The largest collector of medical debt in North Carolina fought tax assessments on three corporate jets for five years. Now it has agreed to pay up after losing appeal after appeal. Does that make Absolute Collection Service a victim of its own game? Continue reading
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Unlicensed debt collectors are sued by WV for FDCPA violations and defying subpoenas
West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw has sued seven debt collectors after they ignored investigative subpoenas. The firms failed to obtain a license for the collection of consumer debt. Furthermore, they have been accused of substantial violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Continue reading
Western Sky Financial Sued by FTC for Illegal Garnishments
Western Sky Financial does more than provide payday loans in violation of many state usury laws. According to the Federal Trade Commission, it also has been illegally garnishing wages of customers based on tribal court orders without proper jurisdiction. Continue reading
Fake Debt Collector Used India Callers Posing as Law Enforcement Officers
A California man controlled a scheme where 2.7 million collection calls were made to American residents. Collection agents under his control illegally posed as law enforcement officers, threatening arrest and incarceration for those who did not pay. Continue reading
$933.49 Verizon Wireless Bill? It’s a Fake!
Getting a several hundred dollar cellular bill is something that can make anyone’s blood boil. Upon receiving my Verizon Wireless bill email, I noticed that my normal $50 charge had been replaced with $933.49. A call to Verizon confirmed what I suspected, that it was a mistake. Upon further inspection, it was not their mistake. Continue reading
Instant Tax Service Cited for Charging $1,000 for Simple Tax Returns
The nation’s fourth largest tax preparation firm has been targeted by federal regulators for pervasive fraud. Instant Tax Service (ITS) has allowed inflated consumer tax refunds in order to allow for “junk fees” and other charges that often total $1,000 for simple tax returns. Continue reading
Tribal Payday Lenders Are Not Exempt from Federal Regulations
While Western Sky Financial continues making sky-high interest rate loans, other payday lenders who claim tribal affiliation have been targeted by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC’s latest action sends a message that lenders cannot skirt state usury limits by hiding behind the teepee. Continue reading
$195 Million Verdict Against TaxMasters for Defrauding Customers
A Texas jury has found TaxMasters and owner Patrick Cox liable for $195 million in damages. The jury decided that there was substantial evidence that TaxMasters defrauded thousands of customers for so-called tax relief services. Continue reading
Mo’ Money Overcharged Customers and Filed Inaccurate Tax Returns According to Illinois AG
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued Mo’ Money for overcharging customers $800,000 at its East St. Louis and Chicago locations. Madigan claims that the company submitted false tax returns without its customers’ consent. Additionally, customers were hit with hidden fees for services. Continue reading
Fake Payday Loan Collection Calls Stole $5 Million
Callers from India have been committing egregious violations of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. After $5 million has already been taken in the scam, the Federal Trade Commission has finally tracked down the firms behind it and are shutting it down. Continue reading
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