The Federal Trade Commission continues its crackdown on abusive debt collectors with its latest million dollar victory over a Van Nuys debt collection operation, alleging they bullied consumers and deceived them about fees.
The deal stems from a 2011 case against Forensic Case Management Services, Inc., owner David Hynes II and employees of the company, which did business as Rumson, Bolling & Associates among others names. Charges include berating and threatening people in pursuit of old debts and disclosing information about those debts to third parties, all violations of the federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
“Several consumers reported that defendants even threatened to dig up bodies of consumer’s deceased relatives for alleged nonpayment of funeral bills,” the FTC said.
In 2011, a federal judge halted the company’s operations and they are now permanently barred the companies from the debt collection business, in addition to having to pay the $1.1 million fine.
The harassment of consumers is growing every year, and people need to know that they have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This federal consumer law prevents debt collectors from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices. If a debt collector is found to be in violation, the law (“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 at Michigan Consumer Credit Lawyers, stand up to the collection thugs and make them pay you. Best yet, we represent you for free. We fight the debt collectors that 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.
