http://www.articlesnatch.com/rss2/Lemon+law Lemon law Articles from ArticleSnatch.com Rss Follow Up Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:04:53 -0500 If you're like most people, the last thing you want to deal with is credit harassment. Debt collection efforts by collection agencies have hit an all-time high for two reasons. First, many people are struggling to pay their bills since the downturn in the economy, and next, bill collection has become big business. In fact, collection companies in the U.S. now collect billions in overdue debt every year. But those debt collection efforts can quickly become credit harassment if you're not careful. Here are five tips that will help you stay ahead of debt collection efforts. Negotiate The best way to avoid credit harassment is to avoid having to deal with collection agencies in the first place. If you find that you're getting behind on your bills, contact your original lender and offer to work things out with them, either by setting up a payment plan on the past due amount, or by extending your pay period. By doing this, you won't have to deal with debt collection agencies because the lender will have no reason to turn over your account. Face It Many people don't want to deal with collection agencies, so they'll simply ignore a collection letter.Credit harassment]]> debt collection]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Five-Ways-To-Avoid-Credit-Harassment/3656590 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:59:08 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Five-Ways-To-Avoid-Credit-Harassment/3656590 You're receiving calls all hours of the night, and when you pick up the phone, it's someone wanting your bank account number to pay a debt. Or maybe you're being hounded about a debt that you're not even sure is yours. Perhaps you're sick of being called names and ridiculed by a debt collector because you lost your job and aren't able to pay your bills. Whatever is going on, if you're the victim of debt collection harassment, we've got good news for you. The Law is on Your Side A debt collector can't do just anything to collect a debt. Instead, it's required that all debt collectors follow the rules set out by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Lawmakers realized that consumers were experiencing high rates of debt collection harassment, and that's why they passed the FDCPA. The Act lays down specific guidelines that the bill collector must follow, and if they don't, they could find themselves in a court of law being sued by the consumer. For instance, the FDCPA says that collection harassment by telephone is not allowed.Collection harassment]]> debt collector]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Are-You-Experiencing-Collection-Harassment-By-A-Debt-Collector--Here-s-What-To-Do/3656588 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:58:30 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Are-You-Experiencing-Collection-Harassment-By-A-Debt-Collector--Here-s-What-To-Do/3656588 Xfinity TV]]> Sitcoms]]> Humor]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/How-Much-You-Love-Watching-Comedy-Sitcoms-In-Your-Life/3616429 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:29:33 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/How-Much-You-Love-Watching-Comedy-Sitcoms-In-Your-Life/3616429 There is a lot of confusion when it comes to time-barred debt and the statute of limitations concerning old debt. One of the reasons for the confusion is that many debt collection agencies have renewed their efforts to collect on very old debt, and consumers simply don't know what their rights are, what steps the debt collectors are allowed to take in order in to collect the debt, or how to deal with a collector on this type of debt. Here are the basics that you need to know when it comes to old debt. What is Time-Barred Debt? Every state has certain guidelines that regulate how long a debt collection agency can take the consumer to court. For instance, in some states, a consumer can't be sued for a debt that's five years old, on others the limit is seven years. This doesn't mean that the collection agent can't attempt to collect the debt - it simply means that some avenues are no longer available to them.debt collection]]> statute of limitations]]> time-barred debt]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Threats--How-The-Statute-Of-Limitations-Can-Protect-You/3595501 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:40:29 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Threats--How-The-Statute-Of-Limitations-Can-Protect-You/3595501 When a family member dies, chances are that they've left behind debt, and most family members don't understand how to handle the money owed after death. Luckily, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives us some guidance on how to handle debt collectors who call during this vulnerable and tragic time. Let's take a look at some of the specifics about deceased debt, and how family members should handle it. Who Owes it? Usually, the estate of the deceased owes the money, and in fact, the creditors will be paid off before any other disbursements are made. If there isn't enough to cover the amount owed, then the creditors will go unpaid. Unfortunately, this is where an unscrupulous debt collection agency can try and take advantage of grieving family members. For instance, a collector may call and tell you that the deceased would have wanted you to pay off his bills, or that by not doing so, you're dishonoring his name. This is deceitful, and the FDCPA disallows a debt collector to use deceit in an attempt to collect a debt.deceased debt]]> debt after death]]> debt collector]]> debt collec]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Deceased-Debt--Are-Family-Members-Responsible-For-A-Relative-s-Debts-/3595495 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:35:26 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Deceased-Debt--Are-Family-Members-Responsible-For-A-Relative-s-Debts-/3595495 It seems that despite the passage of bills like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), debt collectors are acting badly when it comes to collecting debts. This is especially true of old debt. Old debt that has passed its statute of limitations is oftentimes sold again and again, and each new collection agency that buys it makes every effort to collect on it. This is often what causes debt collectors to trample the rights of consumers. So, how can debt collectors negatively affect your credit report, and what