Entrepreneurs tough it out Oct 27, 2009
"One of the challenges could be poor skills development in terms of business owners understanding basic finances, cash flow management, debt collection and staff management.". She said courses they offered on those subjects were always well-attended, "but most delegates come from well-established companies, entrepreneurs are often so busy in survival mode or trying to keep the company growing that they lack the time to attend many of the courses they need.". (iAfrica.com)
Termini makes play for Lafayette Hotel Oct 24, 2009
He is in the middle of an $11 million conversion of the former AM&A s warehouse into a mixed-use building, anchored by 48 market rate apartments and the new, 15,000-square-foot offices for PB Acquisitions, a Buffalo-based debt collection agency. Termini is considering purchasing and renovating the long-closed AM&A s department store building on Main Street. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Warrior Energy N.V. Announces Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Proceedings Oct 24, 2009
There is a risk that the Deed will not close and that we will continue to be indebted to Macquarie and subject to foreclosure and debt collection proceedings. Readers should exercise caution in relying on forward looking statements. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
'Family values' of drug gang Oct 23, 2009
They took over the local pirate DVD business, and set up a brutal debt collection service. Research by Prof Gonzalez's team suggests that 85% of the legitimate businesses in Michoacan now have some link with La Familia, or with its money. (BBC News -- Americas)
Sorry parents like the balloon dad: Should kids pay price? Oct 21, 2009
I assume the schools have found they get results with debt collection when the child is going to be the one to suffer the consequences. And schools have their own outstanding bills to pay, including the after-care staff in this instance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
MOFEP budget director siphons 7 billion from GT Oct 20, 2009
The committee, under the heading Illegal payments to some local Union Officials; and the use of Debt Collectors to collect revenue from Government of Ghana (GoG), the sole owner of GT, averred that there was money racketeering in the employment of Kobby Mensah and Associates a debt collection agency to collect debts owed GT by GoG (sole owner of GT) ... Documents available to the committee, which this paper has also seen indicate that Mr Agyei Mensah, and one Papa Kofi Mensah had... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Politicians, others milk PSC Tema Shipyard dry Oct 20, 2009
A check on the background of SBT Resources Associates indicated that they are mainly registered to deal in Agriculture Technology, agricultural machinery, distribution of agricultural equipment and debt collection, the report indicated. But in the Chief Finance Officers response, the scope of work or services to be rendered by SBT in the contract was not carried out. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Collection firms bank on largest debtor lists Oct 19, 2009
One industry that's booming: debt collection. In the often murky waters of the debt collection industry, United Recovery Systems in Houston is considered a "whale hunter.". (Fresno Bee)
One industry that's booming: debt collection Oct 18, 2009
WASHINGTON -- In the often murky waters of the debt collection industry, United Recovery Systems in Houston is considered a "whale hunter." ... For government report on debt collection practices: http://ftc. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Full Story » Oct 17, 2009
One industry that's booming: debt collection - Yahoo ... One industry that's booming: debt collection ... Debt collection agency software industry proven since 1987. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
One industry that's booming: debt collection Oct 17, 2009
One industry that's booming: debt collection - Yahoo ... One industry that's booming: debt collection. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
11th Circuit: Don't Break the Law to Comply With It Oct 17, 2009
Trying to sum up the situation, Judge Edward E. Carnes wrote in the opening paragraph of the opinion, "In an oft-repeated statement from the Vietnam War, an unidentified American military officer reputedly said that 'we had to destroy the village to save it.' That oxymoronic explanation may be apocryphal, but the debt collection agency in this case offers up much the same logic." ... "The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act specifically requires that a debt collector disclose in all... (Law.com)
Overdue bills may go to collections Oct 16, 2009
He noted that calls would be made in accordance with the federal Fair Debt Collection Act, and that agents would work in a professional and courteous manner. We recognize that the people we're working with are your citizens, he said. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
