Debtors deserve respect Oct 29, 2008
The review will address, among other things, the code's existing provisions on financial hardship and debt collection ... " The independent review of the banking code of practice is scheduled to hand its report to the Australian Bankers' Association at the end of this month. An issues paper released as the review got under way includes an interim recommendation that its provision on financial hardship include a reference to banks working with customers "and their financial counsellors or... (Sydney Morning Herald)
50 Percent Legal Fee Questionable but Not Forbidden in N.J. Consumer Cases Oct 28, 2008
Many defendants, including debt collection agencies and home improvement companies, lack insurance, making it more difficult, if not impossible, to collect a judgment, says Pinilis, of in Morristown, N.J.. In addition, in cases where the client has been awarded treble damages -- a windfall of sorts -- "your fee will not keep them from being made whole," he says. (Law.com)
FTSE seen opening down as much as 2 percent Oct 27, 2008
The bank is considering selling its debt collection division and closing its lending and other businesses after failing to find a buyer for the whole thing, the Sunday Express reported. (Reporting by Dominic Lau). (International Herald Tribune)
How did SA escape? Oct 26, 2008
Magistrates Court Act This very extensive piece of legislation regulates a wide area of topics, including, but not limited to, the civil debt collection procedures ... This is clearly more expensive than traditional systems, but it also allows for more effective debt collection practices. (iAfrica.com)
Comcast: Customers are owed apologies Oct 24, 2008
Cable provider said 81 island residents who received letters from a debt collection agency demanding the immediate return of, or payment for, converter boxes, remotes and modems lost in Hurricane Ike are owed letters of apology. But some island residents who opened their mail Thursday didn t find apologies. (KHOU.com, TX)
Judge says justice will be served despite cuts Oct 23, 2008
The criminal docket swells; foreclosures, evictions, and debt collection matters escalate. We are committed to shouldering our fair share of budget cuts while safeguarding the essential functions necessary to maintain our mission and constitutional imperatives. (Boston Globe)
'Silent calls' warning welcomed Oct 23, 2008
" Firms which broke the rules Carphone Warehouse IDT Direct Ltd, trading as Toucan Brakenbay Kitchens Ltd Space Kitchens Ltd Source: Ofcom Following an investigation, the regulator found "reasonable grounds" for thinking Carphone Warehouse had breached the Communications Act 2003. Its investigation found IDT Direct Ltd trading as Toucan, Brakenbay Kitchens Ltd and Space Kitchens Ltd were also in breach for the same reasons. 'Abandoned calls' Silent calls occur when automated calling systems used... (BBC News -- Technology)
County reassessment won't impact overall tax bill, officials say Oct 21, 2008
The new state law requires that safeguards be in place to protect private information included in the South Carolina Association of Counties set-off debt collection program. Referred to the Public Works Committee a request to abandon maintenance on a portion of Fieldcrest Street. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Abu Dhabi Bank Adds First-Ever External Legal Advisers Oct 18, 2008
The former Olswang partner has also built up a seven-strong legal team, known as the general counsel's office, to sit alongside the bank's existing three lawyers who specialize in debt collection work. The new-look function includes three mid-level lawyers specializing in general finance, as well as a senior lawyer dealing with capital markets and derivatives, a corporate governance specialist, and new hire John Darby, who specializes in investment banking. (Law.com)
City Council hires debt collection firm Oct 16, 2008
Subscribe Today for Home Delivery- Call 731-584-7200. Who will be the next US president. (Camden Chronicle, TN)
India call centers get another view of U.S. Oct 14, 2008
He is brainy and considered the office expert on the intricacies of debt collection. "There has just been years of overspending and now: the crash.". (MSNBC -- International)
Business failures on the rise Oct 3, 2008
Cash flow and debt collection is back on the radar but Hayes believes that there can be a big cultural gap between firms with 10 to 20 staff and those with less than 10 in their attitudes. Most businesses with 10 to 20 staff think cash flow is pretty important and they know who owes them money and probably have a management process in place. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
I.C. System to relocate to Onalaska’s Center 90 Sep 25, 2008
The family-owned and operated debt collection company will invest about 1 million to remodel 22,000 square feet of the 30,000-square-foot space vacated last year by the grocery store. I.C. System hopes to move its current 100 employees from the La Crosse location in May. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Strike disruption Sep 24, 2008
