January 25, 2010

By: Michelle Grinberg, Esq.

The debt collection industry is one of the most complained of industries in America.  Yet, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) rarely takes action against debt collectors who have violated the law.  Thousands of consumers complain to the FTC each year about having lowered credit scores and constant harassment by debt collectors.  The lack of enforcement by the FTC causes debt collectors to deliberately violate the law knowing that they will likely not be penalized.  Such lack of enforcement causes many consumers to believe that they are powerless when it comes to fighting back against debt collectors.  However, even though the FTC may not take action, there are attorneys who are experienced in going after unlawful debt collectors who violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”).  Some of these FDCPA attorneys will not charge the consumer anything unless they can recover on the consumer’s behalf.