Small Service Fees: Myth vs Reality

Quick Answer: The FTC is exploring new rules to crack down on “junk fees” – unnecessary, hidden charges that add tens of billions in costs annually across industries like ticketing and hotels. These fees often use deceptive tactics and hit consumers at checkout as surprise charges they didn’t consent to.The Federal Trade Commission announced today …

Read more

Debt Relief Company Reviews: Are They Legit?

Quick Answer: Debt relief companies vary in legitimacy, but many use fake reviews to appear trustworthy. The FTC is exploring new rules with civil penalties to combat deceptive review practices that mislead consumers seeking genuine feedback about debt relief services.It appears the Federal Trade Commission is preparing to target fake reviews. I’ve seen my share …

Read more

Credit Report Lawsuit Complaints: What Records Show

Quick Answer: Consumer Larson’s lawsuit against Nationwide Credit and Collection reveals how debt collectors may contact consumers about old debts to reset the statute of limitations clock. The case highlights debts from 2013 that were set to fall off credit reports in 2020, demonstrating the seven-year reporting period rule.A consumer, Larson, filed a lawsuit against …

Read more

Loan Lawsuit Service: When It Helps and Hurts

Quick Answer: Improper loan lawsuit service can be challenged in court, as Frank’s case with Kabbage demonstrates when he never received proper notice of being sued. Consulting a state-licensed attorney is essential to potentially reverse the judgment and determine if the debt has exceeded the statute of limitations.Question:Dear Steve,Had a company that I took out …

Read more

Statute of Limitations: What It Means for Debt

Quick Answer: A statute of limitations defense failed in court despite Delaware’s 3-year debt collection limit versus the 4.5-year collection attempt. Even with valid legal arguments about expired timeframes and vague debt documentation, judges often rule against consumers in debt collection cases.Question:Dear Steve,I live in Ct. I opened a credit card account here. I had …

Read more

PSLF Review: Is It Legit?

Quick Answer: PSLF is a legitimate federal program, but the Department of Education has stated that employment certification letters from servicer FedLoan cannot be relied upon. Over 550,000 people have enrolled expecting loan forgiveness after 120 payments and 10 years of public service work.The Department of Education since 2007 has promoted the Public Service Loan …

Read more

Statute of Limitations: What the Records Show

Quick Answer: The 2016 Ohio Supreme Court case Taylor v. First Resolution Investment Corporation established that Ohio’s statute of limitations for credit card debt is 15 years for pre-2012 debt and 8 years for post-2012 debt, but only 6 years when credit card companies cannot produce written contracts. The statute of limitations clock starts at …

Read more

SCR 146: What It Means for Debt Settlement

Quick Answer: SCR 146 is Louisiana legislation requesting state committees to study regulation of debt settlement services, which could lead to new consumer protection rules. The resolution indicates lawmakers are examining potential oversight changes for the debt settlement industry in Louisiana.The following legislation has been introduced in the state below. Please click the link for …

Read more

HB 717 Debt Settlement Law: What It Means

Quick Answer: HB 717 is proposed debt settlement legislation in Illinois that would regulate technology aspects of the debt settlement industry. The bill aims to establish new regulatory frameworks for tech-related debt settlement practices in the state.The following legislation has been introduced in the state below. Please click the link for more information.HB 717 Illinois …

Read more