Best Web Sites to Learn About Consumer Law Issues -- Our Chicago Consumer Attorneys Can Assist You in Your Lemon Law, Predatory Lending, Auto and RV Fraud, Unfair Debt Collection, Unfair Wage Practices Claims and Other Consumer Rights Lawsuits
[ consumer%20protection%20m-Chicago%20Consumer%20Protection%20Attorneys%20--%20Chicago%20Consumer%20Protection%20Lawyers%20--%20Chicago%20Class%20Act ... more trouble Managing credit card debt Stopping eviction, lockouts and utility shut-offs ... consolidation options How to find effective credit counseling agencies Alternatives to filing bankrupt [more...]
Date: 2009-01-04 18:28:31
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Identity theft sample letters
Identity theft sample letters It’s unpleasant to find out that someone stole your credit card numbers, but it’s even worse when a collection agency begins harassing you over debt you didn’t create. CreditCards.com has assembled sample letters and a step-by-step guide to help identity theft victims [more...]
Date: 2008-09-06 06:34:18
1 Minute Guide to Beating your Debt
by JR Rooney Imagine being free of debt — no more sleepless nights over mounting credit card balances, no more ball-and-chain of debt feeding your anxieties, and no chance of threats from dreaded collection agencies. You can do it! Here’s the scoop — in one minute flat. 0:60 Resolve to spend less [more...]
Date: 2008-12-15 11:37:46
Bailing Out American’s Credit Card Debt
We have been hearing a lot of talk lately about bail outs. We bailed out Wall St ... collection agency than Uncle Sam. The end results ... for $16,635 in debt, excluding mortgages, according to Experian. The average credit card interest rate [more...]
Date: 2009-01-09 08:20:46
The Basics of Dealing with a Loan Default
Over the past few weeks, ... ). Eventually, a loan default results in repossession or foreclosure (if your debt has collateral) or having that debt turned over to a collection agency (if your debt doesn’t have collateral). The impact [more...]
Date: 2008-12-09 20:00:29
Career Alliance debt climbs to more than half-million for improper spending
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- The state has started formal debt collection of more than a half-million dollars against Career Alliance Inc., the taxpayer-funded job training agency that regulators say over-paid vendors, ran up unsupported credit card bills, and improperly spent... [more...]
Date: 2008-10-09 23:18:46
How to Avoid Unfair Collection Practices
Due to the global financial crisis, the number of debt collection agencies in the market is increasing. They are established to offer services of collecting debts on behalf of banks, financial institutions, credit card companies and loan providers. For people who are drowned in debt, it is indeed stressful to receive irritating phone calls from debt collection agents constantly. Hence, it is important to know some useful information so that you are able to avoid the unfair collection practices. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-20 06:02:50
Friday Links
Consumerism Commentary hands out a report card for financial rules of thumb . The Financial Blogger lists his top ten Canadian dividend stocks . Wealthy Boomer looks at three ways to protect fixed-income investments from inflation . Bible Money Matters discusses the importance of financial focus and how it leads to results . Five Cent Nickel helps with dealing with a collection agency . Financial Methods points out five monthly expenses that can easily be reduced . [more...]
Date: 2009-09-25 09:00:26
Can Collection Agencies Sue Me For Outstanding Debt?
Amazon.de Widgets The question that many people are asking is ‘can collection agency sue for a debt?’ With the amount of people suffering financial hardship due to the current economic crisis the number of people facing difficulties paying their bills is increasing rapidly and for the time being, at least, this trend shows no sign of reversing.Previously, lenders who had borrowers that had fallen into arrears would normally, only go as far as to post negative credit information upon the debtors [more...]