Eskom's plan a disaster Oct 15, 2009
Online Edition Powered By IOL. DisplayAds('SkyLEFT',17,). (Business Report, South Africa)
States crack down on pushy debt collectors Oct 15, 2009
"Anyone contacted by a debt collection agency will now be empowered to demand written documentation regarding the status and history of the debt," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said ... A record one-third of all debt collection companies and four out of 10 debt buyers reported layoffs in the first quarter of the year, according to a survey by Kaulkin Ginsberg Co., a consulting firm for the collections industry. (MSNBC -- Business)
How to Write Professional CVs and R... Oct 13, 2009
- What to look for when choosing a debt collection agency. Source. (Suite101.com)
Debtors could pocket bankruptcy reforms Oct 13, 2009
While raising this threshold will lessen the opportunity to use bankruptcy as a debt collection process, it opens the door for an insolvent debtor to incur greater debt with impunity, and provides them with unfair protection. The fact is, default judgments are recorded on a person's credit file and their ability to obtain finance is compromised long before the advent of bankruptcy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
MTN chief operating officer gets R38.2 million in share sale Oct 9, 2009
Many debt collection agencies and lawyers are abusing employer ignorance of garnishee orders to charge excessive fees and bend the law, a debt counselling firm claims. . (Business Report, South Africa)
Law Firm's Debt Collection Review Violated Federal Act, Judge Says Oct 9, 2009
A law firm that mass-produced collection letters and litigation documents violated the federal debt collection act in a matter it filed a decade ago, a federal judge has ruled ... In finding the firm liable for violations of 1692(e) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Eastern District of New York Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopf held in Miller v. Upton, Cohen & Slamowitz, 01-CV-1126, that the "attorney review practices prior to both the issuance of the debt-collection letter signed by Slamowitz... (Law.com)
Ah Long now offer quick loans via credit cards Sep 24, 2009
GEORGE TOWN: Loan sharks now have a hassle-free modus operandi involving the use of credit cards to issue money to customers while leaving the headache of debt collection to the banks. Posing as merchants and under the pretence of settling purchase transactions, these Ah Long would swipe the credit cards of customers for the amount loaned plus interest, said state Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Asst Comm Roslee Chik. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Death From Collection Calls? Sep 23, 2009
Did Debt Collection Calls Kill This Man. Florida Woman Sues Mortgage Company, Says Harassing Phone Calls Killed Husband. (ABC News -- Business)
Macau's seedy casino war turns to gold Sep 22, 2009
" The general manager says Macau's casinos are just one transit point in a giant underground banking network that involves junket operators in mass collusion with Chinese officials, and spans the Chinese diaspora. Critics accuse Melco Crown of starting a "commission war" by offering AMA a 1.35 per cent junket commission rather than the standard 1.25 per cent, although Melco Crown says AMA is being paid an extra 0.1 per cent for providing the extra service of "junket aggregator". The extra... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
E-Type: Organizer/Administrator Sep 19, 2009
Closet organizer Project manager Payroll service Debt collection Loan processor Errand runner Holiday card sender Contracts administrator Paralegal Insurance claims processor Employment agency. Excerpted from To learn more about your E-Type and business options, purchase the full book at. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Dell to pay NY $4M for misleading ads Sep 16, 2009
The settlement, which includes follows a decision in New York Supreme Court, Albany County, which backed Cuomo s claims that Dell had engaged in fraud, false advertising, deceptive business practices, and abusive debt collection practices. The attorney general filed a lawsuit that charged Dell had engaged in bait and switch advertising with respect to its no interest financing promotions. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Council gives first-round approval to parking debt collection Sep 15, 2009
City council members voted 4-0 Monday night to allow the city to enter into negotiations with the county regarding debt collection of unpaid, past due parking tickets ... Currently, the city sends notices to people when they are 15 days and 30 days past due, but the city doesn't turn the tickets over to a debt collection service because it would lose up to 50 percent ... 50: The percent of the amount owed by violators the city would lose if it used a debt collection service. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Wellesley Townsman police log: Sept. 10 Sep 12, 2009
