Two private debt collection companies that work for the Education Department paid more than $4 million combined in civil penalties in the past year after another federal agency accused them of using abusive language with consumers, making illegal threats and committing other violations of the law. Full story
Federal regulators have shut down a Southern California debt collection firm accused of harassing debtors by threatening to kill pets and dig up dead relatives. Full story
The prolonged economic turmoil has created more opportunity than ever for debt collectors, even while making it harder than ever to get folks to pay up. Full story
A Florida judge has ordered a debt collection agency to not use Facebook or any other social media site in an attempt to locate a woman over a $362 unpaid car loan. Full story
Collection agencies are using social media sites to track down and pursue debtors. KXAS reporter Omar Villafranca has the story.
A Florida woman claims a debt collector went far beyond the usual phone calls in an attempt to recoup $362 for an unpaid car loan by sending her messages on Facebook. Full story
