Jeff's Blog 
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for Pennsylvania Consumers
- Debt collectors will stop at nothing to get paid
- Woman Files Lawsuit for a Debt Collector posting on MySpace!
- FDCPA violations for contacting neighbors and relatives
- Article from Johnstown PA newspaper
- A Debt Collector Can Ease Your Pain, WHAT??????
Fair Credit Reporting Act for Consumers Rights
- Bad Entries on your Credit Will Eventually Fall Off
- The only website to obtain all 3 credit reports for free every year
- Jeff Suher to Host Workshop about the Fair Credit Reporting Act
General
- Chase credit-card holders beware of rate increases
- Pass the Credit Card Act NOW!!!!
- Even the President thinks "Enough is Enough, on Credit Card Tactics" Just read it for yourself!
- Obama pushes to put a tighter rein on credit card companies!!!!!
- Banks may have to prepare for Credit Card Write-offs
News
- Debt Threats - Collectors are holding nothing back
- Senator Chris Dodd: Credit Crisis
- Debt Collector Loses Collection Case Appeal
- Pittsburgh Consumers and Consumers all over the world fighting back over debt!
- Consumers winning lawsuits against debt collectors not following the FDCPA.
- IRS to drop private debt collection program
- An Owner of a Debt Collection Company speaks out about how business is booming!
- Pittsburgh Debt Collection Tips: 7 Great Ways to Deal with Zombie Debts!
- IRS to review tax collection by debt collectors - They might get rid of it!!!
- Pittsburgh Consumers be on the look out for debt collectors who try and collect "Phantom Debt"
Library
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for Pennsylvania Consumers
- Debt Collection Violations Guide for Pennsylvania Consumers
- FDCPA violations for contacting third parties
- Pennsylvania Consumers, Be aware of debt collectors that contact you about a debt you don't owe.
- Debt Collector Accuses Pittsburgh Consumer of Committing a Crime and Threatens Jail Time
- Debt Collector Harasses Pittsburgh Consumer and Threatens Physical Harm
- RipOff Reports Article: National Enterprise Systems Intimidation at work
- RipOff Report Articles: National Action Financial Services, Inc. (NAFS)
- FTC Annual Report Summary of Debt Collection Violations
- Consumer Advocate Bud HIbbs' Worst Debt Collector List
- The Six Taboos of Debt Collectors!
Do you Know What's on Your Credit Report? How to obtain a free report and file disputes...
- Fair Credit Report Act - Workshop to Help Pennsylvania Consumers Understand and Dispute Information on Their Credit Reports!
- Facts for Pittsburgh Consumers About Your Credit Report
Fair Credit Reporting Act for Consumers Rights
- According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) there is a time limit that a negative entry can remain on your credit history.
- Debt Reduction Defendant Settles FTC Charges
- 5 Ways to DESTROY your credit score
- How Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Affect You and Your Credit Score?
Credit Card Crisis
BLOG
General
- Debt Collectors are Creating New Tactics to Scare and Embarass Debtors
- Pittsburgh Attorney Jeff Suher in Negotiating Settlements/Payments with Debt Collection Company
- Credit Card Collections are Big with Debt Collectors - Let's begin searching for the solution!
- What will debt collectors do in 2009 given the current economic crisis?
- Fast-Cash Predatory Lending - what you need to know
- Tips for Consumers against Credit Card Fraud
- Attend a Free Viewing of the Film MAXED OUT and Win a $250 Gift Certificate
- JEFF SUHER TO PRESENT SEMINAR ON “MAXED OUT”
- "Rehabilitation:" What Debt Collectors Don't Want You To Know
- Debt Collection Agencies: Big Money in Bad Debt
What's New
Maxed Out shows how the modern financial industry really works, explains the true definition of "preferred customer" and tells us why the poor are getting poorer and the rich getting richer. By turns hilarious and profoundly disturbing, Maxed Out paints a picture of a national nightmare which is all too real for most of us!!