Date: 2009-09-29 11:34:48
How to Research Debt Collectors & Understand the Law
This is the first guest post in a special How to Fight Debt Collectors series on Bargaineering.com. So you’ve received a debt collection call or letter… In this day and age where you have rampant foreclosures, layoffs and job losses, it is simply inevitable that an individual may come across a debt collector, and frankly even without these external factors, it may just happen by a chance wrong number or even being related to someone going through a hard time financially. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-28 11:02:18
Forgiven Debt Isn't Really Forgiven At All
By Kate Luther If you've been struggling with the rest of the economy, chances are you've been forced to rethink your financial priorities. And as a result, credit cards are often the first thing to go. The good news is that once you get behind, many credit card companies will offer to "settle" your account, some for as much as just 40% of your original balance. And if you're looking at a large chunk of credit card debt, making it go away for 40% of its value sounds like a pretty good deal. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-22 13:00:09
Reforms Make It Harder To Give Credit Cards To College Students
Due to the latest credit card alterations that are starting up next year, card issuers will have a strenuous time getting teenagers on college campuses to apply for credit cards without their parents’ knowledge. As students arrive on campus, card issuers will be there to meet them at many schools. “Issuers will try to continue to market to college students between now and the time the legislation takes effect,” said Bill Hardekopf, chief executive of LowCards.com, a site that tracks cards. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-13 15:21:17
Loans – Debt Management for Personal Loans
Personal loans can offer individuals a way to have the funds for an array of uses. Some are necessary while others are for pure enjoyment. It is important that you consider the financial obligation that comes with personal loans. Too often, individuals access money quickly then struggle to repay it. If you don’t have a good budget in place you may find yourself unable to make the payments on your personal loan.An area where many individuals get into trouble with individualized loans is debt consolidation. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-28 00:10:39
Due To New Credit Card Reforms, It Is Rougher To Give College Students Credit Cards
Due to the latest credit card alterations that are starting up next year, card issuers will have a strenuous time getting teenagers on college campuses to apply for credit cards without their parents’ knowledge. As students arrive on campus, card issuers will be there to meet them at many schools. “Issuers will try to continue to market to college students between now and the time the legislation takes effect,” said Bill Hardekopf, chief executive of LowCards.com, a site that tracks cards. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-14 17:33:16
Uncrunch – Snowflaking
The first think you head when you look into paying off debt is make more money. Most of us are already doing the best we can. You probably have also heard of snowballing. This is where you finish paying off one debt and apply the payment you were making towards that paid off debt to a new debt in addition to what you have already been paying. However, in these economic times, you may really need that $20. Over the past couple of years, I have done quite a lot of research into debt management. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-17 19:17:53
Words from the (investment) wise 9.27.09
Words from the (investment) wise for the week that was (September 21 – 27, 2009) After hitting its best levels of the year on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) communiqué, the S&P 500 Index ran into heavy weather on the realization that the Fed could start scaling back on emergency support of the economy. US equities dropped further later in the week on renewed concerns about the state of the troubled housing market and weaker-than-expected durable goods orders. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-27 12:05:27
Restore Your FICO Score – Part Two
In our last post, we covered how to begin the process of restoring your FICO score, as well as how changes can affect this score. Now that you are ready to begin, there are a few steps that you will need to take. Many of these steps require diligence on your part and a little hard work. However, they can result not only in a higher FICO score, but also lower interest rates on loans, and a higher chance of getting approved for loans in the future. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-27 23:46:13
Find Out What Debt Validation Means And Why It’s Important
Imagine getting a phone call or a knock on the door, and when you answer it, a person called Victor says that he been authorized by someone name Joe to collect a debt that you owe him, and it’s true that you do owe somebody called Joe some money. Even if you had the money, and knew that you owed it, would you pay this new person on the scene? I’m pretty sure that you wouldn’t even consider for a moment giving Victor any money, until you were 100% sure that he was really acting on Joe’s behalf. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-26 20:20:24
