This "contact Jeff" form is only used for your convenience. This form does not make you a client of our firm. Jeff is licensed only in Pennsylvania. If you need an attorney outside of Pennsylvania, you can find one at National Association of Consumer Advocates. While we'll keep what you tell us private, remember that we can only give specific legal advice once you become a client of the firm. This is done by written agreement only.
Jeff's Blog 
General
Jeff in the News
Student Loans are the New Indentured Servitude...
Posted on 10/12/2009
Largest U.S. Bank throws Arbitration Out the Door...
Posted on 8/14/2009
National Arbitration Forum works against Consumers, NOT for the consumers...
Posted on 7/15/2009
Senator Chris Dodd: Credit Crisis...
Posted on 5/20/2009
Debt Collector Loses Collection Case Appeal...
Posted on 4/27/2009
Library
General
- Attorney Jeff Suher's sums up the meaning of the FCRA and how the FDCPA work together in a brief article.
- Complaint against the National Arbitration Form
- Pennsylvania Operation Short Change
- Read About New Consumer Protections Under the Credit Card Reform
- Debt Collectors are Creating New Tactics to Scare and Embarass Debtors
What will debt collectors do in 2009 given the current economic crisis?
What will debt collectors do in 2009 given the current economic crisis?The truth is, nobody truly knows what will happen in the future. All we do know is that during economic hard times, consumers will pay for their necessities first (food, clothing, shelter, utilities) and car payments, credit card payments, student loan payments, will be last on the list.
Original creditors may give consumers more of a chance in making payments prior to charging off the debt or selling it to a debt collector. This may mean more negotiations between the original creditors and consumers by extending payment dates and lowering payments. However, this may also mean more lawsuits by the original creditors or third party debt collection companies.
The debt collectors may try to squeeze money out of consumers by doing whatever it takes. Remember, most of the time debt collectors are paid on commission. With the economy so bad, I’m assuming that harassment tactics will get even worse.
Now, if you are avoiding payments on old debt, thus avoiding debt collector phone calls, they might be more inclined to hold “block parties” or “office parties”. Block parties would be calling neighbors, friends, relatives, maybe even an old boyfriend with whom you haven’t seen for 10 years. Debt collectors do this to embarrass you into paying the debt, or even scaring a relative into paying the debt for you.
Office parties would be just the same embarrassing tactics only done with co-workers and possibly human resource departments or anyone they can speak with at your place of employment. This would embarrass some consumers into paying their debt in fear of losing their jobs.
Obviously, the tactics of debt collectors go on and on. Just make sure if you are experiencing any volume of communications with a debt collector to contact Jeff for a free consultation about your rights. Remember, we are here to help consumers in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
Don’t be embarrassed about contacting us. Everyone is being affected in one way or another with the economic crisis at hand. Let us help you and prevent debt collectors from getting away with taking advantage of today’s current situation.