Jeff's Blog
Fair Credit Reporting Act for Consumers Rights
Bad Entries on your Credit Will Eventually Fall Off
Your credit report or more so, your credit score can define who you are – more so than your career, your partner in life, and even your physical attributes. Seriously, think about it. You cannot obtain a car, a house, a credit card, a loan, or even sometimes a job without a good credit score. In today’s society without any of those things where would you be? Up the creek without a paddle, that’s where.And, if you do get financed for credit with a low score or a bad score, your interest rate will be through the roof.
Today’s economy has caused debt collectors to become more aggressive and relentless as to their collection tactics. Thus causing consumers to get so upset, one might even contemplate bankruptcy. Some may have to file bankruptcy. But there are some things you might want to think about. One thing could be the timeline wherein a bad entry must be taken off your report.
Luckily the Fair Credit Reporting Act or (FCRA) has established guidelines so bad credit cannot stay with your forever (unlike that birthmark you’ve always hated).
Here are a few of those Time Guidelines set forth in the FCRA that you need to know:
Late Payment information and collection accounts will remain on your report for seven years from the date of delinquency.
Foreclosures will remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of delinquency.
Lawsuits or Judgments will remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of judgment.
Bankruptcy will remain with your credit report for 10 years from the date of filing; and
Paid tax liens will remain with your credit report for 7 years from the date paid.
A consumer does not have to do anything or write anything to the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), to have the entry removed when the time is up. The negative account should be automatically taken off when the appropriate time has expired. If this does not happen automatically, then contact Jeff to dispute these accounts immediately!
The only website to obtain all 3 credit reports for free every year
Remember, there is only one true website to obtain your yearly 3 free credit reports! You can request your reports online here, or you can download and print this form if you feel more comfortable mailing your request form to receive your free reports.Here is the address where you send the form to obtain ALL reports, including:
Experian, TransUnion and Equifax:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
If after receiving your credit reports, if you find a re-aged debt or an account that doesn't belong to you, please contact Jeff for a free evaluation of your rights. Jeff can help answer your questions on how to send out a dispute letter, how long credit reporting agencies have to investigate, and what steps to take after the results.
Jeff Suher to Host Workshop about the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Obtaining credit can be fairly simple for most Pennsylvania consumers. If you have a steady job, and no history of serious credit delinquency, you can obtain more credit than you'll probably ever need. But many in Pennsylvania face the flip side of this equation, and often through no fault of their own.
As fair and impartial as financial institutions purport the credit system to be, the fact is that mistakes in reporting credit information still occurs at alarming rates. These mistakes leave affected consumers financially disenfranchised from the rest of us, exposed to long-term financial problems that can limit life's possibilities and close them off from their shot at the American Dream.
Jeff will discuss identity theft prevention, fraud alerts, and security freezes, and help you to take steps to prevent yourself from identity theft and what to do if it happens to you.
Jeff will discuss the responsibilities of debt collectors other furnishers to the consumer reporting agencies. Jeff can help you become aware of what debt collectors can and cannot report to the credit bureaus. Jeff will also help you better understand your credit report so you can spot inaccurate information.You will also learn the proper procedure to dispute inaccurate information.
Date: Tuesday, September 30th Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Single Step Strategies, 1738 N. Highland Road, Suite G103
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
Members $10 Non-members: $15.
To register EMAIL http://info@singlestepsstrategies.com
or Call 412-831-0183
On the Web: www.singlestepsstrategies.com
SEATING IS LIMITED!
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for Pennsylvania Consumers
Debt collectors will stop at nothing to get paid
According to the Huffington Post, a debt collection company is giving out a fake address leading consumers to a public library. It is unfortunate for this library, because they are receiving endless letters and paperwork from attorneys and consumers regarding debt collection issues. But, why in the world would a debt collector want to give out a fake address?This same debt collector contacted a consumer and stated that he was a police officer and was coming to arrest him for fraud if he did not give him money right away for an outstanding internet payday loan. When this consumer's attorney attempted to contact this company to straighten out this situation, his attempts also ended up in this Tompkins County Public Library.
