By: Robert J. Nahoum Short answer: Yes, a debt collector can still freeze your bank account even if your income is legally protected, but you have powerful rights to get those funds released quickly if you act fast. If you live in New York and have been sued by a debt collector, understanding the difference between a freeze and an actual loss of funds is […]
Can a Debt Collector Freeze Your Bank Account If Your Income Is Protected? What New York Consumers Need to Know
Debit Card vs. Credit Card: Which Is Safer from Fraud in 2026?
By: Robert J. Nahoum The Short Answer: Credit Cards Are Safer If your wallet is stolen or your card details are compromised, a credit card is significantly safer than a debit card due to federal liability limits and the source of funds during a dispute. When fraud occurs on a credit card, you are fighting with the bank’s money. Your liability is capped at $50, […]
Top 5 Mistakes Consumers Make When Sued by a Debt Collector in New York
By: Robert J. Nahoum A Frozen Bank Account Is Not an Immediate Loss of Funds Being sued by a debt collector in New York is stressful and confusing. Many consumers make costly mistakes that hurt their chances of defending the case or negotiating a fair resolution. At The Law Offices of Robert J. Nahoum, PC, we’ve helped countless clients stand up to debt […]
NY VTL 417: How New York Used Car Dealers Break the Law – And How a Consumer Auto Fraud Lawyer Can Help
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is NY VTL 417? New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 417 requires retail dealers selling second‑hand motor vehicles to provide a written certificate about the condition and safety of the car at the time of sale. This certificate must follow a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and is meant to ensure […]
Frozen Bank Accounts in New York: Why a Freeze Does Not Mean the Money Is Gone (Yet)
By: Robert J. Nahoum A Frozen Bank Account Is Not an Immediate Loss of Funds In New York, when your bank account is “frozen,” it means a restraining notice been served on your bank, but the money has not necessarily been removed yet. The restraint blocks you from accessing some or all of the funds while the judgment creditor goes through the […]
Understanding the Differences: Collection Agency vs. Original Creditor vs. Debt Buyer in New York
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is “Substantiation” of Debt in New York? If you live in New York and have been sued or threatened with a lawsuit over a consumer debt, you’ve probably seen one of three names on the summons: an original creditor, a collection agency, or a debt buyer. Knowing who you’re dealing with can make a big difference in how […]
New York’s Powerful “Substantiation” Right vs. Federal “Verification” Under the FDCPA
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is “Substantiation” of Debt in New York? New York has its own debt collection regulations that give consumers a powerful right to demand “substantiation” of a charged‑off debt, a much more robust standard than federal “verification” under the FDCPA. These rules apply to third‑party debt collectors including debt buyers collecting on charged‑off consumer debt in […]
New York Vehicle Repossession Law: Notices, Deadlines and Deficiency Balance Lawsuits
By: Robert J. Nahoum Overview of New York vehicle repossession law In New York, most car loans are “secured transactions,” meaning the lender has a lien on the vehicle and can repossess after a default (usually missed payments) without going to court, as long as it does not “breach the peace.” After repossession, the lender must follow Article 9 of […]
New York City’s New SHIELD Rule: FAQ for Consumers Sued by Debt Collectors
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is New York City’s New SHIELD Rule? New York City has adopted a new “Stopping Harassment and Intimidation and Ensuring Lawful Debt (SHIELD) Collection Rule” that significantly strengthens protections for people facing debt collection in the five boroughs. It goes beyond the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by adding stricter limits on communications, […]
New York Judgment Exemptions FAQ – What Can Debt Collectors Take?
By: Robert J. Nahoum What are judgment exemptions in New York? Judgment exemptions are protections in New York and federal law that keep certain income and property safe from most judgment creditors’ reach. These rules limit what debt collectors can take through wage garnishments, bank restraints, and property levies, even after they win a judgment against you. If a debt […]