Attorney Generals are cracking down on the shady payday loan industry and winning big. Most recently, the payday loan company CashCall, Inc., after being investigated and sued by the West Virginia Attorney General, was penalized more than $13 million over its abusive collection practices. These abuses include excessive phone calls at all hours of the day and night, threats of law enforcement action, improperly disclosing private information with borrower’s friends and charging loan shark interest rates of 139%. In addition to the $13 million fine, CashCall will also be forced to cancel all of its outstanding debt in West Virginia, as the state does not allow payday loans. This is not the first time this sleazy company has been hit by an Attorney General.
In 2009, California’s AG went after CashCall and won a $1 million judgment over the company. In that lawsuit, CashCall was charged with using misleading advertising, making harassing phone calls and causing borrowers to incur bank fees by repeatedly trying to collect payments despite knowing there were insufficient funds.
CashCall preyed on consumers desperate for cash, charging triple digit interest rates and using loan shark tactics to collect on their debts,” California Attorney General Brown stated. “This judgment forces CashCall to stop harassing consumers and should serve as a warning to people to be wary of fast-money lenders.
Consumers should know that they have rights under federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This law prevents debt collectors from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices. If a debt collector is found to be in violation, the FDCPA allows you to sue the collector, stop the calls and get paid damages (up to $1,000) plus all of your attorney costs are covered. We represent you for FREE. At Michigan Consumer Credit Lawyers, we fight the debt collectors that wish to harass and intimidate consumers. The consumer walks away with a measure of justice and a check from the debt collector.
If you have been victimized by a debt collector or have items on your credit report that are incorrect, call or email Attorney Gary Nitzkin at [email protected] for a free consultation at (888) 293-2882. For more information about your credit rights as a consumer, visit our website at www.micreditlawyer.com for informative, how to videos on consumer financial protection. We are here to fight for you. Call us today! 888-293-2882