Consumer ProtectionWe’re trying to make it easy for you to find the relevant information you need concerning your states consumer protection laws relating to debt collection. The Office of the Attorney General for your state provides guidance with legal issues and disputes. Your state attorney general investigates and files civil actions against persons who engage in unfair business methods, including debt collectors and debt collection agencies. Debt collection activities usually fall under the consumer protection category. Since links change all the time, we’ve provided the titles to the articles of interest and a brief excerpt. The actual article should appear in the top 5 search results. Alaska Attorney GeneralAlaska Collection Agency Statutes The Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing staffs the collection agency program. ... takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws. ...Alaska online business license service ... Collection agencies must also obtain an Business License ... Alabama Attorney GeneralAttorney General's Office of Consumer Affairs ... (1) serves as a mediator of consumers' complaints that relate to a retail transaction; (2) investigates allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a business which may violate state or certain federal laws; and (3) offers information and consumer education to the public about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. ...Arizona Attorney GeneralCollection agency complaints Where can I file a complaint against an Arizona collection agency?Identity theft Arizona identity theft message from the Attorney General Arkansas Attorney GeneralFiling a Complaint with the Attorney General's Office If you are unable to resolve your complaint yourself, you may contact the Consumer Protection Division for assistance. ...Credit Repair Scams ... Before paying any money, contact the Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against the company. ... Fair Debt Collection Practices People fail to meet their credit obligations for a variety of reasons. These range from over-extension of finances to unemployment and illness. Whatever the reason, every person is protected by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. ... Legal Services Tip Sheet Two Legal Services programs in Arkansas serve clients in all seventy-five counties. Branch offices are also located throughout the state. ... Guide to Small Claims Court ... No actions may be filed in a Small Claims Court by any collection agency, collection agent or any other person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation involved in the business of lending money with interest. ... California Attorney GeneralRepairing Your Credit ... Checking your credit report regularly for errors and having misinformation corrected immediately can minimize surprises. There are three main nationwide credit bureaus that compile credit report information. ...CREDIT COUNSELING ... In California, the state Department of Corporations, oversees credit counseling agencies. The department's website offers information for checking on your credit counseling agency. ... COLLECTION AGENCIES ... Postdated Checks, Bill Was Paid, Credit Reporting, Interest Charges, Legal Actions, Responding to Debt Collection Agency, Harassment, Call Restrictions, Notification, Partial Payments, Missing Payments, Your rights under California's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This is a general guide and not intended as legal advice. ... Colorado Attorney GeneralADVANCE FEE LOANS Under Colorado law, it is illegal for any person serving as a lender, or holding himself out as capable of obtaining a loan, to charge or collect any fee from a borrower until a borrower actually receives the agreed-upon loan. ...ARBITRATION The Association offers information about all forms of dispute prevention and resolution including mediation, arbitration, ... ATTORNEY GENERAL - CONSUMER PROTECTION SECTION Protects consumers and legitimate businesses against fraud and maintains a competitive business environment by ... (2) enforcing Colorado’s laws on consumer lending, debt collection, rent-to-own, and credit repair; ... BAD CHECKS Any person, knowing he has insufficient funds in their checking account, who, with intent to defraud, writes a check for the payment of services, wages, salary, commissions, labor, rent, money, property, or other thing of value, commits fraud by check. ... BANKRUPTCY ... Chapter 7: A portion of the debtor's assets is liquidated and distributed among creditors by a court-appointed trustee. ... Chapter 13: Debt-protection action for individuals who need to repay their debts from current assets and income. ... BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS ... The BBB in the area where the company is located handles complaints ... credit/billing problems ... COLLECTION AGENCIES ... This agency handles complaints against collection agencies that are operating in violation of the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This is a state law that governs the actions of debt collectors and collection agencies. ... COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE ... In 1877, the United States Supreme Court stated, in an action that questioned the validity of a nonceremonial marriage, that marriages that were valid under common law were still valid unless the state passed a statute specifically