The Customer Centre at Wallace Place will be closed, answering machines will be used to handle inquiries such as revenues, benefits and debt collection. Refuse collection is likely to be disrupted, with a knock-on effect of all bins being collected one day later than usual. (BBC News -- UK)
Bear Stearns subsidiary's mortgage mess Sep 22, 2008
In the course of those collection efforts, EMC allegedly violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by contacting homeowners with phone calls for debt amounts they didn't necessarily owe, and even resorted to false representations to gain access to borrowers' homes - sending out property inspectors who were in reality debt collectors seeking to confront borrowers ... If successive servicers do not accurately keep track of borrowers' loan balances, escrows and payment histories - or worse,... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hotline is a victim of budget cuts Sep 21, 2008
Probably the biggest problem is debt collection issues, she said. Some may have gotten behind in their mortgages and used their credit cards and now they re in debt. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
TM still attractive for long term Sep 18, 2008
The recent results show that TM has managed to trim down its average debt collection period from 130 to 120 days. A continuous improvement in collection would free up a substantial amount of cash for the group. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Denel's strategy pays off Sep 10, 2008
Better contract negotiations including higher advance payment receipts towards the year-end and improvements in its debt collection process helped Denel to achieve the healthy cash situation, Sadik added. Of the total turnover 56. (iAfrica.com)
Keros Capital Report: Swap-A-Debt Positions Itself For A Successful Launch Sep 9, 2008
MIAMI, FL, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Swap-A-Debt, Inc. (OTC: SWPD) announced yesterday that it has contracted with a professional third-party debt collection agency, Collection Bureau Hudson Valley, Inc., to collect delinquent accounts. Collection Bureau Hudson Valley, Inc. is SAS 70 certified and nationally licensed premier full service receivables agency with a proven performance record. (Canada Newswire)
Profile: Catriona Lowe Sep 8, 2008
"It wasn't a situation where I was, all of a sudden, sitting across a table from someone I'd been sitting next to as their lawyer. But certainly as a young lawyer one of the things I was involved in, for example, was collections litigation - debt collection and so forth, largely against other businesses, it must be said. "That certainly gave me useful insight into how those processes can work", and in particular into how the pursuit of a debt can take on a life of its own, regardless of... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
McGuire: Know your rights about debt collection Sep 1, 2008
With the economy on the fritz and consumer debt at record-high levels, does it surprise you that debt collection complaints are on the rise ... An example of a first-party collector is the in-house collections department for a credit card company, and they re generally not covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ... Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a debt collector can t swear at a debtor or make false statements designed to bully someone into paying. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Knowing the SCORE Aug 30, 2008
Because I m in debt collection, I see a lot of people who are just destitute, he said. I thought, maybe I can show these guys the warning signs to trouble. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Notice of Filing Securities Class Action Against CompuCredit Corporation -- CCRT Aug 23, 2008
CompuCredit markets credit cards to underserved or ``un-banked'' consumers and also engages in debt collection services. It is alleged that during the Class Period, defendants issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and financial results, including: (a) touted the Company's consumer friendly marketing practices and the growth of its credit card business; (b) portrayed the Company's marketing and collection practices as being fully compliant with the... (Primezone Releases)
Don't let debt collectors harrass you Aug 21, 2008
Unfortunately these practices are likely to continue as the debt collection industry is booming in the current economic climate ... Fortunately the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provide substantial protections to consumers. (The Dolphin, CT)
Banks taking easier line on defaulters Aug 20, 2008
Nedbank's chief economist, Dennis Dykes, said the falling number of summonses and judgments was due to fear that an overzealous approach to debt collection would cause more problems than it would solve, and the long wait for a judgment to be finalised. Dykes said everything pointed to rising stress levels among borrowers, as was the number of non-performing loans, but banks were "trying everything to avoid going for full legal recourse". (Business Report, South Africa)
Up to our ears in it Aug 18, 2008