Police: Debt Collector Stole Identities
Posted on Thursday, 10 of September , 2009 at 4:32 pm NEWSTEAD—An Erie County debt collector is under arrest for allegedly stealing identities through her employment. Hope M. Dunlap, 38, of North Main St., Newstead, has been charged with first degree scheme to defraud and identity theft, both felonies. State Police said they were alerted to suspicious online loan payments by a local Federal Credit Union. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-10 21:32:44
The Perfect Storm
I bet you can name at least 1 person you know first hand that has more revolving debt than they can hope to pay off in the next 5 years... Couple this with the fact that the odds are really good that the person you're thinking of has had their credit file, or some portion thereof, stolen in the past year or so and you have the following situation. 7:00pm, Residence of John Debtor {phone rings} "Hello?" "Hello Mr. Debtor, this is Mr. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-08 16:08:00
Words from the (Investment) Wise (Sept. 27, 2009)
After hitting its best levels of the year on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) communiqué, the S&P 500 Index ran into heavy weather on the realization that the Fed could start scaling back on emergency support of the economy. US equities dropped further later in the week on renewed concerns about the state of the troubled housing market and weaker-than-expected durable goods orders. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-27 14:33:29
ScamBuste 286
NOTIFICATION OF PAYMENT VIA ATM CARD This is to officially inform you that we have verified your contract/inheritance file presently on my desk, and I found out that you have not fulfilling the obligations giving to you in respect to your contract payment. Secondly, you are hereby advised to stop dealing with some non-officials in the bank as this is an illegal act and will have to stop if you so wish to receive your payment immediately. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-29 08:54:51
Discover How To Make The Best Deals With Original Creditors
By Michael Redbourn There are lots of articles around that explain how to talk or not talk to debt collectors and many people think that they should handle negotiations with the original creditor in the same way, and that's absolutely wrong. The original lender doesn't have to help you at all, but if you handle the negotiations in the right way you might save yourself around 45% of your total debt, and you might get the very best comment on your credit report too. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-29 01:02:09
Re-default nation
The big question looming over the push to rewrite the home loans of people struggling to make payments is whether or not such mortgage ... % of all first mortgages in the U.S. Dugan called the results, part of his agency's new Mortgage Metrics report ... numbers to have since historically we haven't—and problem solving often starts with data collection [more...]
Date: 2008-12-08 17:35:26
Words from the (investment) wise for the week that was (September 21 – 27, 2009)
After hitting its best levels of the year on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) communiqué, the S&P 500 Index ran into heavy weather on the realization that the Fed could start scaling back on emergency support of the economy. US equities dropped further later in the week on renewed concerns about the state of the troubled housing market and weaker-than-expected durable goods orders. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-27 07:51:48
Words from the (investment) wise for the week that was (September 21 – 27, 2009)
After hitting its best levels of the year on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) communiqué, the S&P 500 Index ran into heavy weather on the realization that the Fed could start scaling back on emergency support of the economy. US equities dropped further later in the week on renewed concerns about the state of the troubled housing market and weaker-than-expected durable goods orders. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-27 07:51:48
After my personal experiencing the difficulties I have faced when I was dealing with the debts after my marriage I have decided to share some advice ... Collection Agency: So finally I just want to introduce this website which can be helpful ... for those that are newly married or they are going to marry soon. I was not having too much debt [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 15:04:28
Roth IRA FAQ, Income Streams and Financial Q & A @ The Carnivals
new logo design is now over. As for which logo won? It was a tight vote between 2 logos. Now how about I surprise you all with it when I put it up? ... In Washington All Financial Matters: Oil Just Keeps Dropping! Rich Credit Debt Loan: How To Stop ... Decision Crackerjack Greenback: Personal Finance in the Bible: Proverbs 13:7 Ask Mr. Credit Card [more...]
Date: 2008-12-03 22:11:44
Gates of Vienna News Feed 11/12/2008
Some headlines to look at:“Muslim Killed Catholic Girl in Love With Flatmate”“London Fundraisers Linked to Stoning of 13-Year-Old”“Possibly Tens of Thousands of Somalis in the US Illegally”“New Anti-Christian Attack in Mosul, Two Sisters Killed”But then there’s this:“Denmark: Ready to Ban Headscarves for Judges”So it’s not all bad news [more...]