forbidding them. Meisher v. Moore, 96 U.S. 76 (1877). ... CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING ... Consumer Credit Counseling Services is a nationwide non-profit organization providing financial education, quality credit counseling, and debt management services. ... COUNTY COURT ... County court handles claims involving claim up to $15,000.00. ... CREDIT CARDS If a credit card is issued by a Colorado company, bank, or credit union, those cards must comply with the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code. ... CREDIT REPAIR AGENCIES ... A credit repair agency is any person or business that, for a fee, advertises or claims they can improve your credit record or report. ... CREDIT REPORTS A credit report is a report compiled and issued by a consumer reporting agency which lists activity which may affect your credit standing, including your creditors, the amount of your debts, your credit limits, late payments, defaults, charge-offs, repossessions and bankruptcies. ... CREDIT SCORES ... Their goal is to determine statistically which consumers are most likely to repay a loan on time and which are most likely to default. The higher your credit score ... DEBT COLLECTION ... harassment by a collection agency. The debt collector may not contact the consumer if the consumer sends a letter telling the debt collector to stop except to say there will be no further contact or to notify the consumer that the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action. ... DEBT-MANAGEMENT SERVICES ... A debt-management service is a service that acts as an intermediary between an individual and one or more creditors of the individual for the purpose of obtaining concessions. ... REPOSSESSION ... Several Colorado statutes relate to repossession as a debt collection remedy, and to the activities of repossessors. ... SMALL CLAIMS COURT ... Small claims court is for disputes involving amounts under $7,500.00. ... If you win in small claims court, you will be responsible (or an attorney that you hire) for collecting any judgment that you win. Keep in mind you have at least six years to collect your judgment. ... UNIFORM CONSUMER CREDIT CODE ... The UCCC also covers deferred deposit loans (commonly referred to as “pay-day” loans). ... Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ... apply to all collection agencies and debt collectors, whether or not exempt from licensing under the Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, ... Consumer Loans, Credit, & Debt Management (UCCC) ... The Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code is a state law that regulates the terms and conditions of consumer credit in the State of Colorado. ... Connecticut Attorney GeneralHow to Protect Your Privacy The Federal Trade Commission has developed a Privacy Page on its website to show consumers how to protect their personal information from public access. ...Credit Repair Scams ... We have also acted against credit repair companies promoting tactics such as advertising "gold" or "platinum" cards that can only be used with special catalogs and directing consumers to "900" and "976" exchanges which result in charges regardless of whether they wish to use the company's services ... How to Spot Credit Repair Scams and Correct Your Credit History Yourself ... There are no quick or easy cures for a poor credit history. If a credit repair company promises you it can clean up your credit report, remember the following: ... What's In Your Credit Report ... Connecticut law entitles you to a copy of your credit report for $5 for the first copy within a 12-month period. However, your credit report is free if you've been turned down for credit within the past 60 days. ... Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining to Debt Collection ... Consumer collection agencies must be licensed by the Department of Banking. ... Delaware Attorney GeneralDelaware Uniform Debt Management Services Act ... providers of debt management services must be licensed to do business with a person they know to be a Delaware resident even if the service is performed over the internet or on the telephone from another state rather than in person. Both 'for profit' and 'non-profit' providers who offer debt management services must be licensed. ...UNDERSTANDING DEBT MANAGEMENT SERVICES Consumers who are having trouble making ends meet might want to consider the services offered by Debt Management or Debt Settlement Companies. ... District of Columbia Attorney GeneralFair Debt Collection ... If you live in D.C., you may report a problem you have with a debt collector to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and the Federal Trade Commission. D.C. has its own debt collection law in addition to the federal law, and the Attorney General's office can help you determine your rights. ...Florida Attorney GeneralHow to Protect Yourself: Automobile-Repossession - When you buy a car, truck, or other vehicle on credit, your creditor retains important rights in the vehicle until you have made your last payment. …How to Protect Yourself: Cosigning a Loan … You may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. You may also have to pay late fees or collection costs, which increase this amount. … How to Protect Yourself: Credit Card Bills Congress has passed the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) to help consumers resolve disputes with