Adam himself accrued a $17,000 credit card debt when he was 21 - while he had been working in US debt collection firms ... Adam's father, Neil, has seen some strange cases in his 30 years in debt collection ... "Debt collection isn't a core part of our business," said one media officer from Optus. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
PKR supporters showing 'street cred': Noh Aug 17, 2008
However, resorting to violence may lead to a further tense situation in the by-election," he told reporters here on Sunday after attending the Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) convocation here. The minister was commenting on an incident in Permatang Pauh where a group of PKR supporters set upon two photographers who were attempting to take pictures of them besieging and attacking a four wheel car driven by Barisan supporters. On the Mara loans, Noh said the collection had improved since the... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Police caution about identity theft Aug 17, 2008
The copies of this police report can then be used to counter fraudulent charges with debt collection agencies. Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Growing debt collection means theres no need for marketing Aug 15, 2008
Growing debt collection means theres no need for marketing - Tampa Bay Business Journal ... Growing debt collection means theres no need for marketing ... TAMPA The swooning economy is providing lucrative opportunities for some law practices, especially those focused on debt collection activity. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Newsweek: Are homeowners in denial? Aug 15, 2008
Last year, the FTC received more than 70,000 complaints about debt collection agencies. And the calls are getting more aggressive. (MSNBC -- Business)
Increase in customer arrears threatens to worsen Rock slide Aug 10, 2008
But there is one department in the embattled bank that is hiring; debt collection, which is expanding from 185 to 500 staff. Shortly after Ron Sandler took over as chairman in February, he made it clear that Northern Rock would be 'significantly' loss making throughout 2008. (guardian.co.uk)
Clans fight to keep it all in the family Aug 8, 2008
Hostage-taking, debt collection, car theft, drugs and demanding tolls on roads through their territory became good revenue-raisers as the formal Gaza economy collapsed. A few even offered their services as sub-contracted rocket-launching teams. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates responds to Texas AGs lawsuit Aug 8, 2008
Debt collection agency Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, LLC has responded to charges issued by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Abbott s office accuses Dallas-based Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by failing to follow certain mandates related to the debt collections process ... The debt collection company says it learned of the lawsuit through third parties and has yet to be served with the lawsuit, making it impossible for the company to... (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
The Poverty Business Aug 8, 2008
CompuCredit was co-founded 11 years ago by David G. Hanna, scion of a family that made a fortune in debt collection. Its 55-member analytics team has devised models to assess more than 200 categories of customer data, from the duration of past credit-card accounts to the number of bad debts. (BusinessWeek)
Federal Suit Accuses Law Firm of Shaking Down Shoppers Aug 7, 2008
Palmer's firm avoids the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act because it is not collecting a "debt" but instead seeking a settlement of a tort offense, according to the lawsuit. The firm each month receives a report from its clients with names, ages and addresses of consumers detained. (Law.com)
Texas AG charges Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates with deceptive practices Aug 7, 2008
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has charged debt collection agency Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, LLC with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act ... Abbott s office added, The state s enforcement action also accuses Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates of threatening to garnish consumers wages or file liens against homesteads in violation of the Texas Debt Collection Act. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Debt collectors also feeling the pinch Aug 7, 2008
THE current economic climate might seem to be one where debtors face a cash crunch and the debt collection business would boom ... Several debt collection agencies, when contacted, said their business volumes had not changed much and they were even facing difficulties as a result of the general perception that they were busier now ... Both Vicky and Joe are affiliated to a licensed agency and followed debt collection practices the legal way but said they had to work a lot harder to recover... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Insider trading law nabs no crooks, but does the job Aug 6, 2008
Debt collection woes. South Africa's municipalities are in a bit of a pickle with 27 of the biggest owed R35 billion - and all the others probably R10 billion to R15 billion more - at a time when cracking the whip against errant ratepayers, who are also voters in next year's provincial and national elections, simply is impossible. (Business Report, South Africa)
