By: Robert J. Nahoum Most people assume they’ll know right away if they’ve been sued. In reality, many New Yorkers only discover a debt collection lawsuit after their paycheck is suddenly reduced by a wage garnishment. If that sounds surprising, you’re not alone, and there are specific legal and practical reasons why this happens so often. How Debt Lawsuits Are […]
Why You First Learn About a Debt Lawsuit Through Wage Garnishment in New York
New York Court Rejects Portfolio Recovery’s Request for a Default Judgment Due to Faulty Service
By: Robert J. Nahoum If you have ever checked your mail or credit report and seen the name Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC (PRA), you are far from alone. PRA is one of the largest junk debt buyers in the United States. They purchase billions of dollars in old, charged-off debts from credit card companies, banks, and finance companies for pennies […]
Digital Car Loan Signatures: A Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Dealer Fraud
By: Robert J. Nahoum Digital signatures have made buying a car faster and more convenient, but they’ve also opened the door to new kinds of dealer fraud. Many buyers don’t realize that clicking “sign” on a tablet or phone can lock them into loan terms they never actually saw or agreed to. If you’re financing a car, especially through a […]
Purchase Order vs. Bill of Sale vs. Retail Installment Contract: How to Spot Auto Dealer Fraud
By: Robert J. Nahoum Auto dealers rarely hand you just one document when you buy a car, and that’s not by accident. Buried in the paperwork are often inconsistencies, hidden fees, or outright misrepresentations. Understanding the difference between the purchase order, bill of sale, and retail installment sales contract can make the difference between a fair deal and getting ripped […]
Don’t Trust the Talk—Read the Contract: When Car Buyers Are Bound by What They Sign
By: Robert J. Nahoum Buying a car should be exciting. Unfortunately, for many consumers, it turns into a legal headache when what they were told at the dealership doesn’t match what they actually signed. As a consumer protection attorney, I regularly speak with people who say some version of the same thing: “That’s not what the salesperson told me.” While that may […]
Private Student Loan Lawsuits: Why They’re Just Like Credit Card Debt Cases
By: Robert J. Nahoum With all the news surrounding student loans these days, if you’ve been sued over a private student loan, it may feel different, or even more intimidating, than other debts. But in reality, private student loan collection cases are handled almost exactly like credit card lawsuits and other unsecured debt cases. Understanding this can make a big difference […]
Consumer Groups Challenge PSEG Long Island’s Debt Collection Tactics
By: Robert J. Nahoum Consumer advocates AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) are pressing New York Governor Kathy Hochul to investigate PSEG Long Island’s utility debt collection practices, as highlighted in a recent Newsday report. This call comes amid soaring utility arrears exceeding $1.8 billion statewide, with over 1.3 million customers behind by more than two […]
Deceptive Car Sales: Understanding False Advertising Laws in New York
By: Robert J. Nahoum Buying a vehicle is one of the most significant purchases you will make. Unfortunately, not all car dealerships play fair. From bait-and-switch pricing tactics to hidden fees and misleading advertisements, some dealers resort to deceptive practices to lure buyers onto the lot. If you feel you have been misled by a dealer’s advertisement, you are not […]
Leveling the Playing Field: How TILA Fee-Shifting Makes Justice Accessible in Auto Lending
By: Robert J. Nahoum When consumers shop for a new or used vehicle, the financing process can often feel overwhelming. Between confusing paperwork, add-on products, and complex interest rates, it is easy for hidden fees or deceptive practices to slip through the cracks. For most individuals, the thought of hiring an attorney to fight an auto finance dispute sounds far […]
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) in Auto Lending What You Need to Know
By: Robert J. Nahoum When you walk into a dealership to buy a car, the excitement of driving off the lot can sometimes overshadow the fine print of the financing paperwork. For most of us, an auto loan is one of the largest financial commitments we make. But did you know there is a powerful federal law designed to ensure […]