creditors over errors which appear on bills for their "open end" credit arrangements which include credit cards, revolving charge accounts (such as department store accounts), and overdraft checking. … ow to Protect Yourself: Credit Card Fraud … Unscrupulous scam artists raid mailboxes to gather renewal credit cards and bills to obtain credit card numbers. Be aware of when your cards and bills are due to arrive. … How to Protect Yourself: Credit Counseling and Debt Management … If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan. A DMP alone is not credit counseling, … How to Protect Yourself: Credit Repair Scams … "We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file, FOREVER!" … How to Protect Yourself: Debt Collections/Consumer You may have questions relating to debt collections if you are contacted by a "debt collector," someone who regularly tries to collect debts owed to others. A debt collector may contact you if … How to Protect Yourself: Fair Credit Reporting If you have ever applied for a credit card, bank loan, insurance, or even a job, someone is probably keeping a file on you. … How to Protect Yourself: Identity Theft - What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen … You didn’t open that account, but someone else did...someone who used your name and personal information to commit fraud. … Georgia Attorney GeneralCollection Agencies Federal law regulates the tactics and practices of third-party debt collectors and collection agencies. ...Credit Repair and "Debt Adjustment" ... Georgia law imposes tough legal restrictions on businesses that offer credit repair services (improving your credit rating) and debt adjustment (negotiating with your creditors and distributing your payments to them). ... Debt Collectors ... Remember, it is to the creditor's advantage to avoid bringing in a debt collection agency. However, if it begins to look as if you will not be able to pay the debt within a reasonable amount of time, the creditor may sell the debt to a debt collection agency for less than the face value of the debt. ... Debt Elimination Scams ... Eventually, you could be harassed by collection agencies and even end up having your house foreclosed or your car repossessed. ... Debt Reaffirmation ... What is debt reaffirmation? A debtor agrees to repay a debt even when it might have been forgiven in the course of the bankruptcy proceeding. ... Magistrate Court ... Magistrate court, also called small claims court, is an informal court that handles money claims of less than $15,000. ... Place a lien on the defendant's property, giving the plaintiff the right to sell the defendant's property to collect the money award. ... Garnish the employer or bank account of the defendant in order to seize the defendant's wages or bank deposits. ... file a post-judgment interrogatory. ... Hawaii Attorney GeneralHRS Chapter 480D - Collection Practices ... This chapter is intended to ensure that consumers are not subjected to unfair, deceptive, coercive, abusive, or harassing conduct in collection activities that are covered by this chapter. This chapter is intended to cover collection activities by debt collectors in collecting consumer debts. ...HRS Chapter 446 - Debt Adjusting ... (2) "Debt adjuster" means a person who for a profit engages in the business of acting as an intermediary between a debtor and the debtor's creditors for the purpose of settling, compromising, or in any way altering the terms of payment of any debts of the debtor and who: (A) Receives money, property, or other thing of value from the debtor, or on behalf of the debtor, for distribution among the creditors of the debtor, or (B) Otherwise arranges for payment to, or distribution among, the creditors of the debtor; ... HRS Chapter 481B; Section 12 - Credit Repair Organizations ... Credit repair organizations. (a) No person shall: (1) Solicit or induce a consumer to pay money or other valuable consideration based on false representations that the person can erase, correct, repair, alter, or otherwise modify an accurately reported consumer credit history; ... Idaho Attorney GeneralCredit and Debt ... CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES (“CRAs”) ... WHAT IS A CREDIT SCORE? ... What Factors Affect a Credit Score? ... WHAT IF YOU ARE DENIED CREDIT? ... DISPUTING INCORRECT INFORMATION ... TIME LIMITATIONS ON REPORTING ... THE CREDIT REPORT PROTECTION ACT ... CREDIT REPAIR SERVICES ... THE CONSUMER FORECLOSURE PROTECTION ACT ... FAIR DEBT COLLECTION ... CREDIT AND DIVORCE ... How Do Community Property Laws Affect a Spouse’s Responsibility for a Joint Account? ... Who is Responsible for an “Authorized User”? ... The Consumer Protection Division enforces Idaho’s consumer protection laws, ...Illinois Attorney GeneralBankruptcy ... When debtors file for bankruptcy, they are protected from creditors in a variety of ways, including the following: • most new lawsuits against the debtors may not be filed, and pending lawsuits are usually postponed; • creditors must stop attempting to collect on debtors’ unpaid bills ; and • collection on existing liens is usually stopped. ...Credit Reporting ... CRAs generally report unfavorable information for a period of seven years. Exceptions include bankruptcy information, which can be reported for ten years, and information concerning a lawsuit or judgement against you, which can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer. ... Debt