Dateline NBC Exposes the Sleazy Debt-Collection Industry

In some splendid investigative reporting, Hansen shows just how brazen third-party debt collectors can be. In one case, a collector threw a string of insults at a consumer. In another, a collector indicated that an alleged debtor was going to be thrown in jail.

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National Arbitration Forum to Cease Administering All Consumer Arbitrations in Response to Mounting Legal and Legislative Challenges

National Arbitration Forum consumer arbitration claims are decided by an independent panel of more than 1,600 highly experienced and impartial legal professionals, including former judges and experienced attorneys. FORUM neutrals are bound to a code of professional ethics, and decide cases outside of any influence from the FORUM or the other parties.

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Arbitration Awards Across The Country May Be Set Aside

In a stunning turn of events, the kingpin of consumer debt arbitration, the National Arbitration Forum, has been knocked out of the consumer debt business amidst allegations of consumer fraud, throwing into jeopardy hundreds of thousands of arbitration awards. That it all happened faster than an average consumer can decipher his or her credit card agreement ...

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A New Shakedown?

Debt collectors in a down economy are like yellow jackets in the fall: While their sting is as painful as ever, they have a harder time getting fed and can easily become more frenetic and annoying.

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Business Is Booming - For Bill Collectors

Many industries are hurting these days, but not the debt collections business. Consumer credit delinquencies have reached their highest levels since 1992, according to the American Bankers Association. Many of those late on their bills have gotten calls from debt collectors and have had less-than-pleasant experiences.

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Debtors' Prison: Escape Collectors' Calls

In a tough economy, more people are likely to be hearing from debt collectors. But guess what? With one simple step, you have the power to make them stop calling. If you're in debt, it's probably your own fault and it's definitely your responsibility. But you don't have to take abuse. Debtors' prisons don't exist anymore, but debtors' rights do.

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Aggravated Cardholder Turns The Tables

This is the story of one man who, in some small way, is fighting back. It's the story of a man who, driven by the sarcasm of another, decided take on the system.

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20 Sneaky Credit Card Tricks

Credit card companies can be as slippery as a handful of greased Jell-O. They have all kinds of tricks to gouge your wallet and drive up your bill. While arguably unfair, all these tricks are legal, leaving you no alternative but to stay as informed as possible to protect yourself.

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Banks vs. Consumers (Guess Who Wins)

The business of resolving credit-card disputes is booming. But critics say the dominant firm favors creditors that are trying to collect from unsophisticated debtors

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Hospitals Put Patients' Debt Up for Auction

In a move that consumer groups say could increase pressure on people with unpaid medical bills, some hospitals are trying out a new tactic to recoup patients' debts: They're auctioning the debt online. Hospitals have long relied on outside collection agencies to go after debtors. Under traditional arrangements, these agencies receive a percentage of any money they get from a debtor; the more they collect, the more they earn.

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Buyers' Give Old Debts New Life

Used to be, banks didn't waste much time chasing credit card deadbeats. Their staffs would hound debtors by phone for six or seven months, then invite outside collection agencies to take a crack. Few debtors were sued. Those who hunkered down long enough could escape without paying.

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Zombie Debts Refuse To Die

Bankruptcy is supposed to get rid of bad pennies. Prince Ella Green thought so. She and her husband, James, who live in League City, fell on hard times and filed bankruptcy in 1995. The case was a Chapter 13, meaning the Greens submitted a plan for repaying most of their debt, which they did during the next five years.

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House Of Cards

In tough times, businesses will do nearly anything to get new customers look at the big markdowns at retailers and the cheap financing at auto dealerships. But there is an exception to the rule: these days, credit-card companies are trying to get rid of customers.

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