Tag: debt collection

Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

‘Overbiffing’ is the Latest Trend in Illegal Debt Collection

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A new trend is occurring involving unfair debt collection practices known as “overbiffing.” This practice occurs when a creditor or debt collector overstates a debtor’s balance in hopes of getting more money than what is owed.

A recent case in New York highlighted the problem. In the case, a New York debt collector overstated account balances for thousands of consumers in an effort to defraud them into paying more than they actually owe. The debt collector also used abusive and illegal tactics to get consumers to pay. The Fair Debt Collect Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) specifically prohibits this type of behavior, as was addressed by the court.

The “overbiffing” term comes from the act that the debt collector is trying to accomplish. The scam these companies are trying to accomplish is to tell the individual that what they are paying, which is an overstatement of what they owe, will pay the person’s “balance in full,” which is shortened to “BIF.” Of course, these “balance in full” payments are well over what that person owes.

One such debt collector is based in Buffalo, New York, named Robert Heidenreich, also known by the name “Bobby Rich.” The debt collectors working for Heidenreich have been accused of overstating balances that they say consumers owe on accounts. Regulators in this case used forms to compare the actual balances these consumers owe to the amounts that these scammers are saying that they owe. What these regulators found was that the difference between these two amounts was in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Heidenreich’s employees were also accused of misleading the consumers about who was calling. Many of the employees knowingly violated the FDCPA by posing as attorneys or even law enforcement, as a scare tactic. Threatening legal action when one does not have the right to do so or impersonating an attorney or law enforcement is a blatant violation of the FDCPA. These employees would tell the consumer that they had committed a crime and were about to either be arrested or served with notice of a legal proceeding regarding the debt. The consumer would then be directed to another debt collector pretending to be an attorney, who would take payment over the phone on the alleged amount owed. If the consumer questioned the person on the phone, the debt collector would become aggressive and even abusive in response, which is another violation of the FDCPA.

If you have been contacted by a debt collector who is committing one or more of these actions, it is important you know your rights. Per the FDCPA, any third-party debt collector is not allowed to use threatening or abusive language when communicating with the debtor regarding a debt. The FDCPA also prohibits third-party debt collectors from misrepresenting who they are, as well as the consequences of not paying the debt. If a third-party debt collector has done any of these actions, you may have a valid claim for damages under an FDCPA violation.

As a consumer, you also have the right to request validation of the debt from the debt collector. This validation must be produced in writing and must include how much is owed and to whom the debt is owed. You should then take that information and check to make sure that the amount given is, in fact, correct. This information can be validated, for example, with information on the consumer’s credit report.

If a debt collector has violated any provision of the FDCPA, it is important you report the debt collector to the state attorney general’s consumer affairs division, as well as the FTC.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How to Handle Creditor Harassment

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Dealing with creditors and debt collectors is one of the worst parts of dealing with debt. Even the thought of continuous debt collection calls can keep a person up at night. Debt collectors are oftentimes relentless when making these calls and can cross the line from a legal standpoint.  It is important to remember, that as a consumer you have rights when it comes to debt collection.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was created to protect consumers from harassment and threatening behavior from third-party creditors.

The FDCPA protects consumers from the following creditor behavior:

  • Contacting your employer regarding your debt or another party, except for contacting them to get information on your location;
  • Contacting you at unreasonable hours, either very early in the morning or late at night;
  • Calling you at work after being told to no longer contact you at your place of employment;
  • Calling excessively or repeatedly;
  • Using threatening or abusive language or behavior;
  • Threatening a lawsuit when they have no intent to pursue a lawsuit;
  • Threatening to publish or share your information because of your failure to pay a debt;
  • Any other abusive, obscene or threatening behavior.

The important first step to take when faced with a debt is to ask for confirmation on the amount owed. In fact, the debt collector is required to notify you that you have the right to request this validation within 30 days after receiving the first written communication from the debt collector. Requesting validation of the debt can also be done over the phone. By requesting validation of the debt, the consumer is making the debt collector verify that the debt is actually owed.

If the amount is accurate and you still are not able to pay on the debt, it is always recommended that you speak directly with the creditor and explain the situation.  Tell them that you are unable to pay.  Never provide your bank account, routing number or debit card information to the creditor.