Collection ... Personal, family and household debts are covered under the Federal Fair Debt Collection Act. This includes money owed for medical care, charge accounts or car purchases. ... Advance Fee Loans ... Charging advance fees for a loan is illegal: companies cannot ask you to pay for a loan before the loan is made. Consumers should be wary of and ignore offers that guarantee a loan for a fee that must be paid in advance. ... Indiana Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division Brochure ... CREDIT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ...Credit Service Organizations ... WHAT INDIANA LAW REQUIRES OF FOR-PROFIT CREDIT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS * Have a written contract with consumers describing in detail the services to be performed. * Provide consumers with a three-day right to cancel the contract. * Maintain a $25,000 bond to be used to satisfy consumer claims. ... Iowa Attorney GeneralDebt Collection ... Garnishments * Even though debt collectors threaten garnishment, they cannot actually garnish your wages without first suing you in court and winning a judgment. A debtor can often pay-off or renegotiate the debt before a lawsuit is filed, or before an unpaid judgment has advanced to the garnishment stage. ...Consumer Laws and Regulations ... Debt Collection Practices Act -- Iowa Code sections 537.7101 - 537.7103-- Applies to a number of illegal and abusive collection tactics, sets limits on communications about a debt, describes and forbids fraudulent or misleading collection practices, and limits the types of charges collectors may assess consumer debtors ... Kansas Attorney GeneralFilling a lawsuit in small claims court ... Kansas established a small claims court system to provide a simple, informal way to settle simple claims of less than $4,000. ...Law requires debt collectors to treat consumers fairly ... If you have questions about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or any other consumer issue, please contact my Consumer Protection Division at ... Kentucky Attorney GeneralDebt adjusters ... "Debt adjusting" means doing business in debt adjusting, budget counseling, debt management, or debt pooling service, or holding oneself out, by words of similar import, as providing services to debtors in the management of their debts, to do any of the following: ...Louisiana Attorney GeneralCollection Agencies ... Act 638 of the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana State Legislature repeals the Louisiana Collection Agency Regulation Act effective August 15, 2003. The Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions will no longer license or regulate collection agencies after that date. ...Maine Attorney GeneralCONSUMER RIGHTS AND CREDIT SALES ... All consumer complaints concerning credit transactions (e.g., complaints dealing with mortgage lenders, debt collectors, credit reporting agencies, arrangers of credit,1 credit repair companies, debt management companies, money order issuers, and retailers such as auto dealers and furniture stores that sell on credit) should be first reported to the Office of Consumer Credit Regulation. ...A Consumer's Guide To Small Claims Court ... § 27. 2. What Is Small Claims Court? § 27. 3. Who Can Sue In Small Claims Court? § 27. 4. Cost Of Filing A Case § 27. 5. Do I Need Someone To Represent Me? § 27. 6. Where To File The Case § 27. 7. How To File The Case § 27. 8. How To Arrange For Service? § 27. 9. The Hearing Date And Continuances § 27. 10. Preparing For The Hearing § 27. 11. Out-Of-Court Settlement § 27. 12. Mediation Before The Hearing § 27. 13. How To Appeal The Judge’s Decision § 27. 14. Collecting The Judgment Through A Disclosure Hearing § 27. 15. What To Do If You Are Being Sued By A Business § 27. 16. Small Claims Courts (Part Of The Maine District Court), By County § 27. 17. Model Settlement Agreement ... Maryland Attorney GeneralSolving a Major Credit Problem ... You can contact your creditors and ask them to work with you on a repayment plan, you can work with a credit counseling service that will put you on a debt management plan, you can take out a debt consolidation loan, or you can file for bankruptcy. ... Debt consolidation loans must be considered very carefully. These loans can be expensive. Home equity loans usually include closing costs and you still have to pay interest, even if it is all or partially tax deductible. ...Dealing with Debt Collectors ... If you have a complaint about a collection agency, contact the Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Board ... f you believe a collector violated the law, you may have a right to sue in court and should contact a lawyer. You may recover money for the damages you suffered, and the debt collector may be liable for court costs and attorneys’ fees. ... Massachusetts Attorney GeneralGuide to Consumer Credit ... I. Truth in Lending A. Closed End Credit B. Open End Credit II. Billing Rights III. Credit Card Costs IV. Fair Credit Reporting A. Your Credit Report B. Correcting Your Credit Report V. Fair Debt Collection VI. What to Do if You Have Credit Problems VII. Resources ...Fair Debt Collection ... The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Debt Collection Regulations, 940 C.M.R. 7.00, prohibit many unfair debt collection practices by creditors, and regulations of the Massachusetts Division of Banks, 