Sat.Apr 27, 2024 - Fri.May 03, 2024

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Data Breach at Collection Agency Compromises Info on 2M Consumers

Account Recovery

A Pennsylvania collection operation has suffered a data breach that has compromised the personal information of nearly 2 million individuals, according to a filing the company has made with the Maine Attorney General. What Happened: Back on February 26, the company — FBCS — discovered unauthorized access to certain systems in its network.

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CFPB Finds 15 Million Americans Have Medical Bills on Their Credit Reports

Consumer Finance

The CFPB today released research showing that 15 million Americans still have medical bills on their credit reports despite changes by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

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Why Hiring a Debt Collection Agency Can Save Your Small Business Money and Hassle

JMA

For many small to medium-sized business owners across Australia, managing finances smoothly is crucial for survival, yet outstanding debts can throw a wrench in the works. When invoices remain unpaid, it’s not just an annoyance; it can disrupt your cash flow and put your business’s health at risk. While the idea of handling debt collection.

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Getting Your First Credit Card: What You Need to Know

Credit Corp

When getting your first credit card, consider factors such as the card’s annual fees, interest rates, rewards or benefits, and credit limit. Choose a card that aligns with your financial goals and spending habits, and make sure to understand the terms and conditions, including the consequences of late payments or carrying a balance. Additionally, aim to use the card responsibly to build positive credit history while avoiding overspending and accumulating debt.

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Solve Your Firms Automation Complexities Once and For All

Speaker: Mark Stovel

When it comes to automating, many firms focus on finding the latest tech, believing that efficiency is something achieved through new tools. Yet true efficiency is achieved by delivering real value to clients, not merely by upgraded systems. Without a clear approach, no level of automation can overcome the complexities of serving every client’s needs.

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Arizona Court of Appeals Affirms Constitutionality of Predatory Debt Collection Act

Account Recovery

The Arizona Court of Appeals this week upheld the state’s controversial Predatory Debt Collection Act, rebuffing an industry challenge led by the Arizona Creditors Bar Association. The decision ensures the law, which includes measures to shield individuals from medical debt garnishments and cap interest rates, remains in effect.

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Digital-First Debt Collection Delivers 35% Liquidation Increase for Leading Telecoms

True Accord

Telecom Industry Evolves, But Call-and-Collect Can’t Keep Up The telecommunications industry has evolved hand-in-hand with most consumer communication preferences throughout the decades. From the last remaining landlines to mobile and internet services, it’s challenging to find a consumer that doesn’t subscribe to a Telecom service. Yet while Telecoms enable customers to communicate and access products and services via digital channels wherever they go, the industry’s own methodology for communi

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Unenforceability of Ipso Facto Clauses

Jimerson Firm

Ipso Facto clauses are provisions in a contract providing that a party to the contract will be in default in the event of insolvency or due to the party’s financial condition. These provisions can cause headaches and heartburn, particularly when a party—or parties—are entering into bankruptcy proceedings. This blog will explain the limits of ipso facto clauses and why Florida courts decline to enforce them.

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Getting to Know Melissa Plunkey of L J Ross Associates

Account Recovery

I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support.

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CFPB Finds Junk Fees and High Costs Pervade Health Savings Accounts

Consumer Finance

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today released a report detailing the complex costs and fees that many consumers with health savings accounts are forced to pay.

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Top 3 Banking Secrets to Stay Relevant with Gen Z Consumers

Speaker: Brian Muse-McKenney, Chief Revenue Officer & Matt Simester, Cards and Payments Expert

In today’s world of social media, dating apps, and remote work, businesses risk becoming irrelevant (or getting "ghosted") if they fail to meet the evolving needs of Gen Z consumers. Credit cards with flexible payment options, especially for young adults with little-to-no credit history, are a particularly important and valuable solution for this generation.

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Credit Card Debt Forgiveness: What You Need to Know

Credit Corp

Credit card debt forgiveness, also known as debt settlement, involves negotiating with creditors to reduce the amount owed on your credit card balances. While it can provide relief from overwhelming debt, it may have significant consequences, including damage to your credit score, tax implications, and potential legal actions from creditors. It’s crucial to fully understand the terms and consequences before pursuing debt forgiveness and to explore other options such as debt management or c

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How Much Debt Is Needed to File for Bankruptcy?

Sawin & Shea

If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, you may be wondering if bankruptcy is the right solution for your financial situation. One of the most common questions people have is “How Much Debt is Needed to File for Bankruptcy?” The truth is, there is no set minimum debt amount required to file for bankruptcy protection. However, that doesn’t mean bankruptcy is the best option for everyone with debt.

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Daily Digest – May 3. Suit Accuses Collector of Making Calls After Asking for Texts or Emails Only; Arizona Court of Appeals Affirms Constitutionality of Predatory Debt Collection Act

Account Recovery

Suit Accuses Collector of Making Calls After Asking for Texts or Emails Only Arizona Court of Appeals Affirms Constitutionality of Predatory Debt Collection Act Connecticut Legislature Passes Medical Debt Credit Reporting Bill Student Loan Debt Cancellation to Cost Taxpayers as Much as $1.

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CFPB Highlights the Hidden Costs of Health Savings Accounts

Consumer Finance

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today released a report detailing the complex costs and fees that many consumers with health savings accounts are forced to pay.

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How Collection Agencies Minimize Effort and Maximize Results with the Right Software

Navigating collections in the dynamic financial landscape presents multifaceted challenges. Organizations face pressures to maintain standards alongside software challenges like regulatory adaptations, data integration, security, workflow optimization, and automation. Finding the right software can save time and money. BEAM offers a comprehensive solution with specialized modules to streamline debt collection effortlessly.