The FDCPA also dictates other requirements as to when the collector can call, which is only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. The debt collector is also restricted from using any language or tactics that may be deemed harassing, threatening or abusive.  If the debt collector tries to contact other third parties, such as friends or family members of the individual, they may not disclose information on why they are trying to reach the debtor but can only contact them to get the correct contact information for them.

The ideal situation would be for the creditor to work with you on an affordable repayment plan option. Many times, a letter from the debtor is not enough to get the collector to stop communication, and at this point, an attorney may be needed to write a letter. If a third-party debt collector persists in this behavior, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for an FDCPA violation and sue them for damages, which can include attorney’s fees plus an additional $1,000.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How to Spot a Debt Collection Scam

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Debt collection scams are an all-too-common occurrence these days as scammers look for ways to take advantage of people already in a bad financial situation. A recent scam has been reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where scammers have been calling residents regarding fake power bills. These callers are threatening to turn off the person’s electricity if they do not immediately pay them over the phone.

Last year, the FTC received a total of 2.7 million complaints with debt collection scams being the largest category of complaints. Not all scams are the same, and some scammers, like the utility ones, are far from sophisticated in their schemes. However, the FTC is reporting that many collections scams have become more advanced. The individuals contacting the callers are using names of real local businesses or are posing as lawyers. Some of their claims are so believable that the person on the receiving end of the call believes they are legitimate.

It is important to always have your guard up. Ask for the name of the business contacting you and do the research before simply paying the debt. Also, be aware of what methods the company is using to make threats. For example, if the company trying to collect upon a debt is saying that they will only accept payment in the form of a prepaid gift card, that is a red flag that the caller is perpetuating a scam. The same goes for a company threatening to have someone arrested for nonpayment. Other legal avenues are available for a company collecting on a payment, and the first option is not to have that person arrested.

When someone gets a call from a potential scam, after asking the name of the company, it is recommended that the caller get off the phone and call the company back by using the phone number accessible via the consumer’s own records. Inform the company that someone has made contact and is demanding payment. That company will want to know whether its name and identity is being used. The company will also be able to verify whether any actual debt collection is being pursued against the caller.

If the person on the other end of the phone is a legitimate third-party debt collector and is still using harassing techniques, the consumer still has rights. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) a consumer is protected from debt collectors who are using unfair, abusive or harassing debt collection practices. Many debt collection agencies resort to scare tactics to get individuals to pay on their bills, but these tactics can become illegal if they cross the line from persuasive to abusive.

If an individual is facing debt collection proceedings, bankruptcy may be a viable option for him or her. After a petition for bankruptcy has been filed, an automatic stay goes into effect which puts an immediate stop to any pending collection proceedings which can give the individual relief from ongoing collections attempts and contact from debt collectors.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief

Rent-A-Center Accused of Kicking in Doors and Crushing Customers’ Credit

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Rent-A-Center has recently made headlines due to its unethical treatment of customers and harassing debt collection practices.  In fact, it has gotten so out of hand that the complaints and harassment lawsuits have grown in numbers.

Rent-A-Center customers throughout the U.S. are now complaining that Rent-A-Center has virtually destroyed their finances after they have leased electronics, appliances and furniture from the company.

Rent-A-Center is a Texas-based publicly-traded company. The company started in 1986, offering consumers a way to purchase electronics and other household items that they would not be able to afford otherwise. The customers rent these items, making payments on a monthly, semi-monthly or even weekly basis. At any time during the lease, the customer can terminate the lease and return the household goods, or they can keep making payments until they own the items in full. The company’s mission aims to help those in lower-income households by allowing them to purchase items they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Once a customer begins to fall behind on his or her payments, that is where issues arise. Just one missed payment, missed by something as small as a day, can trigger aggressive collection efforts.

One federal lawsuit, brought by a Florida resident, claimed that she was forced to hide in a closet with her two young sons while a Rent-A-Center employee pounded on her door to collect payment on her rented household items. Another lawsuit claims that a Rent-A-Center worker kicked in her front door after she fell behind on payments for her laptop computer.