Chocolate wheel of fortune Aug 2, 2008
In 2002, a debt collection agency, Asset Protection & Recoveries, said in a court document: "During the past 14 years the debtors have operated businesses in the dietetic food and nutritional formulas industries that were misrepresented to the public or appropriated from other successful business.". The Brookses replied: "This statement is utterly false and completely lacks evidentiary support.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Francis & Mailman, PC Expands CreditReportProblems.com to List Debt Collection Companies Aug 1, 2008
com to List Debt Collection Companies - Yahoo ... com to List Debt Collection Companies ... Francis & Mailman, PC adds a new section on to help clients know their rights when dealing with debt collection agencies. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Debt collection agency alters moving plans Aug 1, 2008
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Africa: The Obama Word and Charm Bomb in Berlin Jul 31, 2008
With lethal thrusts ranging from preaching the virtual collapse of university education in Africa; blockage of internally-driven industrial growth; denial of health care and food self-sufficiency to sustain Africa's populations, to draining wealth out of African countries through ruthless debt collection (including the use of intelligence operatives to ensure compliance by indebted African countries), this nefarious worldview has wrecked African countries since the early 1970s. Any exertions by... (allAfrica.com)
Judge to consider whether Road Dog Cycle owner's son should be released Jul 30, 2008
When debts were not repaid, they claim, Robert Holloway would contact chapter presidents who would become responsible for debt collection. "Intercepts and interviews revealed that force was often used to collect debts," according to the motion. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Comments from some SMEs Jul 28, 2008
Focus is on debt collection, cost-cutting measures and paying closer attention to the leading global indicators. P.C. TAM. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Rising Debt Cases Reveal Erratic System Jul 26, 2008
In Illinois and Michigan, creditors' attorneys are serving on committees with court officials and consumer advocates to consider the creation of a standard complaint for filing debt collection lawsuits and clearer instructions for banks on which accounts can be garnished to pay outstanding debts and which are exempt ... California led the way last year in issuing court rule changes that allow special handling of debt collection actions for less than $25,000. (Law.com)
Jessica book sales fall short Jul 25, 2008
In a continuing case of questionable debt collection, a Bloomington, Ill. co.. (Yahoo News -- Jessica Lynch)
Risch accused of undermining opponent Jul 23, 2008
Tolson confirmed that Hansen is no longer his client and said that he reached out to Davis, also an Idaho Falls attorney, because of his expertise in debt collection and campaign finance. We found that Mr. Rammell had a political account and we re trying to pursue collecting Mr. Hansen s money from that account, Tolson said. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Whittaker Heights residents want penny projects finished Jul 22, 2008
In addition, Croom noted the services the Association of Counties provides, including set-off debt collection. In other business, council. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
They are out to get you Jul 21, 2008
It is now using the services of professional debt collection agencies and is only too willing to wind up businesses and put people into bankruptcy for non-payment of tax. In some circumstances ATO can get behind the corporate veil and chase directors where PAYG Withholding amounts are owed. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
CMS expands its Durban centre to keep up with high demand Jul 21, 2008
CMS Group, a debt collection service provider, had enlarged its Durban call centre to 150 seats since its establishment late last year, it said last week, citing "increasing demands". CMS said it had expanded the call centre because the economy was facing an "unprecedented credit squeeze". (Business Report, South Africa)
Low sales lead call centres to shed staff Jul 21, 2008
But the rapid rise of consumer debt rescued some jobs, as companies needed to beef up staff in departments such as debt collection. As a result, these companies were shifting employees from sales to these departments, he said. (Business Report, South Africa)
Did the police ever catch up with Bill Posters and was heprosecuted? Jul 19, 2008
No. I once worked for a debt collection agency and Bill Posters was one of our "skips", ie, a person who disappears and hasn't paid his bills. It was us who put up the signs and Bill wasn't prosecuted because none of his creditors could find him. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
What Your Bank Won't Tell You Jul 18, 2008
