If a debt collector adds charges or fees not authorized by your contract or Minnesota law, they violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You can sue for damages, with courts awarding up to $1,000 in statutory penalties plus compensation for financial or...
Ever since lawmakers enacted the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) in 1994, there have been strict federal limits governing the personal information included in state motor vehicle records. After years of people with criminal intentions abusing access to...
Consumers pay for their home and mobile phones, which allow them to have on-demand communication with friends, family, employers and even local businesses. Their phones should connect them to the world, not leave them subject to abusive conduct or harassment....
Not every threat you get from a debt collector is legal. In Vadnais Heights, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, collectors frequently misrepresent the amount you owe, the status of your debt or their own authority to collect. Understanding what the law allows can...
A family emergency can drain your savings fast. If you miss a few credit card payments, calls may start right away. Soon, a debt collector may contact your spouse, your parents, or even your job. Fortunately, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you...
When someone checks your credit report, that activity often leaves a record. However, not every credit check works the same way. Understanding the difference between hard and soft inquiries may help you make sense of changes you notice on your credit report and better...
Your credit report dictates your financial life. A single mistake can prevent you from buying a home in Minneapolis or securing a car loan in St. Paul. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one in five consumers has a mistake on at least one of their credit...
Filing for bankruptcy is intended to be a "fresh start," akin to hitting a giant reset button on your financial life. You imagine your old debts floating away into a dark abyss, never to be seen again. Unfortunately, some debts act like zombies that refuse to stay...
Credit reports are consequential when it comes to the everyday financial lives of Americans. Credit reports and credit scores influence whether someone can obtain a loan, rent an apartment and even secure certain jobs. When credit report inaccuracies occur, they can...
The job market today is complex, leading to more competitive hiring processes where background checks have become essential. However, many third-party screening firms, officially termed Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs), often do not adhere to federal regulations,...