Even debt collectors are complaining about the practices of Rent-A-Center. In 2014, the collection company, Acceptance Now, took on accounts from Rent-A-Center, but as soon as debt collectors began making efforts to collect on the accounts, customers continually informed the agents that their debts had already paid. The problem was Rent-A-Center’s records did not reflect these payments.

Many states allow rent-to-own companies, like Rent-A-Center to file criminal charges against customers who do not pay on their rental agreements and do not return items when asked to do so. The collectors are well aware of this information, and Rent-A-Center regularly uses these threats to scare customers into making payments. It can make customers feel trapped in a no-win situation, not only fearing for their safety against aggressive collectors but fearing jail time if they are not able to make payments.

Between January 2016 and June 2017, the Federal Trade Commission received 2,779 complaints regarding both Rent-A-Center and Acceptance Now. Out of these complaints, 90 percent of them involve aggressive collection tactics, involving employees banging on customer’s houses and blasting car horns outside of homes.

Know your rights when it comes to creditor harassment. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was designed to help prevent creditor abuse and harassment.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What happens if I ignore a debt collector?

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If you are unable to make payments on a debt, you may be tempted to turn a blind eye until you are able to come up with the money. But this is one of the worst things you can do.  You always have the right to ignore a debt collector, but it will not make the debt go away.  Here are some possible scenarios that can occur if you ignore a debt collector:

They leave you alone.  You might think this is a good thing and perhaps the debt collector has forgotten about your debt.  But this is unfortunately not the case.

Your credit score suffers.  A past due debt will appear on your credit report regardless of whether you respond to debt collection attempts or not.

Your debt is transferred to another company. If the first collector is unable to reach you after repeated attempts, your account can wind up with a different agency.  This can happen a number of times if the balance remains unpaid.

The debt continues to grow. Just because you stop paying your debt, does not mean the interest stops growing.  Add on collection costs and this can cause the debt to double over time.

They reach out to people you know.  Debt collectors can reach out to people who know you to try and locate you, especially if you have changed your phone number or address to avoid collection attempts.  They are not allowed to tell them about your debt.  Revealing debt to third parties (i.e. – family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.) is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

A lawsuit is filed against you. Ignoring a debt and failing to communicate with a debt collector can result in you being sued. You can try your best to defend yourself, but if a judgment is entered against you it can result in wage garnishment and even funds being withdrawn from your bank account to pay off the debt.

Stress mounts.  The stress of debt can cause anxiety, sleepless nights, even marital problems. Avoiding debt collectors can leave you on the edge, wondering when the next phone call will be or collection letter will arrive in the mail.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are struggling with out of control credit card debt, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

‘Zombie’ Debt Collections Plague South Florida

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According to a recent study, invalid and illegal debt collections are at a record high in the Sunshine State.  The practice also referred to as ‘zombie debt collections’ is defined as attempts to collect debts not owed, those that were already paid or discharged in bankruptcy, debts owed by someone else, or are a result of identity theft. Typically, this debt collection practice is done by third-parties, who have collected these debts written off by the original creditor.

If you feel you have been a victim of zombie debt collection, first request that the debt collector provide you written documentation verifying the debt and check for any discrepancies. It is important that you respond to all court summonses to ensure that a debt collector does not win a court case by default.

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission declared in a new report that Florida is the scam capital of the nation, with nearly 2.7 million consumer complaints made to the agency in 2017. The top categories included: debt collection, impostor scams, identity theft, phone and mobile, and banks and lenders.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are struggling with out of control credit card debt, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Just How Often Do Debt Collectors Harass People? The Answer Might Surprise You

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According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), debt collectors are required to stop calling once an official request has been made to cease communication. However, approximately 75 percent of consumers who have asked for debt collection calls to stop say that the calls kept coming.

The CFPB released a report earlier this year that surveyed over 10,800 consumers in 2014 and 2015 about their recent experiences with debt collectors. They received approximately 2,000 responses that revealed that over one in four consumers have felt threatened by the debt collector that most recently contacted them. Although debt collection agencies are not allowed to abuse or harass consumers, many collectors do not play by the rules. Approximately 40 percent of consumers surveyed said they asked a creditor or debt collector to stop contacting them, however; only one out of four people reported the collector actually stopped.