Date: 2008-11-13 04:52:00
How to Avoid a Lawsuit From a Collection Agency
The first thing you need to understand is that most large collection companies have a lawyer at their disposal who writes letters on their behalf ... to respond… they’ll sell the debt to another collection agency for pennies on the dollar. In order for them ... that they cannot legally be collected on. So even with a judgment to repay the debt… the collec [more...]
Date: 2009-01-14 19:53:56
Bankruptcy: Pros and Cons
With today’s economic crisis, there are many individuals who may have no choice but to file for bankruptcy ... has been repossessed, or your debts have been taken over by a collection agency. As stated at the outset ... out there are consequences that need to be addressed. 1. Once you file for bankruptcy, it is listed on your credit [more...]
Date: 2009-01-09 14:49:45
In Uncertain Times Innovation Prevails for One Savvy Collection Agency
NEW YORK, N.Y., Oct. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In response to economic uncertainty, New York based collection agency Williams, Charles & ... card payment offerings used by others in the industry, WCS' collection staff can tailor the WCS ... whether a debt gets paid," Weiss reports. Another feature of the service is that is generates [more...]
Date: 2008-10-16 11:06:59
Debt Collection Agency
It’s hard to eke a living these days. Cost of living has gone up so much since June and many of my relatives and friends are finding it hard to make ... a chicken rice seller. He did say that he might want to engage a Debt Collection to help him with the debt collection part. This is the last resort for him. I heard that there might be a high cost [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 17:14:22
How To Contact Creditors To Help With Credit Repair
Good credit has become nearly a necessity these days. Credit has become almost essential to buying a car or a home ( ... a problem because you’d be surprised at what kind of credit repair you can accomplish by being ... out of embarrassment or even fear. Unfortunately, it’s best to deal with the problem immediately [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 23:57:12
The Importance of Repairing Your Credit Report - Yourself!
It seems to be common knowledge today that we are living in a society overwhelmed with debt ... ! Typically it does nothing more then raise red flags at the collection agency’s and can even make it nearly impossible in the future for you to try to re-dispute an item on your own. Collection Agency’ [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 01:44:04
Authorized Users, Debt Settlement and Negotiating When You’re Unemployed
One of our readers, Jaclyn, had this question for us: If I removed an authorized user from an account, ... amount and attempt to settle your debt. However, most companies do not like to tackle debt settlement ... the offer to the collection department. Just be aware that if you do go past due in order to settle [more...]
Date: 2009-01-09 15:16:56
Add Your Comment:
« PreviousSmokey The Bear: Racial Profiler, Beer Snob or Innocent Bystander? Next »What Obama Will Say Tonight Best Seats in the House Posted by Karen TumultyWednesday, September 9, 2009 at 5:33 pm 14 Comments • Trackback (0) • Related Topics:michelle obama, joint session, obama speech, vicki kennedy The White House has just put out a list of who will be sitting in the best seats in the House (Chamber) tonight. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-09 21:33:59
Repairing Your Credit
We’ve all seen them. “Send me 99.95 and I’ll fix your credit and you can get a one million dollar credit card tomorrow ... your credit. It is not meant in any way to be legal advice. We will discuss several things in this article such as how credit works, paying or settling debts, credit repair companies, and establishing new [more...]
Date: 2009-01-12 01:08:35
Obama Forgets The GAO, Proposes New Accountability Commission!
The rhetoric is heating up on the campaign trail and Senator Obama is rolling out new ideas on how to bring accountability back into government ... that Americans are unaware that our nation currently has an agency that is charged with monitoring performance and spending oversight within other agencies. That agency is called the Government [more...]
