A Consumer Advocate specializing in Debt Collection Practices can be an effective option to help you get through the credit collection process. Consumer Advocates or Unions are set up to act as a layer of protection between you and the creditor/collector once your debts fall behind. Most Consumers Unions were formed by experienced professionals from the Debt Reduction, Credit Counseling, Student Loan, Mortgage, Credit Card, and Collection Industry. These groups were created in response to abusive creditor collection techniques used against clients involved in Debt Relief Programs. Realizing first hand that most clients have little knowledge of their rights and are ill equipped to handle collection harassment, the Consumers Union was designed to help debtors stand up to the creditors. Most Consumer Advocate's help their clients through a combination of client Education and Protection.
The first goal of the Consumers Union is to educate clients on their rights when they are being pursued by a debt collector. These rights are granted by state law and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This act specifies what kind of behavior is acceptable when collecting a debt including the time of day a debtor can be called, what defines a debt collector, ways a collector can try to make contact, use of vulgar language or threats of violence, and excessive/repeated phone calls. These laws are commonly violated by collectors either because they are poorly trained or are counting on the fact that the consumer does not understand or are unaware of their rights. Being in debt and getting creditor calls can be an extremely stressful and intimidating situation. Even some people who do know their rights are too frightened by the collectors to take action. This is where the Consumers Union can step in between you and the creditor to offer the protection you need in this vulnerable situation.
A Consumer Advocate is not only designed to educate but also to protect their members. If you are dealing with a collector who is ignoring the laws which regulate their industry, the Consumers Union should be able to contact the abusive creditor on your behalf. Most unions will provide helpful documentation regarding your rights, a call script for handling collector calls, and calls logs for tracking purposes. In many cases a cease and desist letter will be sent instructing the Debt Collector to cease all communication with the client. If this is ineffective they can help you file a complaint or even refer you to an attorney if need be.
In the Debt Relief industry, the services of a Consumers Union will usually be offered with or as part of a Debt Help program such as Debt Settlement, Debt Reduction, Credit Counseling, Debt Management or Foreclosure Relief. Most of these organizations have in-house customer service departments that can help clients deal with Debt Collectors and the Consumers Union will be utilized in extreme cases of abuse and harassment. For many people the Consumers Union can help relieve a lot of the pressure associated with the inevitable Creditor Collection calls when a debt falls behind.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Interview with Suzy Orman
By: Anthony Charles Sokoly | 01-10-2008
Dear Mr. Cooper: I could not help listening to your interview with Suzy Orman tonight, I just wanted to comment on something Mrs. Orman was saying about the financial crisis, and what credit card companies are going to do to people who pay their credit cards on time, and have good credit.And how there is nothing people can do about it. Well it occurred to me in the midst of all this crisis business, and corruption, etc, I believe there are things people can do. How about not paying their bill when it comes. How about bankrupting the account. If they want to play hardball maybe it is time for the American people to flex their muscles. I know one might think this is adding insult to injury, I disagree. What could possibly be worse than what has been perpetrated on the American people, maybe it is time to fight back. Thank you
Money Market vulnerablity
By: Gordon | 30-09-2008
I am 85 years old with a small amount of savings in Money Market. I am old enough to remember the crash of 1929 and fear that our present financial problem could turn out to be similar to "29". Are money market funds vulnerable and do they have any insurance?
My husband have credit cards in my name i didnt ...
By: Gloria | 30-09-2008
My husband have credit cards in my name i didnt know about.We are still together what can i do about it.
I have excellent credit and was told my mortgage ...
By: bunny | 30-09-2008
I have excellent credit and was told my mortgage with a 20% down payment was a slam dunk, is that still true? will I beable to get a mortgage today?
Mortgage
By: dennis2467 | 29-09-2008
i owe 180,000 on my mortgage and the value has fallen to 150,000. no one will refinance me. the rate is adjustable. i am also 3 months behind. anyone have any idea where to start?
I am considering taking a job without retirement ...
By: shegal | 29-09-2008
I am considering taking a job without retirement benefits. The pay is great, but it does not offer benefits. What to do?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Finance Articles
How To Keep Your Money From Going Up In Smoke
By: Aydan Corkern | 13/10/2008
If you're worried about your financial security, here are some valuable tips to help you hold on to more of your money.
Just How Safe is Your Money?
By: Nicholas Swezey | 13/10/2008
Just how safe are your bank and investment accounts?
Why Secured Business Credit Cards Make Sense
By: Sean Masterson | 13/10/2008
Think secured business cards are just a tool for high-risk businesses or those with flawed credit histories? You're overlooking some very important facts. Here are a few things you might want to consider...
Cheap Travel Insurance: How the Web Has Made it Easy to Find Great Deals
By: Steven Clarke | 13/10/2008
The internet has changed the world in which we live. Things that were never before possible are now possible thanks to the World Wide Web. The world is much smaller, and you can visit with and gaze upon loved ones even though they are thousands of miles away. You can...
Forex Trading Online and Money Management
By: John Rhodes | 13/10/2008
If you're going to be Forex trading online then you need to understand the basic principles of money management. In this article you'll learn several key ideas that relate to both foreign trading and general market trading. If you don't pay attention to this rules, you could lose a lot...
Errors Veteran Property Managers Make With Apartment Rentals
By: Christine OKelly | 13/10/2008
Even the most experienced property managers who have been dealing with the apartment rental industry for years can be making mistakes that are hindering the profits coming in from the building. Here are some you should consider.
The Forex Market Trading Plan
By: John Rhodes | 13/10/2008
This article will explain exactly why you need a Forex market trading plan. Furthermore, we'll give you a couple of simple ideas to get started with your own personal foreign exchange trading plan.
When is the last time you took a trip out of state to a place you have never...
Three Trading Losses in a Row
By: Lance Beggs | 13/10/2008
Three losses in a row are tough. That's about the most consecutive losses that novice traders are psychologically prepared to accept before they feel compelled to take action and 'correct' the situation.
If you're anything but a total newbie, I'm sure you'll recognize the symptoms:
Frustration - Why me? I've worked...
More from Adam Jasa
Debt Settlement and Dealing With Creditors
By: Adam Jasa | 20/06/2008 | Finance
If you have ever fallen behind on your credit cards you know that dealing with bill collectors can be an extremely frustrating and stressful experience. Government legislation such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has forced the collection industry to clean up its act but many collectors will still...
Credit Consolidation Or Debt Settlement?
By: Adam Jasa | 02/06/2008 | Finance
Which is right for you? That depends on many factors, mainly your current and projected financial situation. There are many misconceptions about these two options and in this article I will explain the positives and negatives of each.
Credit Consolidation is to combine outstanding debts into one or several loans. The...
How To Build Credit
By: Adam Jasa | 01/06/2008 | Finance
Have you ever been denied for a loan because of limited or no credit history? This puts many people in a peculiar bind. It can be very frustrating to get denied for a loan, especially if you are trying to obtain the loan to build your credit in...
Choosing the Right Debt Settlement Company
By: Adam Jasa | 16/04/2008 | Debt Consolidation
How to tell if you are dealing with a reputable debt settlement company by scrutinizing the initial consultation process. Explains the differences between an honest debt help company and one that is only trying to collect fees.
Avoiding the Blacklists and Spam Folder
By: Adam Jasa | 16/04/2008 | Entrepreneurship
Help with email sending strategies to avoid getting blacklisted.
Finance 
