Governor Tim Walz just issued an executive order halting any garnishment of bank accounts or wages for consumer debts. Violators are subject to a $25,000 penalty. There is an exception for child support. Also, consistent with what we already understood, he clarified...
When Legal Matters Become Personal
collections
SCOTUS Hears Arguments in Zombie-Debt Case
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments over whether a creditor who attempts to collect on a time barred (i.e. zombie) debt can face consequences for that, when the debtor files for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a system whereby a person can...
What does “Charged off” mean on my credit report
I would love to say that by the grace of your Guardian Angels, you no longer owe this debt. But that’s not the case. It simply means that that particular creditor is no longer carrying the account as a receivable. It also likely means that they have claimed this as a...
Can I file bankruptcy on payday loans?
Yes. While there are some who believe that subprime lending such as payday loans are a benefit to society, I only see the downside. It typically turns into an endless trap due to the usurious rates of interest that they have lobbied the legislature to exempt them from...
Texas Debt Collector Pays Huge Fine for Illegal Activities
Kare 11 recently reported that the FTC is cracking down on a Texas Business-to-business collections firm, which has engaged in illegal collection activities. Tucker, Albin & Associates agreed to cease and desist improper practices and pay a civil penalty of...
A Creditor has sued me, I answered and disputed, and nothing has happened.
This is a situation which happens with surprising frequency. Many collection law firms are merely retained by collection agencies for the purpose of collecting low hanging fruit, and when a debtor requests their day in court by serving an answer, a law firm and/or...
What should I do if a collector falsely claims that I owe them money?
There are scammers out there who call people, claim that they owe on old debts, and then threaten to have them jailed if they don’t pay it. First, you need to know that you can’t go to jail for failing to pay a debt, even a payday loan. Second, under the Fair Debt...