Archive for Debt Collection News

WSBTV of Atlanta, Georgia recently ran a segment documenting the abusive collection practices of Mann Bracken.  WSBTV reports that the Georgia Attorney General is currently suing Mann Bracken over alleged abusive practices.

The segment airs images of Mann Bracken’s infamous 14th floor, described as a “boiler room” which houses Mann Bracken’s abusive collection unit.  The segment details the following abusive collection acts by the firm:

  • A recording of a call in which a Mann Bracken collector chides a debtor for not affording the debt the same priority as a utility payment;
  • Mann Braken’s refusal to heed a consumer’s protest against their collection attempts on the basis that the debt was not owed by her and where the original creditor admitted in writing that the debt was the product of fraud and was not owed by the consumer;
  • Attempts to collect debts by placing harrassing telephone calls to elderly relatives;
  • Threats to take the consumer’s home;
  • Lawsuits against debtors on debts that are clearly time-barred.

Steve Koval, a consumer attorney, comments that Mann Bracken knowingly pursues abusive debt collection tactics because such tactics are profitable, even after accounting for the inevitable FDCPA based lawsuits filed against them.

The segment closes with a very interesting encounter with William Christopher Bracken, III, a co-founder of the firm.

The video can be viewed by clicking here.

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Often we hear reports from clients that a debt collector threatened to put a judgment against them if a debt was not immediately paid.  This is a misleading statement and may be actionable under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and/or the corresponding Pennsylvania law protecting consumers from abusive debt collection practices.

In reality in Pennsylvania, a debt collector cannot simply place a judgment on you.  They must go through the entire lawsuit process.  See I’ve Been Sued By a Debt Collector in Pennsylvania for an overview of the process.  Also, see General Overview of the Debt Judgment & Execution Process.  Remember, you should never ignore a lawsuit that has been filed against you.

If you have had a debt collector make a threat to put a judgment on you, have been the victim of any other kind of debt collector harassment or abuse, or simply would like to discuss your debt problems, please contact us.  If you are not located in Pennsylvania, you can contact us for the name of an attorney who practices in your area and/or visit the National Association of Consumer Advocates attorney referral website.

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Given the state of the economy, attorneys warn, companies are getting more aggressive when it comes to collecting their due.

via Rare growth area for firms: debt.

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