209 CMR 18.00, prohibit unfair debt collection practices by debt collection agencies. ... Fair Credit Reporting ... Private companies called "credit reporting agencies" collect information related to your access to and use of credit. They make that information available to others under certain circumstances, in the form of a "credit report." ... Michigan Attorney GeneralAre you Drowning in Debt? ... If you are a Michigan resident, any company that takes possession of your money and pays your creditors for you MUST be licensed as a debt management firm in Michigan. ...Credit Repair Companies ... Second, any contract has to be in writing and specify: -the total cost and payment terms; -the services to be performed and how long it will take to get results; -any guarantees offered; -the company's name and address. ... Minnesota Attorney GeneralDebt Collection Fact Sheet ... If you don’t claim any exemptions, creditors can take part of your paycheck for the next 70 days. Excluding child support, you get to keep either 75% of your net wages or 40 times the minimum wage, whichever is greater. ...The Credit Handbook ... Chapter 5: When Credit Goes Bad I Can't Pay My Bills, Debt Payment Plan, Talk to Your Creditors, Contact a Credit Counseling Service, Considering Bankruptcy, What is an Automatic Stay?, Different Kinds of Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, What Property Will I Give Up if I File Chapter 7?, What Property Will I Get to Keep if I File Chapter 7?, How Does Chapter 7 Work?, What if I Changed My Mind?, When is Chapter 7 a Bad Idea?, Chapter 13, When Should I Consider Chapter 13?, How Does Chapter 13 Work?, For More Information, Vehicle Reposession, Home Loans, Warning: Think Twice About Using Your Home as Collateral, Garnishment, How Garnishment Works, How Much Money is Protected From Garnishment?, What Can Be Garnished?, Who Can Garnish My Property?, Can a Creditor Just Take My Wages or Seize My Bank Accounts?, How Many Creditors Can Garnish Me at Once?, Can I Be Fired for Being Garnished?, How Can I Avoid Garnishment?, Debt Collectors, Student Loans, Ask for a Deferment or Forbearance, Defaulting on a Student Loan ... Beware of Phony Collection Scam ... Typically, the unsuspecting consumer will receive a threatening call followed by a “legal” sounding letter claiming that he/she owes an outstanding debt. The scam artist usually threatens severe legal action if the “debt” is not paid immediately. ... Credit Cards and College Debt ... Paying bills late can damage your credit score, driving up the rates that you pay for insurance, and making it more difficult to obtain loans to buy a car or a home. Furthermore, if you get in the habit of missing payments, or just paying the minimum due, interest and late fees can quickly build into a large debt. ... Dealing with College Debt ... Consolidation helps you combine one or more loans into a new loan. To do this you must make a “satisfactory repayment agreement,” usually consisting of three consecutive monthly payments, with the prior lender. ... Debt Counseling ... There are many legitimate debt counseling companies that offer services that help you better manage your debt through legal means, such as lowering your monthly payments or reducing the interest accrual. ... Personal Finance Scams ... Some companies offer “credit repair” services and promise to clean up your credit history. More often than not, these scam artists can’t deliver. ... Protecting Exempt Income From Garnishment ... Before the creditor starts the garnishment process, it must have served you with a “Summons and Complaint.” If you did not formally “answer” the Summons and Complaint, Minnesota law allows the creditor to start the garnishment process. To begin the “garnishment” proceedings, the creditor sends a “garnishment summons” to the “garnishee”—typically your bank or employer. ... Student Loan Consolidation ... If you need immediate or short-term debt relief, contact your loan servicer and ask about a deferment or forbearance option. Deferments and forbearances allow eligible students to temporarily postpone their debt repayment. ... Facing Mortgage Foreclosure ... A borrower can default on his/her loan as soon as one month’s payment is late. By notifying a borrower that he/she is in default, the lender is putting the borrower on notice that he/she has failed to make payments required in the mortgage agreement and is in jeopardy of losing the home. ... Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards ... If you do not report the loss within 60 days, you risk losing all the money in your account plus any unused port Answering a Lawsuit ... It is very important that you do not ignore the documents, or you will be in “default.” No court hearing is required for a default judgment to be entered against you if you do not properly respond to the Complaint. You will not be notified if a default judgment is entered against you. In fact, you may not be aware that you have “defaulted” until you discover that your bank accounts or wages have been garnished. ... A User's Guide to Small Claims Court ... Who May Use Conciliation Court? Any person (18 years or older), company, government agency or organization may sue or be sued in conciliation court. ... Find An Attorney ... The Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral System (“LRS”) provides the names of lawyers who practice a particular type of law in