Debt Collection

Many Ohio residents have estate plans in place that determine what will happen to their assets after their passing. However, some forget to consider what will happen to their debts. Although the Federal Trade Commission prohibits debt collectors from holding family members personally responsible for the debts of deceased family members, some still try. This can become harassment, and abusive…

Some Ohio consumers who are facing difficult times may have to face those never-ending calls from collectors. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act defines a debt collector as an entity who collects debts on behalf of others. This excludes the original creditor that extended the credit. Debt collectors not only collect unpaid debts for others, but they sometimes buy…

Consumers nationwide, including in Cincinnati are protected against debt collector abuse and harassment by creditors or their collection agents. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) says nobody may be harassed, oppressed or abused by debt collectors. Repetitive phone calls, profane or obscene language and threats of any kind are not allowed. Creditors or their agents must identify themselves when…

Consumers with past-due debts may have to endure many associated hardships. Even in cases in which payment agreements have been reached with creditors, debt collectors may become nuisances. In many cases, creditor harassment is committed by non-licensed companies that have no right to call consumers, and the calls often involve nonexistent debts. A consumer in another state recently reported that…

Consumers who are overwhelmed by debts may experience harassment by creditors or debt collection agencies. Although there are laws to protect consumers against unfair debt collection, the practice remains prevalent. Not all victims of such harassment know that they may take legal action against companies that unfairly hound them. A federal lawsuit was recently filed against a company in another…

Ohio residents may be concerned about what will happen to their debts upon their deaths. Will their surviving family members be held responsible and be exposed to creditor harassment? There is no single answer to this question, because the type of debt and the existence of a co-signer will determine what happens to it. In Ohio, which is an equitable…

Debt collectors will likely harass consumers in Ohio who are overwhelmed by debt and not able to make their debt payments on time. However, even if the consumers have not consulted with a bankruptcy attorney or filed for bankruptcy, they have rights. There are numerous laws that protect debtors against creditor harassment. The restrictions that debt collectors are subject to…

The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers against harassment by debt collection companies, here in Ohio and across the country. The agency recently took action against four companies that engaged in deceptive methods to collect debts that were, in some cases, nonexistent. A typical tactic of a debt collector involves intimidation, which can come in many forms. The FTC reports that…