The video above is quite comprehensive but we realize some folks prefer to read rather than watch a video so we have the transcript below. Feel free to watch (or listen — the slides are not critical to understand the presentation) or read — whatever your preference is….
And I realize you may rather just pick up the phone and call us — feel free to do this by calling 205-879-2447 and we’ll be happy to chat with you. You… (Read more)
FAQ on Calls to Cell Phones That Violate the TCPA
It is very common for calls from a creditor or debt collector to be auto dialed (computer dialed or robo dialed) or to contain a pre-recorded message (sometimes called “robocalls”).
When these types of calls are made to your cell phone, the debt collector often violates the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) which is a powerful law in your favor.
“I’ve Heard About Express Consent Under The TCPA, What Does… (Read more)
Is A Debt Collector Harassing You Illegally?
Find Out What Your Rights Are So You Can Take Action Against Abusive Debt Collectors!
We realize that dealing with debt collectors can be intimidating. Not just because abusive collectors are intimidating but also because you may not fully understand your rights and what collectors can, and cannot, do in collecting a debt from you.
We have laid out some typical questions that we are asked by Alabama consumers who want to know… (Read more)
Why do debt collectors absolutely hate marking your account as “disputed” on your credit report?
In this article, we will discuss what this means, why they hate doing it, and what you can do when they violate the law.
What does it mean to mark an account as “disputed”?
You dispute a debt when you tell a debt collector verbally or through writing that you dispute the debt.
This does not have to be specific. The dispute can simply be… (Read more)
General breakdown of the 5 categories FICO looks at for your credit score
FICO is the dominant credit scoring model in the country used to determine eligibility for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and more.
There are 5 categories used by FICO to determine your credit score:
Payment History
Amount / Utilization of your debt
Age of debt
Number of inquiries
Mix of debt
In this article, we will provide a brief overview of these categories and what they mean. … (Read more)
The biggest danger consumers face when sued by a debt collector
When you have been sued by a debt collector, the biggest danger consumers face arises at the beginning of the lawsuit.
Recently, we discussed the time limits to respond once you have been served.
In district or small claims court, you have 14 days to respond.
In circuit court, you have 30 days to respond.
But what if you don’t respond?
If you do not respond, you fall victim… (Read more)
4 Types of money damages you can recover under the FCRA
What type of damages can you get from an FCRA lawsuit?
There are 4 types of damages you can recover when suing under the FCRA:
Mental Anguish / Emotional Distress
Economic
Statutory
Punitive
Mental Anguish
There is false credit reporting and you have the ability to sue.
Typically this means you have done a dispute through the credit bureau and it doesn’t get fixed.
Now, this false credit… (Read more)
Two enclosures that should be mailed with your FCRA dispute letter to a credit bureau
There are two things you should include in any dispute letter a credit bureau (TransUnion, Equifax, etc.)
Driver’s license or another form of government ID.
Recent bill or statement that shows your name, address, and the company name.
Why should you include these items if they aren’t required?
Credit bureaus hate investigating claims. They don’t make any money from investigating claims.
So, we are trying… (Read more)