can you do about it? Follow along as we discuss the possibilities. Debt Collectors: False Reporting Debt collectors are only allowed to report negative remarks on your credit report if the debt is current and valid. But many times, debt collectors will report bad information to a reporting bureau without first verifying the identity of the consumer, or before the consumer has had a chance to dispute the debt. What's more, some debt collectors will report that a debt is overdue when the debt has in fact long passed its statute of limitations.Fair credit]]> fair credit act]]> debt collectors]]> FCRA]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Problems-With-Your-Credit-Report--Here-s-What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Fair-Credit/3578488 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:42:12 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Problems-With-Your-Credit-Report--Here-s-What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Fair-Credit/3578488 If you've ever dealt with a debt collector, then you understand just how unpleasant the experience can be. Before the enactment of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a collector was allowed to use any debt collection tactics that would best serve their purposes - but completely ignore the best interests of the consumer. But the Act has changed things - it sets down strict rules and regulations that must be followed by debt collectors whenever they're attempting to collect a debt. Here are a few things you should know when dealing with an out of control collector. They Must Prove That You Owe the Debt No bill collector can demand that you pay a debt without first proving to you that the debt is actually yours. They have to do this with a letter, which tells you who the original creditor was, the amount of the original debt and an accounting of any fees that have been added to it. If you don't think the debt is yours, you can dispute it by sending the collector a letter telling them that the debt isn't yours.fair debt collection]]> debt collection tactics]]> debt collecto]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-And-Playing-By-The-Rules--Knowledge-Is-Power/3578487 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:41:33 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-And-Playing-By-The-Rules--Knowledge-Is-Power/3578487 Consumers have a great advantage when it comes to dealing with debt collection efforts when the debt in question has passed the statute of limitations. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about the implications of time-barred debt, and that leads many people to be frightened into paying debt when they really don't have to. Because every state's statute of limitations on debt is different, you'll have to look up the limits on your particular debt. If you find that it's time-barred, here are some tips for how you should deal with debt collectors. Know the Risks Just because a debt is past the statute of limitations, that doesn't mean that debt collectors can't attempt to collect it, but it does mean that their means of doing so are drastically limited. For instance, they can't take someone to court who owes a time-barred debt - in fact, they can no longer even threaten you with the possibility. In addition, their ability to garnish your wages is gone. But the advantage can quickly be transferred to the debt collector if you make one wrong move, and those trained in the art will do everything they can to make you slip up.debt collection]]> statute of limitations]]> time-barred debt]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Debt-Collectors-And-The-Statute-Of-Limitations/3554532 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:20:18 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Debt-Collectors-And-The-Statute-Of-Limitations/3554532 It can be pretty scary to walk to your mailbox and find a collection letter from a debt collection agency. But the truth is, because of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have more power in the situation than you might think. For instance, did you know that you actually get to control how the debt collector speaks to you - even in what format? What's more, the debt collector must prove to you that the debt is really yours before they can even begin their collection efforts. So, if you've received collection letters, take a deep breath, and let's look at some of your options. Read the Letter Carefully The first think you'll need to do is read the collection letter carefully. Is the debt collector really looking for you, or have they accidentally sent the collection letter to the wrong address? Do they clearly state whom they are and that they're trying to collect a debt? Do they give you contact information so that you can either phone them or write them in response?collection letter]]> collection letters]]> debt collection]]> debt]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fighting-Back-Against-Debt-Collection-Letters--5-Steps-To-Take-/3554530 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:19:40 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fighting-Back-Against-Debt-Collection-Letters--5-Steps-To-Take-/3554530 What can you expect from used handicap vans? It really depends on the source. Obviously a second-hand car lot is not going to give you a lot of confidence when it comes to reliable vehicles. However, a mobility dealership is a source you can trust. In fact, mobility dealerships cannot legally sell any mobility van that has not been thoroughly tested and shown to be 100% functional. Not only are there lemon laws in almost every state, but there are special requirements that mobility dealerships must meet, if they want the law on their side, if they want the respect of the industry, and if they want to work with the top conversion producers in the world. This is why you should seriously consider buying used handicap vans if you cannot afford to buy or lease a new van. What a step down, right? A used van when you really want a new van! Actually, you may be surprised to know that many of the vans from the 2008, 2005 and 2000 years are actually just as full-featured and convenient as the newer models. A used Dodge Caravan (converted) usually comes with either a power folding ramp or a lift.wheelchair vans]]> wheelchair van rentals]]> bruno scooter lifts]]> wheelchair lifts]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-Can-You-Expect-From-Used-Handicap-Vans-/3544995 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:18:38 