The Consumer Federation of America has put out a list of the top consumer complaints. Guess what is near the top? Yep, my favorite industry, the debt collection industry!
This year, coming in at #3 on the list, is abusive and illegal debt collection practices. The top 5 fastest growing categories also includes debt collection practices. And this report comes as a surprise to no one.
Let me start with this. There are some good debt collectors out there. There are also good debt collection attorneys out there. But there are also some awful debt collectors out there. How do you know who is a good one and who is a bad one? You don’t. You might be able to tell within a few minutes of them calling you. But, for the most part, you cannot tell the difference when they first call you.
Remember, tell them that they cannot call you and then put it in writing. Request validation of the debt. And if you think a debt collector is out of line or has violated the law, talk to an attorney. Learn your rights!
Next year, however, we can expect similar results!