At first the message was for a business opportunity, but later it mentioned something about debt collection. The resident researched the company s phone number online and found several Internet postings saying the number was related to a potential con. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Excel Infoways & BPR in biz alliance Sep 11, 2009
MUMBAI: Business process outsourcing firm Excel Infoways has entered into an alliance with US-based Business Redefined (BPR) LLC to provide call centre and debt collection services, the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange ... Business process outsourcing firm Excel Infoways has entered into an alliance with US-based Business Redefined (BPR) LLC to provide call centre and debt collection services, the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. (India Times)
Prepaid Programs: The Answer to Write-Offs, Bad Debts, and Debt Collection Sep 11, 2009
From the utility's perspective, prepaid billing streamlines customer service, improves service offerings, and -- most importantly -- reduces or eliminates write-offs, bad debts, and debt collection efforts. Traditional vs. Prepaid Billing. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Judge rules in favor of Marietta debt collection law firm Sep 11, 2009
A judge ruled that an investigative demand by the Georgia Governor s Office of Consumer Affairs for documents about debt collection practices of a Marietta law firm is an unconstitutional attempt to regulate the practice of law. Related. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Rise In El Pasoans Getting Harassed By Debt Collectors Sep 11, 2009
He said people are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. He says under this act, debt collectors are violating the law when they don't inform the person that they're a debt collector. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
BrisCon backpedals on wind-up demands Sep 10, 2009
The investors' lawyers believe BrisCon withdrew its case because it did not want arguments against the company's constitution, underwriting agreement and debt collection process heard in public. We were going to argue that the statutory demands were premature because they were made [on June 2] before the public auction of the units, which occurred on June 5, and the payment in full of the unpaid calls on June 17 under the underwriting agreement,'' Mr Prior's lawyer, Alan Foster, told... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Chamber to hold consumer protection presentation Sept. 15 Sep 10, 2009
KEYSER The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and Mineral County Committee on Aging are sponsoring a consumer credit presentation that will help educate area residents about new credit card legislation and its effect on debt collection, credit disputes and the lemon law. The presentation will also include discussion on Medicare fraud. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
NC Gov. Perdue signs beefed up consumer protection Sep 10, 2009
RALEIGH (AP) North Carolina consumers soon will have new protections from foreclosures and intimidating debt collection practices. Advertisement. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Clive Peeters eases back towards normalcy Sep 9, 2009
The refusal of many unit holders to pay the second instalment on the company's part-paid stapled units has turned into a $208 million debt collection exercise. BrisConnections must use its ''best endeavours'' to hunt down the cash - which has already been paid by Macquarie Capital Partners and Deutsche Bank in accordance with an underwriting agreement with BrisConnections. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Lawyers targeted by email scams Sep 9, 2009
The Law Society of NSW has issued a warning after several firms reported fraudulent approaches from Asian companies seeking their services in debt collection matters. The fake clients ask the firm to write a stern letter to collect a debt from a company in Australia. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
In brief: New law firm | Ventas wins suit | Glen Town Center Sep 5, 2009
Debt collection firm expands Schaumburg HQ. Financial Management Systems (FMS), a debt collection firm for government agencies and private companies, has expanded its Schaumburg headquarters at 1000 E. Woodfield Road to 24,000 square feet. (Crain's Chicago Business)
US harshly rebukes Israel on settlement plans Sep 5, 2009
American-Israeli law firm dealing in real estate, wills and estates, business and commercial transactions, debt collection, TM, and company formation. Featured. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Stanford Is Sued By Bellagio Sep 3, 2009
"The Bellagio should sue the receiver. It's a valid debt and should be paid along with the others, but good luck in getting the receiver to do it. Maybe the Bellagio should revert to the time-honored method of Vegas debt collection and send someone to make the receiver an offer he can't refuse, or just break his legs," DeGuerin said in an e-mail. lect. (New York Post -- Business)