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-Can-You-Expect-From-Used-Handicap-Vans-/3544995 Perhaps nothing is as troubling as receiving a call from a debt collector about a bill that belonged to a loved one that just passed away. But the reality is that a debt collection agency will continue to try and collect on a debt after death - regardless of how painful it is. If you're recently lost a family member, and don't understand how to deal with the debt collector, here are a few tips. Determine Whether or Not You're Responsible Every state has different laws about the deceased, debt included. If you are a surviving spouse, there's a good chance that you will have to pay the debt, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if you took out the loan or the credit card jointly - meaning that you both signed for it - then you'll still have to pay it. But, if your spouse had an account under his or her name only, then no matter what the debt collector says, you're not obligated to pay it.deceased debt]]> debt after death]]> debt collector]]> debt collec]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Don-t-Get-Conned-Into-Paying-The-Debts-Of-The-Deceased/3528864 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:29:20 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Don-t-Get-Conned-Into-Paying-The-Debts-Of-The-Deceased/3528864 Before the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a collector didn't have to worry about getting in trouble by using unlawful collection tactics. They were able to do whatever they thought was necessary in order to collect a bill. But thank goodness times have changed. Now, debt collectors have strict rules that they must follow in order to stay above the law. Here's a rundown on the rules so you will know exactly if and when a collector crosses the line. The First Contact In the past, a consumer would sometimes be forced into paying a bill they weren't even sure was theirs for fear that their credit report would be affected, but the FDCPA makes it possible for consumers to ensure a debt is theirs before they ever have to enter into discussions about it. After the first contact, a debt collector must send you a letter that gives you the details of the debt in question. It must include the name of the original creditor, the amount of the original debt, plus any fees that the collector has added to the debt.fair debt collection]]> debt collection tactics]]> debt collecto]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Making-Debt-Collectors-Play-By-The-Rules/3528862 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:28:22 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Making-Debt-Collectors-Play-By-The-Rules/3528862 The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) was enacted by Congress in 1970 in order to allow consumers to have some sort of control over their credit report. After all, these reports affect our lives in many ways including the ability to rent a place to live, buy a car, get a credit card of other type of loan, or even to get a job. But unfortunately, many debt collectors ignore the rules of the FCRA, and use a consumer's credit report as a way to scare them into paying a debt - even if that debt isn't valid. For instance, there have been many reports of debt collectors telling consumers that if they don't pay a debt immediately, they will put a bad mark on their report that day. Fortunately, you have rights. Follow along as we talk about your rights under the FCRA. Your Right to Know What's There You can't fight an incorrect mark on your credit report if you don't even know it's there, but the Fair Credit Reporting Act has made it law that you have access to each of your reports from the three reporting agencies every 12 months.Fair credit]]> fair credit act]]> debt collectors]]> FCRA]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fair-Credit-Reporting--Know-Your-Rights/3510430 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:35:44 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fair-Credit-Reporting--Know-Your-Rights/3510430 So, you've received a collection letter from a debt collector, and now you're wondering what to do. That's good, because the slightest misstep from you could result in a multitude of bad consequences. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted by Congress to give you rights when dealing with debt collection agencies, but in order to take advantage of these rights, you first have to know them. Here's a simple plan that allows you to use the Act when dealing with a debt collection letter. Step 1: Ask for Validation Just because you receive a collection letter, that doesn't mean that you actually owe the debt. In fact, debt collection agencies often make mistakes and send out collection letters to the wrong people. That's why the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives consumers the right to ask for validation of the debt. Within five days of their initial contact, a debt collector must send you a letter telling you the specifics of the debt in question. Step 2: Dispute the Debt Once you've received the letter, you'll have 30 days to determine whether or not the debt is truly yours.collection letter]]> collection letters]]> debt collection]]> debt]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Letters--Five-Steps-To-Help-You-Cope/3510403 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:28:21 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Letters--Five-Steps-To-Help-You-Cope/3510403 lemon law]]> Pennsylvania lemon law]]> new jersey lemon law]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Mylemon-Provides-Lemon-Law-Lawyer-To-Enforce-The-Pennsylvania-Lemon-Law-And-New-Jersey-Lemon-Law/3475239 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:49:12 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Mylemon-Provides-Lemon-Law-Lawyer-To-Enforce-The-Pennsylvania-Lemon-Law-And-New-Jersey-Lemon-Law/3475239 How many times have you heard someone say there ought to be a law, usually when it comes to complaints about things that are really minor irritants? Well, back in 1977, Congress had heard enough such complaints about a subject that is by no stretch of the imagination a minor irritant - debt collectors. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill found abundant evidence that the use of abusive, deceptive and unfair debt collection practices was widespread. They also declared that the effective collection of debts could be accomplished without recourse to misrepresentation or other abusive practices. The end result of the lawmaking process was the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under this law, a debt is an obligation to pay money based on a transaction in which money, property, insurance or services were involved in the transaction. In addition, the subject of the transaction must involve a personal, family or household purpose. A debt collector is usually someone affiliated with a business devoted to collecting debts. However, it can also be a creditor who wants to collect his or her own debt and uses any name other than his or her own name. How Long Can This Go On?debt collection]]> statute of limitations]]> time-barred debt]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Is-Subject-To-Time-Limits/3446524 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:13:03 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Debt-Collection-Is-Subject-To-Time-Limits/3446524 Did you ever feel as if you were unfairly losing a battle with a debt collector? If so, you may not be aware of the legal arsenal available to you. Debt collectors must play by a strict set of rules and the rules are dictated by a 1977 law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This law was put into place as a response to "abundant evidence of the use of abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by many collectors." The rules address unsavory debt collection tactics and can be placed in five general categories - acquiring information, communication, harassment, false representations, and unfair practices. Acquisition of Local Information This deals with attempts by a bill collector who communicates with a third party in order to learn where a consumer (person who owes a debt) lives and the consumer's telephone number and place of employment. There are a number of rules which bill collectors must adhere to and there is not too much wiggle room for getting around the rules. For example, a debt collector must identify himself, state the purpose of the telephone call, and can only identify his employer if asked.fair debt collection]]> debt collection tactics]]> debt collecto]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fair-Debt-Collection-Means-Following-The-Rules-/3426270 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:32:09 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Fair-Debt-Collection-Means-Following-The-Rules-/3426270 The opportunity for every consumer to qualify for fair credit is one of the bedrocks of the American economic system, a fact which was cemented in law with the enactment of the Fair Credit Reporting Act - also known simply as the FCRA - in 1970. Congress stressed that the banking system depends upon fair and accurate credit reporting. Consumer reporting agencies must "exercise their grave responsibilities with fairness, impartiality and a respect for the consumer's right to privacy," the law proclaims. The FCRA was amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) of 2003. A credit report contains details regarding a consumer's basic identifying information, including full name, address, previous address, Social Security number, marital status and the number of children (if any). It also has financial information (income, bank accounts, value of car, mortgage), public records (liens, bankruptcies, arrests), credit accounts and their status, collection items, current employment and job history, requests for a credit report and certain health information. In addition, there is a section regarding disputed items. Many consumers know about the FCRA only in terms of what is contained in their reports.Fair credit]]> fair credit act]]> debt collectors]]> FCRA]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Fair-Credit-Reporting/3426259 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:25:31 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Fair-Credit-Reporting/3426259 It can be frustrating to have your car break down on the highway. Few people will stop to offer help to disabled drivers. You may not have a cell phone with you, so you'll have to walk to find help. And even if you do have a phone with you, how likely are you to know the number of a nearby towing service? All of these things combine to make a bad situation worse. A good solution, particularly if you spend a lot of time driving, is to pay for a roadside assistance plan. A roadside assistance plan is a form of insurance. You pay for the service from a variety of sources; you might even buy it from your car insurance company. The annual fee that generally costs less than the cost of a single tow can be quite a bargain should you be unlucky enough to have a breakdown as the cost of towing a car even a short distance can easily amount to $100 or more. If you live in a rural area where services are not readily available, roadside assistance could save you several hundred dollars on just a single breakdown.Defective automobile]]> vehicle defect. Lemon law]]> auto warra]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Drive-A-Lot--Consider-Buying-Roadside-Assistance-/3410938 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:05:29 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Drive-A-Lot--Consider-Buying-Roadside-Assistance-/3410938 The price of gasoline seems to be locked in the $3 per gallon range nationwide and there are no indications that the price will soon drop. In fact, Americans should probably assume that the days of even $2 gas are over for good. The growing dependence of China and India on gasoline combined with continued instability of the Middle East will probably insure expensive gas for the foreseeable future. While the high price of gasoline will hurt the pocketbooks of many Americans, it need not be completely debilitating. There are numerous ways to cut down on gas consumption, and every one of them helps ease the pain on your pocketbook just a little bit. The most obvious ways to save involve combining trips in order to drive less, keeping your tires properly inflated and keeping your car in tune. But there are some less obvious ways to save money, and they can also help reduce your monthly gasoline bill. Here are some additional things you may wish to consider regarding gas consumption: Don't buy premium fuel unless you need it.Defective automobile]]> vehicle defect. Lemon law]]> auto warran]]> http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Cut-Your-Gas-Consumption-And-Save-Money/3410778 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:21:39 -0500 http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Cut-Your-Gas-Consumption-And-Save-Money/3410778