Debt collection is a $13.7 billion industry in the U.S. and the most frequent topic of complaint fielded by the CFPB. Approximately 70 million people have been contacted by a creditor attempting to collect on a debt in the past year, according to the CFPB.

The CFPB recently issued proposed rules that would strengthen consumer protections by limiting how often debt collectors can contact consumers. The rules would also require these companies to get the details right and offer an easy dispute process.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How Can I Verify Whether or Not a Debt Collector is Legitimate?

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Debt collection scams are becoming more difficult for Americans to detect. However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers consumers a few ways to recognize a real debt collector from a scammer.

According to the CFPB, the first thing you should ask the caller is for their name, company name, street address, telephone number and professional licensing number. The next thing you should do is tell the caller is that you refuse to discuss any debt until you receive a “validation notice” in writing, which debt collectors are required to provide. An important thing to keep in mind is do not give out any personal or financial information to the caller until you have confirmed it is a legitimate debt collector.

Below are a few warning signs that could indicate a debt collection scam:

  • The caller threatens you with criminal charges. If the caller is a legitimate debt collector, they should not claim they will have you arrested.
  • The caller refuses to give you information about your debt. You have the right to ask a debt collector about the debt.
  • The caller is trying to collect a debt that you do not recognize. If you do not recognize the debt, this is a red flag, the caller might be involved in a scam.
  • The caller refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number for the company.
  • The caller asks you for sensitive personal financial information. Do not provide your financial or personal information unless you are certain the caller is legitimate.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Wells Fargo Review Finds 1.4 Million More Fraudulent Accounts

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Last September Wells Fargo agreed to pay $185 million to settle three government lawsuits over the bank’s creation of fake accounts. Thousands of employees, trying to meet aggressive sales goals, created accounts in customers’ names without their knowledge. Workers who did not meet goals risked losing their jobs, while those who did meet their sales goals received bonuses.

At the time, Wells Fargo said that 2.1 million suspect accounts had been opened from 2011 to 2015, but it also acknowledged that the problems may have started earlier. The bank said it would expand the review to include accounts open from 2009 to 2011.

Last month the bank reported finding 1.4 million more accounts, bringing the number to approximately 3.5 million fraudulent accounts – nearly 70 percent more than the bank’s initial estimate. The bank has since released that 528,000 customers have been enrolled in the bank’s online bill payment service without authorization. The bank stated it will issue $910,000 to customers who incurred fees or charges, as a result.

“We are working hard to ensure this never happens again and to build a better bank for the future,” Timothy J. Sloan, Wells Fargo’s chief executive, said in a statement announcing the review’s results.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, released a statement saying, “Unbelievable. Wells Fargo’s massive fraud is even worse than we thought.”

Click here to read more on the story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

6 Things Debt Collectors May Not Want You To Know

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If you have been contacted by a debt collector in the last year, you are not alone. Nearly a third of all U.S. consumers have reported being contacted by a creditor or debt collector about a debt. As a consumer, your rights are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Here are some key facts to know if a debt collector contacts you.

  1. You do not have to reveal personal information. Debt collectors might ask you for your Social Security number, date of birth or other information. However, you are not legally required to provide this information. Collectors should use the information they already have available to them.
  2. You have a right to ask for details – and you can ask a debt collector not to contact you. You should always ask that they verify the accuracy of the debt. This means the collector must provide details of the debt when they speak to you, or in writing, within five days of the call. This allows you to confirm that you actually owe the amount. If the information is inaccurate, you have 30 days to dispute the debt.
  3. You can ask to have a settled debt removed from your credit reports. If you pay off an account in collections in full, it will not erase it from your credit reports right away. In fact, it will remain on your reports for seven years. However, if you negotiate with the debt collector to settle the debt, you can ask to have that debt removed from your credit reports.
  4. Debts have a statute of limitations. State laws determine how long a creditor has to collect an amount owed to them. The time period ranges from two to six years. After this time, you still owe the debt, however; creditors can no longer come after you to collect it. This type of debt is sometimes called zombie debt or time-barred debt.
  5. You can file a complaint. If you believe a debt collector is acting unethically or has violated your rights as a consumer, contact authorities. Some states have debt collection laws that differ from the FDCPA.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.