With the economy down and consumers finding it difficult to pay bills, debt collectors will lie, cheat, harass and stop at nothing to get paid. Obviously in these situations, the collectors are just looking for as much "fast cash" as possible before getting caught up in a whirl-wind of trouble for collecting debts in a manner which is considered against the law.
Jeff Suher, Pittsburgh Consumer Attorney who specializes in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Jeff sues abusive debt collectors and helps consumers that have incorrect information on their credit reports.
Woman Files Lawsuit for a Debt Collector posting on MySpace!
Did you know that if a debt collector cannot locate you, he/she may try searching on various social networking sites such as MySpace, Twitter, or Facebook? It's true! Debt collectors have been able to locate debtors using these very popular websites. If your profile is public, it would be very easy for a debt collector to find out personal information about you and possibly your friends and/or relatives.In what appears to be one of the first lawsuits related to debt collection harassment on a social network, a Michigan lady is suing two debt collection companies for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Among many other FDCPA violations, the debt collectors were allegedly posting remarks regarding her indebtedness on her MySpace page.
The Michigan woman is unable to sue MySpace, which is protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Jeff Suher, Pittsburgh Consumer Attorney who specializes in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Jeff sues abusive debt collectors and helps consumers that have incorrect information on their credit reports.
FDCPA violations for contacting neighbors and relatives
A debt collector discloses to a third party (a neighbor or relative) that you have a debt. This is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). A collector, by law, is NOT allowed to do this.A debt collector IS allowed to make one reasonable phone call to a neighbor or a relative in an attempt to locate you by confirming or correcting location information. However, the debt collector is not supposed to disclose any information about the debt that you owe. The debt collector is also not supposed to ask a third party to “pass a message on to you”.
Once the debt collector contacts the third party in an attempt to confirm or correct your location information, they must stop. The debt collector is NOT allowed to contact the third party more than once UNLESS requested to do so.
You may have the right to sue if the debt collector discloses your debt information to any third party.
Jeff Suher, Pittsburgh Consumer Attorney who specializes in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Jeff sues abusive debt collectors and helps consumers that have incorrect information on their credit reports.
Article from Johnstown PA newspaper
The Johnstown Tribune Democrat recently had an article regarding a lawsuit I recently filed. You can read the story here. The author failed to note that the debt collector allegedly called my client a "bitch" on Christmas Eve. She didn't even owe the alleged debt.A Debt Collector Can Ease Your Pain, WHAT??????
Okay, I just had to share this article with you. This article was recently posted in the New York Times.Apparently, debt collectors can ease your pain, and can try to help you out and give out financial advice over the phone!!! And, apparently we should be thankful for this!!!
I guess we should be glad and thankful for debt collectors who advise us to take out a second mortgage on our home to pay a small credit card debt, and debt collectors who suggest the United Way. Doesn't the United Way have better and more charitable things to do than help people with an old credit card debt?
Anyway, READ THIS ARTICLE, and see for yourself!
Debt Collectors who try to collect "Phantom Debts"
According to a local news story published in Baltimore, Maryland, a woman got a phone call from a debt collector looking for her sister-in-law. The Debt Collector was alleging she owed a lot of money. How many times have we heard this line???
However, the sister-in-law owed nothing. The debt collector who called her was National Service of Processors, RCI, or RSI, and sometimes goes by the name of Maxine Billings. This company is based out of Georgia and has received hundreds of complaints.
Numerous complaints involving debt collectors trying to collect “phantom debts”. A phantom debt, is a debt that never existed. According to Angie Barnett of the Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau, “They’re scam artists. They’ll collect this phantom debt, they’ll buy names, contact information and credit information and make what they call phantom debt collection calls.” That is completely scary!
Remember, if you do not believe that you owe a debt. Ask questions!!!! Demand for validation of the debt, protect yourself!
Let's Share - A comment posted on our BLOGS regarding debt collectors
Just wanted to share with you - about a couple comments that were posted on our BLOG regarding aggressive debt collectors. Unfortunately, I had to delete the comments because they were rated X.However, it made me think (imagine that) and I did not want to ignore them.
