Recovering from a serious illness and long hospital stay can be challenging enough without a hefty medical bill waiting at the end of it. For most people, this bill is nearly impossible to pay all at once. This debt can come with a range of consequences, from...
Are debt collectors legally able to pursue a discharged debt?
The personal bankruptcy process is complex. People spend months, if not years, trying to regain control over their finances. They may have to liquidate some of their property or maintain a strict household budget as they complete a multi-year repayment plan. The...
How are creditors allowed to contact you?
If you owe an outstanding debt, it’s natural that creditors are going to try to contact you to collect. In some cases, consumers are unaware of the debt that they owe, so simple contact is all that is needed. In other cases, creditors may have been trying to collect...
Are you being harassed for a bill you already paid?
It's easy to overlook paying a bill. You likely receive your bills via mail and email and the ones automatically withdrawn from your bank account. So, when you receive notification from a debt collector about a bill you've already paid, you start to question...
When are calls at work creditor harassment?
Collection agents and creditors often use telecommunications to collect the money owed to them. Calling a person who owes money can remind them that they have fallen behind and may inspire them to rework their budget. Creditors must comply with rules restricting...
4 considerations before sharing information with a debt collector
Receiving a call or other notice of a collection attempt from a debt collector can be a difficult experience. As a result, some people may be tempted to give a debt collector whatever information they want so they can be done with them. If you’re going through this...
What are zombie debts?
Did you know what debts can expire? Under Minnesota’s laws, most consumer debt has a statute of limitations of just six years. That means that creditors cannot sue you for the debt unless they take action within six years from the last time an account was used or a...
Time-barred debt in Minnesota: What consumers need to know
As you know, debt is a stressful burden, and dealing with collectors can be overwhelming. But what if the debt an agency is trying to collect is actually time-barred? In Minnesota, like many other states, there are laws in place to protect you from being sued for...
What’s considered an abusive debt collection tactic?
Debt collection is a legitimate process, but it sometimes escalates into abusive practices. Understanding what constitutes abusive debt collection is essential for consumers to protect their rights and mental well-being. It's crucial to differentiate between...
What to do when you receive your first call from a debt collector
A debt collector can call a borrower regarding matters involving their debt. However, some debt collectors use this chance to engage in unfair practices. For this reason, it's crucial to be informed. Here is what to do when you receive your first call: Get the debt...