By: Robert J. Nahoum If you have been sued by a debt collector and you lose the case, or if you fail to answer the case the debt collector will obtain a judgment against you. A judgment is a court order that says you owe the debt collector money. In New York State, the judgment results in a lien on […]
How a Default Judgment Can Result in a Lien on Your Home
Settling a Debt Case with American Express: A Success Story
By: Robert Nahoum Entrepreneur Client Sued By American Express We recently received a call from a prospective client who was being sued by American Express for an unpaid credit card. The client is an entrepreneur in an industry with drastic ups and downs. During a recent down time in her business, she fell behind on an account with American Express […]
Inflation, Debt and Credit Card Defaults: What You Need to Know
By: Robert Nahoum Inflation is on the rise, and it’s having a significant impact on consumers’ wallets. As prices for goods and services go up, people have less money to spare, which can lead to credit card defaults, which can lead to debt collection which can lead to debt collection lawsuit. If you’re struggling to make your credit card payments, […]
CFPB Issues Eye-Opening Report On The Use of High Cost Credit Cards to Pay for Medical Bills
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued an eye-opening report on the use of high cost credit cards to pay for medical and dental costs not covered by patients insurance. Here is what the CFPB had to say: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a report on high-cost specialty financial products, such as medical […]
How Identity Theft is a Defense to a New York Debt Collection Lawsuit
By: Robert J. Nahoum Identity theft is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on your financial and personal life. If you have been the victim of identity theft, you may be sued by a creditor for debts that you did not incur. However, there are a number of defenses that you may be able to raise, including […]
What to Do If You Have Been Sued by a Debt Collector in a New York Debt Collection Lawsuit
By: Robert J. Nahoum Being sued by a debt collector can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. If you are facing this situation, it is important to know your rights and what steps you need to take to protect yourself. What to do when you are served with a summons and complaint The first thing you should do if you […]
The Current Status of Medical Debt Credit Reporting
By: Robert J. Nahoum On April 11, 2023, the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, (the CRAs) announced that that medical debt with an initial reported balance of under $500 has been removed from U.S. consumer credit reports. Â This announcement comes after a 2020 file issued by the, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) requiring credit reporting […]
Attempting to Collect Debt Discharged in Bankruptcy Is Illegal
By: Robert J. Nahoum Debt collectors are known for their persistence when it comes to collecting debts. However, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) imposes certain restrictions on the methods used by debt collectors to collect debts. In particular, the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from attempting to collect debts that have been discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal […]
New York Debt Collection Lawsuits Are on the Rise
By: Robert J. Nahoum New York has been experiencing an uptick in debt collection lawsuits in recent years. According to data from the New York State Unified Court System, there were approximately 83,000 debt collection cases filed in 2019, up from about 78,000 in 2018. This trend is expected to continue, especially given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic […]
Default in Consumer Debt is on the Rise in 2023
By: Robert J. Nahoum Consumer credit defaults have been on the rise in recent years, and this trend is causing concern among economists and policymakers. When individuals are unable to pay their debts, it not only affects their financial well-being but also has a ripple effect on the larger economy. One of the primary reasons for the rise in consumer […]