a particular county. ... Know the FACT Act on Consumer Reporting ... Every year consumers can get a free credit report from each of the credit agencies — Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. The credit bureaus have created a centralized website, toll-free telephone number and mailing address for Minnesota consumers to order their reports. Annual reports may be requested the following way ... CREDIT SCORING ... These ratings are based on statistical models put together almost entirely by Fair Isaac and Company (FICO), a California based credit rating firm. Most consumers have a prime credit score, which lenders see as a low risk. However, nearly a third of all consumers are considered subprime. Subprime consumers get higher interest rates and loan fees. ... Beware of Credit Reporting Products ... Experts estimate that 80% of credit reports contain mistakes, ranging from misspelled names to accounts that the consumer did not open. The good news is that consumers can dispute such errors in writing with the company and the credit bureaus. ... Mississippi Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division ... The Consumer Protection Division strives to ensure that Mississippi victims do not fall prey to unscrupulous business practices and scams. ...Missouri Attorney GeneralCredit Repair ... Companies' promises to "fix" your bad credit rating or to erase your bad credit usually are nothing more than ways to take your money. ... There are no quick or easy fixes for a poor credit history. ...The court process ... During a preliminary hearing, a prosecutor will present evidence to show the judge there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed and the defendant did it. ... Montana Attorney GeneralCollection Agencies/Debt Collection ... Consumers report being contacted by companies collecting for debts they did not incur. Consumers also report instances of violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (PDF), such as unwillingness to verify debt or to disclose the company address. ...Credit Counseling Services In Montana, two types of credit counseling services must be licensed: * pre-bankruptcy credit counseling * debt management plan services ... A debt management plan is a written agreement under which a consumer makes regular payments to a credit counseling service. The credit counseling service then distributes that money to one or more of the consumer's creditors as full or partial payment of what the consumer owes. ... Nebraska Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division The Consumer Protection Division protects consumers from fraud and deceptive trade practices, as well as, ensures fair competition between businesses. ...Nevada Attorney GeneralCOLLECTION AGENCIES ... “Collection agency” means all persons engaging, directly or indirectly, and as a primary or a secondary object, business or pursuit, in the collection of or in soliciting or obtaining in any manner the payment of a claim owed or due or asserted to be owed or due to another. ...Application for Collection Agency License ... A copy of the Nevada Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing and a list of officers. ... New Hampshire Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division ... Copies may be obtained by contacting the Consumer Protection Bureau ... Credit Issues ... Fix your own credit problems ... Consumer credit counseling service info ... Credit Repair & Bankruptcy Info Credit repair - self help File segregation exposed Debt relief - bankruptcy Using credit wisely after bankruptcy Your legal rights during and after bankruptcy Over your head in debt Knee deep in debt debt collection & credit reporting Fair debt collection Out of work - how to deal with creditors Fair credit billing Credit billing errors Credit reports - how to get your's How to dispute credit reports Fair credit reporting Credit reports: what employers should know Report on credit - mailing lists ...New Jersey Attorney GeneralCredit Repair Brief ... Under the New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers are entitled to a free credit report annually ...New Mexico Attorney GeneralFair Debt Collection This brochure provides information on your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices . ...New York Attorney GeneralDebt Collection: Your Rights and Responsibilities ... Your letter will act as a CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. Simply write: This is a request to cease all further communication in regard to this matter. Your account of my alleged debt is inaccurate. Any further communication beyond what is legally allowed will be a violation of the law. ... For a nominal fee, nonprofit credit counseling or budget planning services can help you in setting a budget and negotiate with your creditors. All nonprofit credit counseling or budget planning services must be licensed by the State of New York Banking Department. ...Debt Collectors ... It is important for you to understand that companies do have a right to try to collect money owed to it. If, however, you believe that a debt collector has violated the law or if you don't know how to handle these phone calls, please contact my office. ... Debt and Credit Counseling ... a not-for-profit credit counseling agency. These community organizations offer counseling, educational materials, workshops, and debt repayment plans. ... North Carolina Attorney GeneralAutomatic Debit Scams ... You get a postcard or a telephone call saying you have won a free prize or can qualify for a major credit card, regardless of past credit problems. ...Top Ten Consumer Complaints of 2007 ... 