Unwanted telephone calls can be a nuisance on various levels, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) aims to control them. You may receive several important phone calls per day for work purposes, but unwanted calls block them from getting through. Or, you...
How vehicle finance companies leverage vehicle contents
Repossession is a concern for anyone who finances a vehicle purchase. Until they pay off the vehicle loan in full, the lender could reclaim the property as the collateral for the loan. People sometimes wake up in the morning to find their vehicle missing from their...
Can my credit report be checked by others without my permission?
Financial records can be very revealing and even embarrassing. Most people prefer to keep the details of their financial circumstances private. They don't want random people looking at their exact income or credit card balances. Bad actors could obtain information...
Debt collectors should take mental health issues into account
It is estimated that up to one in five people, or 57 million people, suffer from some form of mental health issues. The national household debt in the U.S. currently stands at around $17.3 trillion. Millions of people with mental health issues find themselves in...
Why are spam calls showing up as local?
Spam robocalls are prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission. However, you have probably received some of these calls yourself. They are very common and they are one of the top complaints that consumers have: They get spam calls from people they don’t know, which...
Remaining calm will help with debt collector interactions
It is a widely purported myth that only reckless spenders end up in financial trouble. The truth is that millions of people in America find themselves in debt through no fault of their own. Debts are something that follow you around, and at some point, debt...
How creditors may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
We borrow money, intending to make full repayment. However, life sometimes throws a curveball, and we get behind on our bills. When that happens, several businesses will work with you while you get back on your feet. Still, others aren't as accommodating. That's when...
What if a creditor reports inaccurate account information?
Credit reports provide insight into how someone manages their finances and maintains their standard of living. Outside parties ranging from landlords to employers may perform credit checks when deciding whether they want to offer an opportunity to an individual. Those...
What is the process for disputing background check errors?
Background checks have become faster and more affordable thanks to the rise of digital technology. More employers, educational institutions and landlords than ever before now require background checks before entering into an agreement with an individual. Even those...
Steps to take when debt collection becomes harassment
Debt repayment delays are normal and sometimes, creditors may take initiative and remind you to pay from time to time. However, there's a threshold beyond which a debt collection call can become harassment. Understanding how debt collection harassment happens is...