It was very obvious that the reader who posted the comments had a few issues. Mainly this person was offended that consumers had the nerve to contact an attorney and file lawsuits against debt collectors - when they weren't paying their bills. Commenting that if consumers would pay their bills, they wouldn't have to worry about abusive debt collectors. The reader also stated that debt collectors should have the right to take what ever means necessary to collect their bills owed to them.
Exactly my thoughts......No, not anymore. But honestly, I used to feel that way sometimes, until I educated myself and started to really get to know our clients and their stories. It put things into perspective on how a debt collector could put someone "over the edge" so to speak.
Let's be honest, it would be great to have a great upbringing, gone to college, been lead in the right direction, to the right career path, to the right marriage, and of course being an expert on today's economy and knowing credit inside and out. But that wasn't me, was it you? No, it wasn't most of us.
Society makes us hungry for credit, society has made consumers dependent on credit NO, wait NEED credit to survive sometimes. And unfortunately, banks used to make it so easy for people that only made below average income to obtain loans, to obtain credit cards ....... and once that consumer was late on any payments BANG!!! Up went the interest rates, then BANG can't pay a couple months, then BANG - the bill is sold off to a debt collector for pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately, this has happened to so many Pennsylvania consumers. This is one of the underlying reasons why in today's economy it is almost impossible to get a loan with a great job and almost perfect credit!!!!
I do think that consumers should try and maintain a "credit line" that they can afford. I do think that consumers should not take out credit card accounts that they know they might have difficulty paying back. However, I DO NOT think it is okay if.......
A consumer is involved in a car accident and cannot work for 3 months and decides to feed his family instead of paying credit cards until he is back to work....and a debt collector calls to harass and berate this person WRONG!
A consumer is going through a divorce, is going back to school, and is trying to pay off debts, just not at the pace of the debt collector's wish - does this make it okay for a debt collector to threaten jail time and call up neighbors to embarass this peson - NO THIS IS WRONG.....
Come on now, do you really think that consumers want bad credit? Do you really think we want debt collectors calling our neighbors and embarassing us, NO!
Behind every late bill there is a story. A real story, about a real human being. And these real human beings do not deserve to be harassed by aggressive debt collectors.
So, to all the debt collectors out there who may want to pick up the phone and call someone a "deadbeat", stop to think first - maybe this person just lost their spouse, or got a divorce, or lost their job.
And, to all the debt collectors who follow the FDCPA and try their hardest to understand the person behind the other line, Thank you.
It's Crazy! As the Economy Gets Worse, Debt Collectors Get More Desperate!
It’s crazy! As the economy gets worse, debt collectors get more desperate.A Boston man suffered a stroke and was out of work for 2 months. Therefore, leaving his wife to carry most of the family’s financial burden. As most families are often forced to do, they were living paycheck to paycheck – paying only their necessities on a Sears MasterCard.
Unfortunately, the mastercard debt went up to a $10,000 balance. The couple did their best to pay the card. However, when the couple only missed one payment, the interest rate skyrocketed to 29%. This in turn contributed to the debt swelling to almost $15,000. Making the payments rise and making it harder and harder for the couple to pay. Eventually, the mastercard was sold off to Leading Edge, a third party debt collector.
Given today’s economy, Leading Edge’s abusive telephone calls forced the couple into a lawsuit. It was the only way to get this company to stop. In the complaint the couple alleges that the debt collector used profane language, threatened to seize their home and car. The couple also alleged that Leading Edge contacted their neighbor and a relative and discussed this debt.
The couple complains that Leading Edge’s tactics drove them into emotional wrecks. According to the wife, they work multiple jobs and try to do their best. But when Leading Edge was asked to discuss this matter, of course, they declined to discuss the case.
Like many consumers, today, the husband (a truck drive) and the wife (a nurse) are struggling to hold onto their home and to get themselves of their current credit card debt.
If you, like many are struggling to do your best, but are being contacted by third party debt collectors – please contact Jeff for help and information that you need to know!
Local Complaints About Debt Collectors Have Doubled in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's better business bureau has seen a whopping 50-percent hike in complaints about debt collectors. While experts say don't ignore your debt, you don't have to put up with threatening calls.
