Consumer Law

What to do when a debt collector calls

Posted on August 15, 2008
Getting a phone call from a debt collector can be very upsetting. Often, they ask for more money than you think you owe or call about a debt you may not remember. But whether or not you owe the debt, there are a few important steps you need to take to make sure you protect [...

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Posted on August 15, 2008
The RIAA finally pays $100,000+ in attorney fees, and the recipient is suing the RIAA for malicious prosecution, as well. Turnabout Is Fair Play | Futurelawyer

Stop telemarketing calls (and sue if they keep calling)

Posted on August 14, 2008
If you do not already know about the National Do Not Call Registry, hie thee hither and put your name down. Once you are on the registry, telemarketers may not call you for five years. There are a couple of exceptions. Businesses may call you for 18 months after you have bought something from them [...

Stop debt collector calls with the TeleZapper

Posted on August 14, 2008
If you are getting phone calls from a debt collector, you should tell them, in writing, that you do not want them calling you. If that does not work, and just want them to stop, the TeleZapper should do the trick. Most collection agencies use automatic—also called predictive—dialers...

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Ohio Payday Lenders Caught Lying in Ballot Initiative Signature Drive

Posted on August 13, 2008
Ohio Payday Lenders Caught Lying in Ballot Initiative Signature Drive | Consumer Law & Policy

Internet privacy gets Congress? attention

Posted on August 13, 2008
Internet privacy gets Congress’ attention | MinnPost

Credit madness

Posted on August 13, 2008
“The real crisis is on Main Street: It all comes down to how credit card companies have treated consumers far too poorly for far too long. ” Credit madness | Star Tribune

Caveat Emptor playlist: how to buy a car without getting screwed

Posted on August 13, 2008
Top 10 How To Videos | Lifehacker

In Pictures : Mortgage Guidelines Get Tough For All Borrower Types ? Quickly

Posted on August 13, 2008
In Pictures : Mortgage Guidelines Get Tough For All Borrower Types — Quickly | Homes and Money

5 Best Coupon-Clipping Web Sites

Posted on August 13, 2008
5 Best Coupon-Clipping Web Sites | SmartMoney.com

Celebrity Money Mistakes

Posted on August 13, 2008
Celebrity Money Mistakes | AOL (via Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog)

Medical debts are covered by the FDCPA, too

Posted on August 12, 2008
Although we spend a lot of time on debt collection and credit cards, more consumers are experiencing problems with medical debt than anything else. In fact, some consumers’ credit card debt may be linked to medical bills, as well. The fact that so many Americans cannot afford healthcare is a political problem, but debt collectors [...

Credit repair DIY: fix errors on your credit reports

Posted on August 11, 2008
Under federal law, consumers can challenge inaccurate information on credit reports and other consumer reports (such as tenant screening reports). It is free, usually quick, and relatively painless. Plus, there are a lot of great how-to guides on the web...

Debt buyers can?t prove s#!t

Posted on August 08, 2008
Imagine you were in the jury box listening to this testimony, which is just the sort of testimony you would expect to hear in a debt buyer case. Why purchasing debt is a bad bet at trial | Michigan Collection Law Blog

Throwdown! Connecticut Sues Countrywide For Deceptive Lending

Posted on August 08, 2008
Throwdown! Connecticut Sues Countrywide For Deceptive Lending | Consumerist

Not Good: Fannie Mae Loses $2.3 Billion

Posted on August 08, 2008
Not Good: Fannie Mae Loses $2.3 Billion | Consumerist

Oh Sh*t! 40% Of Indiana?s Mortgage Brokers Lose Their Licenses

Posted on August 07, 2008
Oh Sh*t! 40% Of Indiana’s Mortgage Brokers Lose Their Licenses | Consumerist

Payday lenders being replaced by credit unions

Posted on August 07, 2008
Those who leap to the defense of payday lenders often shout “but there is nowhere else for poor consumers to turn!” Not in Washington, D.C., where payday loan rates were capped at 24% in January. Since payday lenders are able to charge much higher interest rates elsewhere (think well beyond 100% interest), they are leaving...

The Top Personal Finance Blogs by Women

Posted on August 06, 2008
The Top Personal Finance Blogs by Women | Queercents

Milwaukee man faces foreclosure because he didn?t pay parking fine

Posted on August 06, 2008
Milwaukee man faces foreclosure because he didn?t pay parking fine | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Consumer Product Safety Bill Passes Congress

Posted on August 04, 2008
Consumer Product Safety Bill Passes Congress | Consumer Law & Policy

Make Sure Your Free Credit Report Is Actually Free

Posted on August 04, 2008
Make Sure Your Free Credit Report Is Actually Free | Lifehacker

Former Countywide Employee Arrested For Stealing, Selling Customer Identities

Posted on August 04, 2008
Former Countywide Employee Arrested For Stealing, Selling Customer Identities | Consumerist

Credit card victory for consumer advocates

Posted on August 04, 2008
Last week, something happened that hasn?t happened in 20 years: the credit card companies lost a battle in the House Financial Services Committee. Late on Thursday night, the committee voted 39-27 in favor H.R. 5244, The Credit Cardholders? Bill of Rights, a bill supported by consumer advocates including the National Consumer Law Center, Consumer [...

Government To Airlines: Improve Customer Service Or Else

Posted on August 03, 2008
[Chinese] Government To Airlines: Improve Customer Service Or Else | Consumerist

Racial bias in mortgage lending

Posted on August 01, 2008
It should come as no surprise to anyone that despite laws against discrimination in lending and a few lawsuits, race still plays a role in the quality of loan a person gets. A new report by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) shows that minority consumers, regardless of income level, are most at risk of [...

Sam on credit counseling agencies in Bench & Bar

Posted on July 31, 2008
Sam on the dubious value of credit counseling agencies and what to look for when considering referring a client to one. Bottom line: not really worth it. For more information about credit counselors and debt settlement agencies, see Debt settlement companies and credit counselors?are they worth the fee? (Click on the picture for the full article...

Judge Rules That Early Termination Fees Are ILLEGAL In California

Posted on July 31, 2008
Judge Rules That Early Termination Fees Are ILLEGAL In California | Consumerist

Man Sets Himself On Fire At Rent-A-Center After Receiving Too Many Late Payment Notices

Posted on July 30, 2008
Man Sets Himself On Fire At Rent-A-Center After Receiving Too Many Late Payment Notices | Consumerist

T-Mobile Introduces Month To Month Contracts

Posted on July 30, 2008
About effing time!T-Mobile Introduces Month To Month Contracts | Consumerist

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