Debt and Debt Collection

Check out two videos to help you know your rights in debt collection and also how to deal with debt collectors. The links are here:

Consumer Debt Advice from National Consumer Law Center  https://library.nclc.org/stopping-debt-collection-harassment-consumer-debt-advice-nclc April Kuehnhoff   June 25, 2018  Email link to this article

This client-focused handout contains information and tips about how to handle a call from a collector or someone collecting a debt on another's behalf. Here are two helpful videos on dealing with debt collection, and how to talk with a debt collector. https://www.kansaslegalservices.org/node/debt-collection-and-debt-collectors

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act is a federal law that requires collection agencies to stop contacting you if you send them a letter stating that you wish to stop contact.  Complete the interview in the link below to create this letter.  Stop Contact Letter Interview Creditors still have the option of pursuing legal action against you.  This will not make your debt go away. 

Your credit score is a tool businesses use to measure your creditworthiness - how likely it is that you will repay a loan.  Equifax, Experian and Transunion each compile a report of your credit  history to determine your credit score.  Occassionally, there will be errors in your credit history that will adversely effect your credit score and your ability to borrow money. 

In recent years, the majority of mainstream lenders have left the small loan market, leaving a vacuum being filled by companies offering payday loans. These are extremely high interest loans that extend until the borrower's next pay check. This webpage discusses the ways in which payday loans, car title loans, overdraft loans and refund anticipation loans negatively affect low income families who are least able to get other types of credit.  Payday Loans

Housing & Credit Counseling Inc.(HCCI)  is available in person at Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan and Emporia office locations.

This brochure talks about your options as a consumer when debt or debt collection becomes too much to handle. Nearly all of the 2 to 3% of the households who are behind on their bills were current until they faced a sudden blow to their wallets. Such blows include job loss, illness or other setbacks. Sometimes it is tempting to give in to the daily appeals in their mailbox to borrow, borrow, borrow. To help consumers, the feds and states have laws to stop abuse, deceit and unfair practices by debt collectors. Find out more in the brochure below.

File this form to ask for a court hearing. This applies when your income is exempt from garnishment in a collections matter. 

Bankruptcy is a choice that may help if you are facing serious financial problems. You may be able to cancel your debts, stop collection calls, and get a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy can help with some financial problems, but does not guarantee you will avoid financial problems in the future. If you choose bankruptcy, you should take advantage of the fresh start it offers and then make careful decisions about future borrowing and credit, so you won’t ever need to file bankruptcy again!