People in pittsburgh are losing sleep over the threats from debt collectors. Crystal Rathbun from Spring Garden owes about 15 hundred dollars in credit card bills. "Sometimes they call like four times in a row...you can't even hang up on them because they call right back," said Rathbun.
Watch this local Channel 11 News Story to hear more about debt collection in Pittsburgh and how to STOP IT!
Pennsylvania Consumers - What You Can Do to Make a Difference!
Consumers can make a difference by educating themselves about their rights.
Abusive debt collectors can and should be sued! Credit agencies can and should be sued!
The long term difference will be made when we all start taking action! Here is a page from NACA (National Association of Consumer Advocates), which discusses what YOU can do to make a difference, and Join the Fight!
Jeff Suher represents Pittsburgh consumer whose credit card was stolen by Buffalo Debt Collector
Jeff Suher is representing a Pittsburgh consumer who was unfortunate enough to be tricked and harassed into giving up her credit card information. This consumer did not even owe the debt! However, the sleazy debt collector made her feel ashamed of an old debt to the point of talking her into giving up her debit card information.This sleazy, and I mean sleazy collector then stole her numbers and went on a shopping spree - charging almost $1900 in things that he had delivered to his house...... OOPS. Maybe not so smart. The Buffalo man was picked up and charged for this crime.
Remember, never give out your credit card or banking information to debt collectors. Check out the rest of this story in our NEWS section
A Debt Collection Company that "May" Train and Encourage Employees to Violate the FDCPA - sued in Pennsylvania
It is believed that a debt collection company has a segment in its training program wherein employees are trained to use false names, to raise their voices, and to totally disregard the FDCPA.
Here are a few tactics encouraged in this training program:
- threaten to lien somone’s property;
- garnish wages;
- pretend to be calling from a “legal department” or clerk’s office”;
- to stop legal action, you “must” give me your banking information;
- to make up “case numbers” for non-existent lawsuits;
- to harass, make fun off, and beat down consumers until they pay.
All of the above strategies were used by this debt collector on a Pennsylvania consumer, in order to try and collect money that she was in fact disputing. Read more about this lawsuit
What to do if a Debt Collector Sues You.
Is a debt collection company suing you over an old credit card debt?
If a debt collector is suing you over an old credit card bill, you are probably wondering what to do. When a credit card company is unable to collect money from you over a period of time, they often sell your debt for pennies on the dollar to a debt collection company.
Often times the debt collector will sue you and can do so if it is within the four (4) year statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.
The first rule of thumb when receiving a summons for Court over an old credit card debt:
DON”T IGNORE IT! This is the worst thing you can do. If you ignore the summons and do not show up, the Court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment will show up on your credit report for as long as seven (7) years. The collector can execute on the judgment and could possibly freeze your bank account.
WHAT TO DO! After being served with the Summons – make sure you read all the legal documents carefully. The debt collector should attach validation of the old credit card debt, proving that you do in fact owe the debt and when that debt allegedly went into default.
Basically, after the complaint look for documents that would show an agreement between you and the credit card company. Also, look for documents that prove how much you allegedly owe the credit card company.
Most importantly, Contact an attorney immediately! You only have so much time to respond to the Complaint.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
The debt collector is hoping you do not respond to the lawsuit so it can
get a default judgment. Also, quite often the debt collector fails to provide
accurate documentation when filing the lawsuit. Therefore, there is no need for you to ignore this.
A Need to Know Debt Collection Tactic to Harass and Threaten you into paying an Old Debt
A debt collection tactic that FDCPA attorney, Jeff Suher wants you to know about!!National Action Financial Services, NAFS - Typical debt collection company and numerous consumer complaints!
National Action Financial Services, otherwise known as NAFS is another typical debt collection company trying to collect on old debt for which they purchased for pennies on the dollar.What can I do to stop debt collection calls about OLD DEBT
Are you a Pittsburgh consumer receiving harassing phone calls from debt collectors trying to collect an old debt that is 5, 10, or even 15 years old? Are you wandering what to do with these phone calls? Are you wandering if you should just pay the debt to clear your name?Harassing Debt Collection Calls from India to the U.S.