Date: 2008-09-23 07:35:00
The Man Who Blew The Whistle on Illegal Wiretapping
Jump to CommentsMichael IsikoffNEWSWEEK MAGAZINE Issue dated Dec 22, 2008 Thomas M. Tamm was entrusted with some of the government’s most important secrets. He had a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance, a level above Top Secret. Government agents had probed Tamm’s background, his friends and associates, [more...]
Date: 2009-01-12 00:51:31
Hullabaloo (2009-09-09 16:00)
Who Cares What They Think? by digby FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2009 Below is a list of Americans who will be seated in the First Lady’s box during the President’s remarks. Some of these guests are featured in web videos on the WhiteHouse.gov blog: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/The-Speech-Tonight/ . Guest List for the First Lady’s Box 2009 Joint Session of Congress September 9, 2009 Mrs. Michelle Obama Dr. [more...]
Date: 2009-09-09 23:00:00
Authorized Users, Debt Settlement and Negotiating When You’re Unemployed
One of our readers, Jaclyn, had this question for us: If I removed an authorized user from an account, ... regularly reports your account activity to the credit bureaus then the removal should be reflected ... amount and attempt to settle your debt. However, most companies do not like to tackle debt [more...]
Date: 2009-01-09 05:11:55
Debt Fraud is Real: What you Should Know
Recent statistics have shown that millions of consumers are affected by debt fraud each year, ... the identity of the debt collection agency. They do not consider the possibility that the whole thing ... with debt scams becoming increasingly common among younger generations. The truth is that people [more...]
Date: 2009-01-16 00:24:21
Prevent Identity Theft From Happening to You
What is Identity Theft? It is the theft of your personal information, such as social security number, driver’s license number, credit card and bank account numbers, mother’s maiden name, and more, with the intent to obtain credit and credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from the victim’s existing accounts, apply for loans, [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 13:42:35
Debt Consolidation is Great Way to Bring Resolve to Debt
Credit counseling services help individuals regain control over their finances by helping them reduce their debt in various ways ... as collateral. Credit counseling “solutions” don’t work. Bankruptcy actually will get you out of debt. You can find more from credit card and debt. Debt consolidation is always a great way to bring [more...]
Date: 2009-01-11 14:20:42
3rd party
Back from where I came from, there is this notorious credit card company who hires another notorious collection agency ... Collection Agency to do all the collection needs for a company. I just found a professional company ... the fundamental way in which a collection agency operated. What is nice about this company, other than [more...]
Date: 2008-12-11 05:15:45
Tackling Student Loan Debt
If you have recently finished school and is currently in your period of six months than you on your first student loan payment, ... card debt. The highest rate on student loans compares favorably with the exorbitant prices of credit ... of existing debt accumulates car payments and credit card accounts. So if you feel overwhelmed [more...]
Date: 2009-01-14 00:34:19
Debt Collection
I recently received a phone call from my friend in New York who is working there as an accoutant ... . She is still lucky to have her job after all. Being in a Debt Collection Agency , they are charged ... , the kids , life in general and even her work. She is working for a debt collecting company [more...]
Date: 2009-01-13 14:16:59
Job Cuts Increase Economic Stress
Corporations are slashing jobs. States are in on the act too. Let's take a look at a few headlines. All are from last weekend. Citigroup (C) Slashing Investment Banking Jobs Yahoo Finance is reporting Citigroup to slash investment-banking jobs Citigroup is preparing fire thousands from its worldwide investment-banking division, [more...]
Date: 2008-06-23 15:40:15
How To Do A Credit Card Debt Consolidation.
Credit card debt consolidation allows you to pay your current debts in 3-6 years. Under a debt consolidation plan, terms and conditions change ... . There are many types of debt consolidation loans available. There could be a loan that would take you a longer ... . The purpose of debt consolidation is to speed up your paying time and at the same time makes [more...]
Date: 2009-01-15 14:28:51