Pfizer fined 17 million dollars by Venezuela Sep 1, 2009
PSI debt Collection Agency specializes in business-to-business accounts only. Offering the latest in computer technology along with a professional, friendly staff. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Backlog stalling cases in Brevard Aug 31, 2009
"The biggest thing for us is we always have to make criminal priority, so we're hurting in civil," Ellis said, adding that his office has also seen an increase in small claims, debt collection and repossession case filings. "We're doing all right with criminal and traffic because that's where we've had to put our resources. . . . (But that means) we're also hurting somewhat on the customer service side.". (Florida Today)
Who Really Speaks for Consumers in the Arbitration Debate? Aug 31, 2009
Just days later, the American Arbitration Association halted consumer debt collection arbitrations, pending a review of their practices and procedures. These events will make arbitration less available for consumers. (Townhall.com)
New law will end some annoying robo calls Aug 28, 2009
-- The new rule does not apply to calls from politicians, most charitable organizations, some health care messages or calls related to debt collection. -- The new rule does not cover calls to businesses, only consumers. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Rwanda: Pay Back Your Student Loans [editorial] Aug 28, 2009
SFAR should therefore, put in place strict debt collection methods. Culprits should be named and shamed and fines should be imposed on defaulters. (allAfrica.com)
Bankruptcy changes to protect consumers Aug 26, 2009
"We're also concerned that too many creditors are using bankruptcy as a tool in debt collection as opposed to a last resort," Mr McClelland told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday. "So increasing the threshold from $2,000 to $10,000 will be a disincentive for that to occur.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
EDITORIAL: New bill helps students avoid credit card debt Aug 26, 2009
The bill also restricts debt collection actions used by credit card companies against parents. With freshmen year of college comes freedom. (The Daily Campus, CT)
Strategies for Getting Out of a Timeshare Aug 26, 2009
In this economic climate, buyers are rare and management companies will refuse to take the unit back and even threaten debt collection if an owner fails to pay maintenance and management charges. Here are some suggestions from Lisa Ann Shrier at for getting out from under an unwanted timeshare. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Home repossessions show sharp decline Aug 25, 2009
Roger Mendelson, chief executive of the debt collection agency Pruschka, said he believed the drop in repossessions was the result of falling interest rates. NSW was hit first and hit hardest when interest rates went up, because it had the highest house prices, and it was by far the worst state in terms of repossession. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Debt collectors illegally threatened arrest Aug 22, 2009
New York attorney general's office trying to close 13 debt collection companies ... In a lawsuit filed this month in state supreme court in Erie County, Cuomo's office alleges employees of 13 debt collection companies run by -based Benning-Smith Group illegally posed as law enforcement officials or lawyers and threatened to arrest and harm people unless they made arrangements to pay ... " Don't Miss Gilbert, who wiped away tears as she listened to the recording, told reporters the collector had... (CNN -- Law)
Debt Collector Now Wants to Settle Aug 20, 2009
Goldstein decided to pursue the owners of Southern Capital, a debt collection company in Buffalo that kept wiggling out of lawsuits by claiming they had shut down. In short, he wanted to go after the people behind the corporate name. (CBS News -- Evening News)
AG wants to shut Buffalo collection co. Aug 19, 2009
Investigators said city residents Omar Smith, Narvell Benning and Keith Marshall collectively ran 13 debt collection companies under the banner, the Benning Smith Group ... com, LLC; Fredericks, Goldstein & Zoe; Graham, Noble & Associates Bookkeeping; Graham, Noble & Associates LLC; Graham, Beagle & Associates LLC; Kingman, Cole and Associates, LCC; Marshall and Ziolkowski Enterprise, LLC; Marshall Ziolkowski Acquisitions, LLC; Lansky, Goldstein, Zoe; OLS Payment Services; and University Debt... (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Suit: Debt collectors scam residents Aug 19, 2009
Two debt collection companies operate scams to collect debts from people who don t owe money, according to lawsuits filed Tuesday by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. Koster sued , of Norfolk, Va. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
She believes her clients are always right, and proves it Aug 16, 2009
