin, 07/28/10)

A Rochester, Minnesota collection agency lands large municipal government contract; has plans to hire 30 new employees by the end of September.

8. New York Debt Collector Settles Wrongful Collection Charges

(Credit & Collections Risk, 07/27/10)

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo settles with yet another collection agency. This time: $125,000.

9. Terminally ill Jupiter Farms woman behind on home loan alleges collector taunted, harassed her

(The Palm Beach Post, 07/25/10)

Collection calls regarding a past due mortgage cause woman terminally ill with brain cancer to collapse in front yard.

10. insideARM.com Appoints Forward Thinking Editorial Board

(insideARM.com, 07/28/10)

With its eyes set on shifting the public conversation about the ARM industry, insideARM.comrecently unveiled a 16 member editorial board to help ensure a balanced perspective.

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

Week of July 18, 2010

1. Debt collection lands 3 men in Utah County jail

(ksl.com, 07/22/10)

Three men rush into a home in an attempt to recoup $400.

P.S. – If you are looking for a juicy story about a collection agency violating the law you’ll be disappointed.

2. Debt Collection: A Look Inside Collection Training

(PRLog.org, 07/22/10)

Michael Brazier of Freedom Debt Management reviews six tactics that collectors are using to “manipulate” or “trap” customers. Brazier lists thinking positively as one of those methods. Seriously? Positive thinking?

3. Debt collection can be a dirty business

(Tampa Bay Online, 07/21/10)

Attorney Jeff Kaufman says about debt collectors: “You’re talking about a bunch of guys in boiler rooms…these people do whatever they want…It’s pretty dirty.” Kaufman goes on to say that collectors “prey upon the weak” and calls collectors “creepy human beings.”

Too many movies perhaps?

4. Collecting a bounced check takes 1,600 days

(HAARETZ.com, access 7/23/10)

Interesting collection statistics from Israel. Buckle up. 

5. Some debt collectors turn to Facebook

(Arizona Daily Star, 07/20/10)

Consumer claims to be broke. Facebook photos show Corvette and fishing trip. Consumer decides to pay bill in full.

6. Collection Agency Welcomes New Team Members in Michigan Office

(PRLog.org, 07/19/10)

American Profit Recovery adds three to their sales team.

7. ‘RealHousewives of New Jersey’ star Danielle Staub files report with Wayne police

(NorthJersey.com, 07/19/10)

It doesn’t involve a professional debt collector, but we just couldn’t resist the story about a 30 year old debt and 50 phone calls in one day.

8. Debt Collection From the Collector’s Point of View

(The Atlantic, 07/16/10)

Editor Megan McArdle piggybacks off of CNN’s “confessions” slideshow and asserts that “The fact is, collecting money from those who owe it is a miserable job.  That means that the people who do it are going to be miserable–and that it’s probably hard to attract high quality workers.” Is this really a fact? Share your thoughts. 

9. New Financial Regulatory Law to Impact the Debt Collection Industry

(insideARM.com, 7/23/10)

ACA International, The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, issued a press release concerning the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 that President Obama recently signed into law. You might also be interested in FDCPA Defense Attorney Tomio Narita’s overview for collectors which can be found here.

10. CNN Spins Words of Ex-Debt Collectors into “Confessions”

(insideARM.com, 07/21/10)

insideARM.com’s managing editor Michael Klozotsky gives his two cents on  CNN’s “confessions” slideshow. You don’t want to miss this post.

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

Week of July 11, 2010

1. CBE Group Employees Launch Internal Code of Ethics

(PRWeb.com 07/16/10)

Employees at an Iowa-based collection agency–CBE Group–have created a Code of Ethics “written by employees, for employees.”

2. FTC to probe courts’ jailing of debtors

(StarTribune.com 07/15/10)

Senator Al Franken urges the FTC to take action to prevent debt collections from “abusing the state court to reap profits.”

3. Utah collection agency agrees to $55,000 penalty and fees for work in Idaho

(IdahoStatesman.com 07/15/10)

Unlicensed debt collections costs Utah-based collection agency $55,000.

4. Confessions of former debt collectors

(CNNMoney.com, accessed 07/17/10)

Ten people share their debt collection experience.

5. NPR finds debt collectors using Facebook to track delinquent borrowers

(businessjournalism.org 07/15/10)

Debt collectors turn to social media to find assets and contact information.

6. Vt. attorney general alleges debt “relief” firms often make things worse

(TimesArgus.com 07/18/10)

Are those late night commercials too good to be true?

7. Automated Debt-Collection Lawsuits Engulf Courts

(The New York Times 07/12/10)

Writer Andrew Martin sheds light on how collection lawsuits are “straining” the court system.

8. Iowa resident sues Texas collection company over harassing telephone calls

(The Southeast Texas Record 07/12/10)

An Iowa man is suing over allegations that an agency called repeatedly and continuously with the intent to annoy, abuse, and harass him.

9. New bill may keep deadbeat dads from cell phones, state jobs

(HAARETZ.com, 7/13/10)

There is talk in Israel that “men who refuse to pay child support will be banned from public office, denied benefits from state institutions and forbidden from having mobile phones, if a new government bill is passed.”

10. Kids’ Money Questions: Mom, Are You a Deadbeat?

(The New York Times 07/12/10)

What would you tell your child if he or she questions why bills are going unpaid?

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.

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

Week of June 20, 2010

1. Woman sues debt collector for using profanity

(The Southeast Texas Record 06/23/10)

A Texas woman is suing a collection agency over allegations that the debt collector used profane language when attempting to collect a debt and placed calls to her as late as 10pm.

2. Suthers Warns About Phony Debt Collection Calls

(CBS4Denver.com 06/22/10)

Callers with foreign accents are demanding prompt payment from Colorado residents and threatening legal action if payment is not received right away. But, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers says not so fast-the calls appear to be bogus.

3. Spencer couple sues banks for collection violations

(The West Virginia Record 06/22/10)

Couple has eyes set on banks over alleged collection practices.

4. Tough Times Projected for Debt Collectors

(CreditInfoCenter.com press release, accessed 06/24/10)

CreditInfoCenter.com is predicting that the debt collections industry should prepare for a rough ride.

5. Summit Account Resolution Achieves a Perfect A+ BBB Rating

(Summit Account Resolution press release, accessed 06/21/10)

A Minnesota-based collection agency has earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Further proof that not all collectors are “bad guys.”

6. Rein in wild debt collectors: Thousands of New Yorkers are being unfairly targeted

(NYDailyNews.com 06/20/10)

Columnist Errol Louis sheds light on “junk lawsuits” which are “clogging the courts” in New York. The article goes on to state, however, “Nobody is suggesting that people get out of paying legal, legitimate debts.”

7. Top 5 Celebrity Bankruptcies

(MyBankTracker 6/24/10)

Actress Kim Basinger,  musicians MC Hammer and Cyndi Lauper, blogger elite Perez Hilton,  and former US President Abraham Lincoln prove that even successful people can fall on hard times.

8. LexisNexis Risk Solutions Simplifies Skip Tracing and Enhances Collections Productivity

(insideARM.com 06/23/10)

The new “Skip Wizard” accelerates the skip tracing process and helps new skip tracers be more productive.

9. A Powerful Group Aligns Against the ARM Industry

(insideARM.com 06/22/10)

insideARM.com’s Patrick Lundsford shares his reaction to the recent press release issued by a New York chapter of AARP.

10. Columbia Ultimate President and CEO to Receive ACA International Award

(Columbia Ultimate press release, 06/22/10)

Columbia Ultimate’s R. Fred Houston set to receive ACA’s Affiliate Member Award of Excellence.