In a glass tower on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, dozens of young Indians are on the telephone, calling to harass America's debt-stricken consumers and asking for cash."Are you sure that's all you can afford?" "Well, how do you take care of your everyday expenses?" These are some of the harassing and pressing lines used by debt collectors to squeeze money from Pennsylvania consumers......
Please follow this article link to read more about the debt collection process and how debt collectors will start bringing up your tax rebate as a tactic to get you to pay up.
Debt Collection Complaints going UP; what to do if you get a telephone call in Pittsburgh. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE
Debt collectors abusive and harassing telephone calls are on the rise.
According to the FTC, consumer complaints about debt collection abuse were up significantly in 2007(PDF link). This is hardly surprising, as debt has been plentiful and cheap lately. Complaints will almost certainly go up in 2008, since credit card borrowing is way up along with credit charge-offs.
If you are getting phone calls from a debt collector, you need to track the calls carefully. In Pennsylvania, you are legally not allowed to record a telephone call without permission of all parties on the telephone call. However, it is very important that you keep good handwritten notes!
10 Ways to Curb Sleazy Debt Collectors In Pittsburgh
Many consumers in Pittsburgh have been contacted by a bill collector or debt collector at some point in their lives. Being harassed by debt collectors is not fun and many of us may not know what to do. Read this article to find out ways to help stop debt collectors from harassing you.
Sleazy Debt collection tactics are merciless. Debt collectors keep coming up with new schemes and new ways to make you pay them. Remember, they only get paid if YOU pay them.
Haunted and harassed by old debts?
There is a fast growing industry that may have an impact on you. Debt collectors have been purchasing old debts for pennies on the dollar.Rachel fell into financial trouble in 1990 when she went through a painful divorce. She was unable to pay one of her credit cards. The balance was approximately $2,300. Eventually the credit card debt was charged off. In the fall of 2005, Rachel started receiving harassing calls from a debt collector stating she had to pay the $2,300 balance plus interest or they were going to sue her. Follow this link to read more......
A Missouri Judge Orders a Debt Collector to pay $854,389.00
A Jackson County, Missouri judge ordered a collector to pay $854,389 to a consumer and several of her family members for FDCPA violations. According to the judgment the violations included name calling, threats, harassing phone calls at home and work, and ignoring orders by the consumer’s attorneys to stop the calls.Holiday Help with Credit Cards
We, at Jeffrey L. Suher, P.C. wish everyone Happy Holidays. In our attempt to help stop debt collection harassment, I would like to share with you some credit card tips for the holidays. These tips were prepared by AFFIL, Americans For Fairness In Lending, an organization which exists to help fight abusive credit and lending practices. Please visit their website for additional information at www.affil.org.
Jeffrey L. Suher, PC
4328 Old William Penn Highway
Suite 2J
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: (412) 374-9005
Fax: (412) 374-0799
Toll Free: 1-800-YES-JEFF
Videos
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for Pennsylvania Consumers:
- Pittsburgh Attorney, Jeff Suher helps consumers fight Debt Collectors and their abusive and harassing ways.
- Consumer Attorney, Jeff Suher interviewed on Channel 11 News about debt collection in Pittsburgh
- A Consumer sues a Debt Collector and Wins, Attorney Jeff Suher in Pittsburgh can help you do the same!
General:
FAQs
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for Pennsylvania Consumers
- Under the FDCPA, it states that a debt collector cannot disclose a debt to a third party. Who is considered a third party?
- Can I tape record my conversations with the debt collector?
- A debt collector keeps harassing me about a debt I do not owe, what can I do?
- Can a debt collector garnish your wages?
- A debt collector contacted me at 9:30 p.m., can they do this?
Do you Know What's on Your Credit Report? How to obtain a free report and file disputes...
- There is an account on my credit report that does not belong to me, what do I do?
- Where do I really obtain a free copy of my credit report?