Recently McNulty has focused her attention on foreclosure issues, debt collection and arbitration agreements, which put consumers in an alternative resolution system viewed by critics as tilting unfairly in favor of their business adversaries. McNulty is steadfast in her belief that her clients are the ones in the right, victims of unscrupulous businesses. (News & Observer)
Unifund Agrees to Deal in Neb. Collection Case Aug 14, 2009
Some Nebraska residents would get $50-$65 each under Unifund debt collection case settlement. By JOSH FUNK AP Business WriterOMAHA, Neb. (ABC News -- Wire)
Bank of America Drops Arbitration Requirement Aug 14, 2009
A few days later the American Arbitration Association said it would stop arbitrating consumer debt collection until the process is reformed. And a Congressional committee has held hearings on a proposal to ban arbitration clauses from credit card agreements. (ABC News -- Wire)
Protection From Debt Collectors Aug 14, 2009
Complain to the which enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. You can also contact your state attorney general's office. (W-USA News, DC)
Notice of Sale Aug 13, 2009
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I188783. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Especially in hard economic times, the moral for consumers is ‘buyer beware’ Aug 12, 2009
Debt collection topped the list of the fastest-growing complaints. Mortgage-related complaints, especially foreclosure rescue scams, were most frequently cited as the worst. (Boston Globe)
Mortgage trouble fixers in legal fixes Aug 7, 2009
Ocwen settled with regulators by promising to comply with laws on foreclosure and debt collection and to try to find out if homeowners had insurance before charging them for its own, costlier insurance. Ocwen, which is in line to receive up to $553. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Bogus Debt Collectors Sweep the Country Aug 5, 2009
com: Better Business Bureau Issues Emergency Fraud Alert About Widespread Scam. Scammers accuse the victim of defaulting on a loan and claim they are about to be sued. (CBS News)
U.S. Sues First Choice Armor & Equipment For Providing Defective Bullet-Proof Vests To Law Enforcement Agencies Aug 4, 2009
The United States has also sued Mr. Dovner and Karen Herman, Mr. Dovner's wife and First Choice's president, for a fraudulent conveyance - a transfer of property that is made to swindle, hinder or delay a creditor, or to put such property beyond his or her reach - in violation of the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act. The government alleges that after learning of the investigation into Zylon bullet-proof vests, Mr. Dovner and Ms. Herman removed more than $5 million from First Choice. (PR Newswire)
The Fair Debt Collection Practices ... Aug 4, 2009
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ... The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regulates the activities of debt collectors. (Suite101.com)
Consumer finance overhaul likely to pass House Aug 3, 2009
To begin with, you should be aware that the agency's powers and oversight would extend far beyond mortgages and real estate - into all credit cards, debit cards, consumer loans, payday loans, credit reporting agencies, debt collection, stored-value cards, and even investment advisory and financial advisory services, to name only part of the list. It would have the authority to alter long-common practices that nettle consumers, such as mandatory arbitration clauses in the fine print of contracts... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Don't get caught up in latest scams Aug 2, 2009
Issues relating to automobile care, home improvement and construction, and credit and debt collection were the top three types of complaints last year, unchanged since the year before. Landlord and tenant issues jumped from the 10th spot to the eighth, however, and trouble with health products and services, which hadn't appeared on the list in 2007, got the 10th spot on the 2008 Consumer Complaint Survey Report. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Collecting debts: challenge of change Aug 2, 2009
Since 2007, the FTC has been evaluating whether there is a need to change the debt-collection system, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act enacted to protect consumers from abusive, unfair and deceptive practices by debt collectors. In its annual report to Congress about the debt-collection law, the FTC said it received more than 78,000 complaints last year from consumers about debt collectors. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Part 4: Answers to your credit questions Jul 31, 2009
You also have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which protects people from some collection tactics, such as unwelcome calls at work or calls late at night. Also, consider sending the collection agency a letter, citing the statute of limitations and asking it to stop contacting you. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
