Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Randall Ryder Discusses Consumers Rights with Minnesota Consumers

Randall Ryder met with Minnesota residents to discuss consumer rights against debt collectors. As part of a program offered by the Washington County Law Library, Randall met with consumers at a Washington County Library branch to discuss consumer debt relief.

Randall discussed consumer rights against debt collectors and answered questions on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, how to find the appropriate debt collection resources, and when to contact a consumer rights lawyer.

By all accounts, the presentation was well received and attendees were thankful to learn about their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Randall Ryder Talks Consumer Rights to Nationwide Audience

In a down economy, many individuals turn to public resources like libraries for information and guidance.

In Minnesota public librarians, non-profits, and consumer rights attorneys are working together to provide the general public with the resources they need.

Because of the success of the efforts here in Minnesota, Randall Ryder was one of several panelists who presented to an audience of nationwide librarians. The presentation was directed at how the current economy is affecting the public and how librarians can assist the public in finding the resources they need.

Randall spoke at length on how the debt collection industry effects consumers in the current economic client. Specifically, Randall provided an overview of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and how consumers can protect themselves from abusive, unfair, and deceptive debt collectors.

The audience was directed to a number of resources to help individuals understand the FDCPA and seek legal assistance from a variety of sources if necessary. Randall also discussed the prevalence of debt collection lawsuits, the evidentiary issues involved, and how consumers can access resources to defend against debt collection lawsuits.

(photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/bisgovuk/3919446619/)

Debt Collectors Complain of Harassment

Are you tired of being harassed by consumers? According to recent article in the New York Times, debt collectors are tired of consumers mistreating them. You read that right.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive, unfair, and deceptive debt collectors, not vice-versa.

If the debt collectors have it their way, collectors may get their own bill of rights, against consumers.

Randall Ryder Presents CLE on Spotting FDCPA Violations

Randall Ryder, along with fellow consumer rights attorney Chris Wheaton, presented a CLE on Spotting FDCPA Violations: A Primer for Bankruptcy Attorneys.

The CLE was a live webcast presented to approximately 90 viewers. The CLE included a basic introduction to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including the Congressional intent behind the FDCPA and basic elements of a FDCPA claim.

The CLE also covered frequent FDCPA violations, how bankruptcy attorneys can spot FDCPA violations within their practice, and how FDCPA claims interact with bankruptcy. By all accounts, the CLE was a great success!

In a few weeks, Randall will be a presenting a webcast to a nationwide audience on the FDCPA and defending debt collection lawsuits.

Dealing with Debt Collectors

Dealing with debt collectors is rarely fun. The good news is that a federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), protects consumers against abusive debt collection efforts.

Not only are you protected against abusive debt collectors, you are entitled to statutory damages, actual damages (if applicable) and reasonable attorney fees and costs under the FDCPA if your case is successful. That means I handle these cases full contingency and the debt collector has to pay my fees.

The FTC has put together a nice video that highlights consumer rights under the FDCPA. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you have been contacted by a debt collector, get in touch with me for a free case evaluation.

Check out this handy video from the FTC:

(video: http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/debt/debt-collection.shtm)

Debt Collector Fined for Violating Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Minnesota Department of Commerce brought down the hammer on a local debt collector recently, stripping First Financial Services and its owner of their collection licenses and levying $100,000 in fines for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

It is not known if the company and owner can borrow the money from a family member, put the fines on a credit card, or make monthly payments to cover the hefty fines.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

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