1,833 North Carolinians filed complaints about debt collectors, credit repair scams and identity theft. Consumers often complain about threatening calls from debt collectors or how frequently they were contacted about a debt. ... North Carolina Department of Insurance License Check collection agency license status or regulatory actions. File a complaint against a collection agency. Information on collection agency regulations. Definition of collection agency and collection agency business. Permit from Commissioner of Insurance; penalty for violation; exception. Application to Commissioner for permit. Bond requirement. Record of business in State. All collection agencies to identify themselves in correspondence. Threats and coercion. Harassment. Deceptive representation. Unauthorized practice of law; court appearances. Civil liability. North Dakota Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division (CPAT) enforces the state’s consumer fraud laws in connection with the sale or advertisement of merchandise. ...Ohio Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Section ... The Consumer Protection Section aggressively protects Ohio consumers from businesses that may be violating consumers’ rights. ... Collections/Credit Reporting ...Oklahoma Attorney GeneralThe Consumer Protection Unit The Consumer Protection Unit provides conciliation services to consumers to help resolve complaints against businesses. ...Oregon Attorney GeneralDebt Collection Agencies ... The Oregon Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you similar protections to what you have under the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). In fact, the two laws are so similar that if a debt collector complies with the Federal law, it is considered to be in compliance with the State law. ...Oregon Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ... "Debt collector" means any person who by any direct or indirect action, conduct or practice, enforces or attempts to enforce an obligation that is owed or due to any commercial creditor, or alleged to be owed or due to any commercial creditor, by a consumer as a result of a consumer transaction. ... Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services ... In Oregon, debt collectors must register with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. In addition to the FDCPA, debt collectors must also comply with ORS 697.005 to 697.115 and OAR 441-810-0000 to 441-810-0260. ... Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralAttorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection Booklet ... The Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act regulates the debt collection activities of debt collectors and creditors in Pennsylvania. This law, effective as of June 26, 2000, prohibits debt collectors and creditors from engaging in certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices while attempting to collect debts. ...Bankruptcy Division ... The Bankruptcy Division's clients include all agencies of state government with claims against debtors in bankruptcy. ... Rhode Island Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Unit: Frequently Asked Questions - Debt Collection ... How do I stop a debt collector from calling? ... At what times are debt collectors allowed to call? ...South Carolina Attorney GeneralConsumer Credit Counseling ... A credit counseling organization, through its credit counselors, may not engage in credit counseling services or a debt management plan unless: (1) the licensee provides the consumer with a credit education program designed to improve the financial literacy of the consumer; (2) a thorough and written budget analysis is compiled and a copy delivered to the debtor. A licensee may not accept an account unless a written and thorough budget analysis indicates that the services are suitable for the debtor and that the debtor can reasonably meet the requirements of the budget analysis. The budget analysis must contain ...Credit Counseling in 2008 ...Hire Help Debt Management, Credit Repair, Debt Settlement ... Credit Reports 101 ... Credit Scores, Credit Reports, Improving your Credit Report/Score ... South Dakota Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Unit ... Advise consumers of complaints on file against specific companies ...Tennessee Attorney GeneralConsumer Advocate and Protection Division ... It handles unauthorized practice of law. ...Texas Attorney GeneralTexas Attorney General Credit Cards ... Know Your Credit Terms. If you have questions about your credit card, consult your credit card agreement. ...Texas Attorney General Credit Repair ... A consumer reporting company can report most accurate negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for ten years. ... Texas Attorney General Debt Collection ... It is to the creditor's advantage to avoid bringing in a debt collection company. ... The activities of debt collectors in Texas are regulated by the Texas Debt Collection Act. ... Texas Attorney General Debt Management ... a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP allows you to continue making monthly payments to your creditors, but consolidates your payment into one