News Reporter Wants Information on Unfair Collection Practices.

It has been passed along to me that a news reporter is looking to talk to consumers with the following stories:

1. Anyone who’s been harassed or mistreated by a debt collector (especially any cases that are particularly extreme or unusual.) 

2. Anyone who’s been collected on twice for the same debt, by different collection agencies.

3. Anyone whose debt became a lot bigger as second- or third-generation debt collectors charged extra fees and interest on the principal amount owed. 

4. Anyone who’s had their ability to dispute a creditor blocked by a “forced arbitration” clause. 

5. Anyone who’s landed in financial trouble because they used an online payday lender. 

6. Anyone who's paid for "debt settlement" services and found themselves actually worse off as a result.

Actually, I am aware of more than one reporter looking for cases like these. If any of these apply to you, even if you don't live in Indiana, feel free to contact me, and I will try to get you in touch with one or more of the reporters.  It is very important that your story be told. Right now the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking to strengthen regulations against debt collectors and also looking to abolish mandatory pre-dispute consumer arbitration.  We need to both build public awareness and help the CFPB as well as friendly legislators.  If it just so happens you have a good court case or a valid defense to a lawsuit, all the better.    You can contact me through my website or by calling me at 317-662-4LAW.