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Foreign judgment: Chasing out-of-state judgments into Massachusetts

Collections Law

Do you have an out-of-state judgment? Does your debtor have assets in Massachusetts? Our relentless and aggressive commercial collection lawyers at Law Offices of Alan M. Cohen & Associates LLC will ethically employ any and all applicable methods allowed to us under state, interstate and federal rules and statutes to help you get paid. In the case of foreign judgments states are required to honor and recognize judgments those judgments by virtue of the U.S.

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How to Get Out of Debt: 10 Steps to Financial Peace of Mind

Credit Corp

The most surefire way to get out of debt is to create a detailed budget, prioritize paying off debts with the highest interest rates first while making minimum payments on others, and consistently allocate extra funds toward debt repayment until all balances are cleared. Additionally, consider seeking professional financial advice to explore options like debt consolidation or settlement if necessary.

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Payment Processor to Pay $10M to Settle Claims with FTC, Barred from Working with Collectors, Debt Relief Companies

Account Recovery

The Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against a payment processing company and two of its former executives, accusing them of processing payments for fraudulent and deceptive companies, including a debt relief organization.

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CFPB Alerta sobre Los Costos Ocultos de las Cuentas de Ahorros para Cuidados de Salud

Consumer Finance

CFPB emite reporte detallando los complejos costos y tarifas que consumidores que tienen cuentas de ahorros para gastos de salud son forzados a pagar.

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From Complexity to Clarity: Strategies for Effective Compliance and Security Measures

Speaker: Erika R. Bales, Esq.

When we talk about “compliance and security," most companies want to ensure that steps are being taken to protect what they value most – people, data, real or personal property, intellectual property, digital assets, or any other number of other things - and it’s more important than ever that safeguards are in place. Let’s step back and focus on the idea that no matter how complicated the compliance and security regime, it should be able to be distilled down to a checklist.

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‘Jong’ en ‘oud’: het overbruggen van de leeftijdskloof in de financiële sector

On Guard

51% van de jongere generatie (18 tot 34 jaar) vindt dat hun generatie meer openstaat voor datagedreven werken dan hun ‘oudere’ collega’s, zo blijkt uit een recent onderzoek van Onguard. Maar wat betekent dit in het tijdperk van digitale transformatie en de snelle uitbreiding van technologie op de werkplek? En hoe kunnen bedrijven deze leeftijdskloof benutten om technologie op de best mogelijke manier te integreren?

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What Is a Charge Card?

Credit Corp

A charge card is like a credit card, but instead of allowing you to carry a balance from month to month, you’re required to pay off the full balance every month. It’s a way to make purchases without using cash upfront, but you have to be careful to only spend what you can afford to pay off each month. Many people incorrectly use the terms “charge card” and “credit card” as if they mean the same thing.

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Daily Digest – May 2. Getting to Know Melissa Plunkey of L J Ross Associates; Judge Awards Defendants $50k in Attorney’s Fees in FDCPA Case

Account Recovery

Getting to Know Melissa Plunkey of L J Ross Associates Judge Awards Defendants $50k in Attorney’s Fees in FDCPA Case Payment Processor to Pay $10M to Settle Claims with FTC, Barred from Working with Collectors, Debt Relief Companies Why Healthcare Providers Need to Modernize Patient Payment Options WORTH NOTING: If you are looking for a […]

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CFPB Revela que Existen 15 Millones de Personas en el País que Tienen Facturas Médicas en sus Informes de Crédito

Consumer Finance

CFPB publica reporte mostrando que hay 15 millones de personas que todavía tienen facturas médicas en sus informes de crédito, a pesar de cambios efectuados en sus procesos por Equifax, Experian y TransUnion.

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How To Optimize Cash Flow: Your Roadmap To Resilience!

Speaker: Genevieve Hancock, CPA

Cash flow isn’t just about balancing numbers - it's about ensuring your organization is positioned for both immediate stability and long-term success. Understanding that cash flow management fuels every decision, every opportunity, and every growth phase is critical. But how can you shift from simply managing cash to strategically optimizing it for resilience?

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Navigating credit card use after filing for bankruptcy

Roths Child Law

Following bankruptcy, managing credit card usage requires a strategic approach to rebuilding financial stability and creditworthiness. This involves understanding credit scores and the importance of responsible financial habits. Some tips to help you navigate credit card use after you file for bankruptcy can be found here. Understanding credit scores Understanding the intricacies of credit scores is crucial post-bankruptcy, as it highlights the significance of rebuilding creditworthiness.

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How Do Credit Repair Companies Work?

Credit Corp

A reputable credit repair company helps you understand your credit report and provides guidance on how to improve your credit score. They may also assist in disputing inaccuracies on your report with credit bureaus and provide educational resources to help you manage your finances responsibly. Your credit score doesn’t say anything about your worth, but it can affect your ability to qualify for loans, credit cards, and lines of credit.

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Settling Debt Not Enough for Plaintiff to Have Standing, Judge Dismisses FDCPA Class Action

Account Recovery

A District Court judge in New Jersey has granted a defendant’s motion to dismiss a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act class-action, ruling the plaintiff lacked standing to sue after claiming the defendant violated the statute by failing to indicate if interest, costs, or fees were included when it referenced the balance that was owed in […]

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Statement of CFPB Director Rohit Chopra on Medical Financial Products

Consumer Finance

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra issued a statement on the “captive consumer” model of health savings accounts (HSAs).

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When It Comes to Collections Software, “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough

Are you finding some snags in your collections process? With delinquencies, and the number of consumers looking for payment assistance on the rise, it may be time to consider an efficient cloud-based software to support your team. Learn how MeridianLink® Collect has helped financial institutions like yours streamline collections processes.