lump sum that you pay the credit counselor each month. This amount is then distributed to your creditors, often at reduced interest rates - allowing you to get out of debt faster. ... Is a Credit Counseling Service Right for You? ... What is credit counseling? Credit counseling is advice offered by a nonprofit or for-profit organization that is designed to get you out of debt, often with the aid of a debt repayment plan. ... Beware of Credit Repair Scams ... Your credit history is maintained by credit bureaus, private companies that collect your payment history from creditors such as banks, department stores and mortgage companies. The only items that can be changed in your credit file are those that are erroneous or more than seven years old. ... Debt Elimination Scams ... If a creditor does not accept an offer from a debt settlement company on your behalf, the creditor can continue to attempt collecting directly from you, including through a lawsuit or other legal action. ... Free Credit Reports A recent amendment to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will entitle T e x a s consumers to receive a free credit report each year. Credit Chat FYI About Credit ... The creditor can use reasonable means to collect the debt which may include reporting nonpayment on your credit record, taking possession of collateral, obtaining a judgment (a court decision directing payment which is reported on a credit record), or turning your debt over to a collection agency. ... Consumer Complaint You can file a Consumer Complaint with the Office of the Attorney General online or by filling out a printable form and mailing it in. ... Small claims court can help resolve disputes ... In small claims court, the plaintiff bears the burden of proving the facts of the case. Plaintiffs should bring all records, contracts, receipts, photographs and other relevant evidence to help establish their damage estimate. ... Utah Attorney GeneralUtah Attorney General The mission of the Office of the Utah Attorney General is to uphold the constitutions of the United States and of Utah, enforce the law, provide counsel to state agencies and public officials, ...Vermont Attorney GeneralTips for Smart Consumers - Debt Collection ... Sample "Cease Contact" Letter ... Please cease all communication with me concerning account number with (Company). The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that you stop contacting me immediately upon receipt of this letter. ...Tips for Smart Consumers - Your Rights Under Credit Reporting Laws ... The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Vermont Fair Credit Reporting Act are laws that ensure both the accuracy and privacy of your file. ... Virginia Attorney GeneralBanking and Credit ... How do I file a complaint against a bank/credit card company? ... Summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ... Summary of your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ... Free Credit Report Information ...Washington Attorney GeneralCredit ... Beware of "non-profit" companies that pay little attention to counseling you on personal financial discipline and, instead, aggressively seek "contributions" for debt restructuring and debt consolidation services. ...Collection Agencies ... Garnish your wages or take your home or possessions without a court judgment, however, an exception exists for federally guaranteed student loans that are in default. A federal law provides for an administrative garnishment up to 10% of the debtor's pay; or ... Repossessions ... The proceeds from the sale go to cover the balance of the loan, and the costs of the sale and repossession. Any money which remains is returned to the buyer. If the proceeds of the sale do not cover the loan and expenses, the repossessor is allowed to sue the buyer for the full amount owed including repossession fees, auction costs and legal fees. ... West Virgina Attorney GeneralRepresenting Yourself in West Virginia Courts The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia hopes that the Going Solo guide and accompanying video will give you a better idea of how the court system works. ... magistrate court if the amount of money involved is $5,000 or less. If it is more than $5,000, then you need to go to circuit court. If it’s in between $300 and $5,000, you have the choice to file the case in either magistrate or circuit court. ...What types of debt collection practices are prohibited? ... For example, debt collectors may not: .. they will seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so; or ... Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you? You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collector telling them to stop. ... Wisconsin Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection ... The Department of Justice's Office of Consumer Protection investigates and prosecutes violations of state consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, ...Wyoming Attorney GeneralCollection of Debts ... definition of a collection agency within Wyoming statutes was expanded to include any person who collects debts incurred in Wyoming from debtors located in Wyoming ... the Wyoming Collection Agency Board has determined that if you purchase bulk debt, you will need to be licensed in the State of Wyoming. ... When would I not need to be licensed as a collection agency? ...
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