By: Robert J. Nahoum Are You Being Harassed? Understanding Who the FDCPA Actually Regulates If you are receiving constant phone calls or threatening letters about an unpaid bill, you have likely heard of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law is a powerful shield that protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair collection tactics. However, a common […]
Who Is a “Debt Collector” Under the FDCPA? (And Who Isn’t?)
What Are Your Debt Validation Rights Under the FDCPA and New York Law?
By: Robert J. Nahoum If a debt collector is calling you, sending letters, or threatening legal action, you have important legal protections. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to ask a collector to validate the debt. In New York, additional state rules let you request substantiation of the debt at almost any time. Understanding these […]
Know Your Rights: The Mandatory Disclosures Every Debt Collector Must Provide
By: Robert J. Nahoum If you are receiving phone calls or letters from a collection agency, it often feels like they hold all the cards. However, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a powerful federal law designed to level the playing field. While many people know that the FDCPA stops collectors from using harassing tactics, fewer realize that […]
Can a Debt Collector Contact You by Email or Text in New York?
By: Robert J. Nahoum Debt collectors increasingly use email and text messages to pursue unpaid debts, but federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), sets strict limits on this contact. In New York, these federal protections apply alongside state consumer laws. If a collector is bombarding you with texts or emails, you have rights to push back. What […]
Can Debt Collectors Threaten Jail for Unpaid Debt? Know Your Rights
By: Robert J. Nahoum Debt Collectors Threaten Jail: The Truth Debt collectors often use scare tactics like threatening jail time or criminal charges to pressure you into paying old debts. In reality, unpaid consumer debts are civil matters, not crimes, and such threats violate federal law. Understanding your rights can stop the harassment and potentially earn you compensation. Why Threats […]
The Real Cost of Gas When You Use a Credit Card and Carry the Balance
By: Robert J. Nahoum Most people think of gas as a simple, everyday expense. But if you pay for gas with a credit card and do not pay off the balance at the end of the month, the true cost can be much higher than the price on the pump. As gas prices rise and credit card interest remains high, […]
Medical Debt Lawsuits in New York: What Consumers Need to Know
By: Robert J. Nahoum Medical bills can pile up quickly, even for insured patients. In New York, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers (or companies that buy their debt) often file lawsuits to collect what they claim is unpaid medical debt. If you’ve been served with court papers, it’s important to understand what’s happening and what your rights are. Who […]
Imposter Scams and Unauthorized Electronic Fund Transfers: Your Rights Under the EFTA
By: Robert J. Nahoum Imposter scams trick victims into sending money or sharing bank details by posing as trusted entities like government agencies or banks. These frauds often result in unauthorized electronic fund transfers (EFTs), triggering protections under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA). At The Law Offices of Robert J. Nahoum, P.C., we help consumers fight back against these violations. […]
Long-Term Auto Loans: Why Dealers Push 6-, 7-, and 8-Year Financing
By: Robert J. Nahoum Long-Term Auto Loans Are a Growing Problem Auto dealers increasingly steer buyers into loans longer than five years because the monthly payment looks more affordable, even though the total cost is much higher. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that 42 percent of auto loans made in the prior year had terms of six years or […]
FAQ: Debt Collection Lawsuit Settlements in New York: Your Top Questions Answered
By: Robert J. Nahoum Being sued by a debt collector in New York is stressful, but a lawsuit is not a guaranteed loss. In fact, most consumer debt cases never go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through debt collection lawsuit settlements that allow consumers to pay a fraction of what is owed, or sometimes nothing at all, while stopping wage garnishment […]