10 Things Your Bank Won't Tell You (10 Things: Personal Finance) at SmartMoney. Friday July 18, 2008 9:50 AM ET. (SmartMoney)
How to Become a Debt Collector Jul 17, 2008
There is a sliding scale fee structure for debt collection companies who wish to register several individuals at one time. TASC is a non-profit organization that lobbies on behalf of debt collection companies on both the state and federal level ... TASC holds its members to a strict code of ethics to ensure they are practicing fair and ethical debt collection methods. (Suite101.com)
Survival of the fittest Jul 16, 2008
Do you have a debt collection system in place. Do you send statements out immediately at month-end. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Intrum Justitia wins right to keep Norwegian debt collection license on appeal Jul 1, 2008
The Associated Press Published: July 1, 2008. European credit management group Intrum Justitia will be allowed to continue collection agency operations in Norway after the justice ministry overruled on Tuesday an order by financial regulators to revoke its license. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
900,000 households face mortgage stress Jun 28, 2008
Roger Mendelson of debt collection agency Prushka said that for the first time his company is seeing a jump in the number of defaults that can be directly attributed to rising interest rates. Page. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Sub-prime schizophrenia Jun 26, 2008
Theyve been driven into the clutches of informal lenders who are inclined to resort to underground methods of debt collection because the NCA denies borrowers access to formal credit. The assumption in the legislation is that bureaucrats know better than credit grantors who is credit worthy, and officials have been given the power, in violation of the rule of law, to set aside credit agreements retroactively and impose fines called penalties far in excess of what proper courts may do. (iAfrica.com)
Companies may bring 200 jobs to Glendale Jun 23, 2008
RSI Enterprises Inc., which handles billing and debt collection for the medical industry, will relocate its headquarters from Central Avenue in Phoenix. The company recently purchased the vacant State Farm building at 5440 W. Northern Ave.. (AZCentral -- Business)
Ditch This House Jun 20, 2008
O.K., but you can achieve the same result for the cost of a stamp by sending a letter citing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which says lenders can call only if they're taking a specific action against you ... Housing counselors wince at these kinds of companies, the ones that tell people it's O.K. to simply "walk away." For $995, You Walk Away sends its Walk Away Protection Plan which explains the laws regarding foreclosure, debt collection and bankruptcy. (Time.com)
Conduct unbecoming Jun 17, 2008
Regulators have warned that they are keeping a sharp lookout for breaches of laws governing debt collection, as higher interest rates, rising petrol costs and a possible economic downturn put household budgets under financial pressure, pushing bills into arrears. This follows a high-profile case in which the Australian Securities and Investments Commission found that subsidiaries of GE Money had used unreasonable debt collection tactics, such as contacting debtors at their workplaces ... They... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
CompuCredit Comments on FTC and FDIC Allegations Jun 11, 2008
"The claims asserted by the FTC and FDIC regarding CompuCredit's past credit card marketing practices are untrue and without merit. The credit card programs at issue complied with applicable laws and regulations and have exemplified best practices in credit card marketing. In fact, the FDIC repeatedly determined over the years now at issue that the marketing materials fully disclosed fees and terms in compliance with consumer protection laws. Our disclosures regarding available credit have been... (PR Newswire)
When It's Banks vs. Consumers, Guess Who Wins Jun 11, 2008
Summaries of weekly NAF business development meetings from 2004 and 2005, which are labeled "confidential," show it enlisted Wolpoff & Abramson and another prominent debt collection law firm, Mann Bracken, to help win the business of companies such as GE's () credit-card arm ... NAF's rivals, AAA and JAMS, say they don't cooperate with debt collection law firms in this manner ... After Raymond got the award canceled, she sued MBNA for violations of debt collection and credit reporting laws. (KFOR Oklahoma City, OK)
Feds seek $200M in credit case Jun 11, 2008
In May, CompuCredit disclosed in a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission that it expected to reach a settlement with the agencies that would limit its marketing and debt collection practices. Vote for this story. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Feds seek up to $200M from CompuCredit, banks Jun 11, 2008
The FTC also charged that a subsidiary of CompuCredit, Jefferson Capital, engaged in illegal debt collection practices by allegedly calling consumers more than 20 times a day. Hundreds of thousands of consumers may be eligible for refunds, Curry said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
