Category Archives: Credit Cards & Consumer Debt

Posts about credit cards and other consumer issues.

Prepaid Debit Cards

There’s a great story in the New York Times about prepaid debit cards. The story illustrates just how expensive scams like these can be, and just how willing businesses are to haggle money out of already impoverished individuals. One of the things that strikes me is the image on the site:
You’ll note that these costs [...]

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This is a Wrong Number!

When I worked as a collection agent, it was often the case that we’d run along a wrong number for a debtor. The policy for the company was to leave the number in for at least one additional call to verify the number.
This policy served two purposes: 1) debtors are usually less-than-honest about disclosing their [...]

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Credit Card Restrictions

I received my first credit card when I was 22 years old. Until that time, I didn’t know what a credit card was, other than to say that my parents had one because they had jobs, a home, and a car.

In fact, I think I was so naive about the credit process and the [...]

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What Happens if I Don’t Pay My Credit Card?

Credit card agreements, like mortgages, car loans, and many other agreements, are contracts. Like all contracts, the credit card agreements come with obligations, in this case, the obligation to pay back borrowed money.
In tough economies, a lot of people are concerned about the consequences of not paying credit card debt, in lieu of other, more [...]

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Credit Card Reform

Thankfully, the President has signed the credit card reform act that will provide some added protections to consumers.

One of the stories I heard last night was criticism for the bill. A credit card advocate argued that the new changes were uncessary because "the companies already police themselves." My only retort was to ask, "when has [...]

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Psychology 101 – Collections Style

I love reading articles dealing with psychology, human relations, or communication. I think it’s extremely important for us to learn about each other, and find ways to interact socially to resolve problems.

When I ran across this New York Times article, I couldn’t help but chuckle. The analysis and insight is exceptional.

The article features a debt [...]

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I Hate Getting Ripped Off!

Which one of you woke up this morning and said, "I want to get ripped off!"? I doubt anyone. Apparently though, there are several (thousand/million) out there who don’t mind supporting companies that take your money, then gouge you for more (my beef with Hollywood Video).

There’s a new post at the Bankruptcy Law Network, which [...]

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Horrible Debt Collection Tactics

Most of us hate debt collectors. They seem to call at the most inappropriate time (we were paid to work on New Year’s Day), and sometimes can be quite ruthless or rude in their debt collection tactics. Most people though recognize that it’s a 20-something calling them, and they hang up.

Well, that’s not the case [...]

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Bankruptcy Planning

Well, the time has finally come. You’re so far in debt, and you’ve been trying to pay creditors, but you just can’t seem to get anywhere (and if you’re not convinced yet, read this). In fact, it seems as though you’re falling further behind and struggling even more. What you need is some debt relief! [...]

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Good News for Consumers

The House has passed the credit card reform bill. Now we’re waiting on the Senate to get acting. Hopefully not to butcher it either.

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