Consumer Blog

Westlake Portfolio Management has taken over the servicing of auto loans from US Auto Sales and we expect wrongful collections and wrongful credit reporting to occur in the next few months.

Discover the urgent changes in truck accident laws in Florida that could impact your rights as a victim. Learn about the recent legislation and how it may affect your ability to seek compensation. If you've been involved in a truck accident, it's crucial to understand these important updates.

The cost of living in the Florida s skyrocketing, and with it, the number of foreclosures. Learn why foreclosure rates are on the rise and how this could impact the housing market. If you're facing foreclosure, find out why hiring a foreclosure defense lawyer is crucial in protecting your rights and home.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes firm action against Portfolio Recovery Associates, one of the largest debt collectors, for repeated violations of the law. Discover the consequences faced by the company and how the CFPB strives to protect consumers from deceptive debt collection practices.

Policyholders are facing difficulties, including fraud, in getting their insurance claims paid out for damages caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida in 2022. Many policyholders have submitted claims for property damage and living expenses, but have received only partial payouts or no payouts at all. Some policyholders have accused their insurance companies of fraud, alleging that adjusters have tampered with their estimates to avoid paying out on valid claims. The article also mentions that a large number of claims remain unpaid or have been rejected, despite the 90-day deadline for insurance companies to pay or deny claims having passed.

A new report from the Urban Institute reveals that medical debt is a significant problem affecting more than one in seven nonelderly adults. The report shows that low-income families are most affected by medical debt, with nearly two-thirds of adults affected by past-due medical debt having incomes below 250 percent of the federal poverty line. Most of the past-due medical debt is owed to hospitals. Although many healthcare organizations offer financial assistance programs and payment plans to ease the burden of patient financial responsibility, lack of insurance and low income hinder the effectiveness of some collection strategies. The Urban Institute suggests that expanded access to hospital charity care and stronger consumer protections could complement coverage expansions and other efforts to mitigate the impact of unaffordable medical bills.

Wage garnishment is when an employer has to take money out of an employee's paycheck to pay off a debt. This can happen if someone owes money for things like child support, taxes, student loans, or other debts. There are two types of garnishment: wage garnishment and non-wage garnishment. Non-wage garnishment is when a court orders a person's bank to take money out of their account. If an employer doesn't follow the law and take out the right amount of money, they can get in trouble and have to pay fines or even be taken to court. The amount of money that can be taken out of an employee's paycheck depends on how much they make and what they owe. It's important for employers to follow the rules and seek help from an attorney if needed.

A recent survey by Bankrate has found that a growing number of Americans are struggling to save for emergencies due to high inflation and increasing interest rates. Over a third of respondents had more credit card debt than emergency savings, up from 22% a year ago. Many people are using their emergency savings or taking on credit card debt to cope with the current economic situation. Respondents cited inflation or unemployment as the biggest barriers to saving more. To avoid financial stress, it's important to prioritize emergency savings by setting a budget, cutting unnecessary expenses, and considering debt consolidation or debt relief options to free up money for savings.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers several benefits for the average consumer struggling with debt. These benefits include protection from foreclosure, stopping creditor harassment, paying off debt, keeping property, and improving credit score. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals to repay their debt over a three to five-year period, with a payment plan established by the bankruptcy court. Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy will have a negative impact on credit score, but can also be an opportunity for individuals to start fresh and rebuild their credit. It's important to consult a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to determine if Chapter 13 is the right option.

A blog post was written for a consumer lawyer website, Florida Consumer Lawyers, which offers legal representation for homeowners facing foreclosure. The post highlights the benefits of having legal representation during the foreclosure process, such as understanding rights and options, negotiating with lenders, exploring alternative solutions, and ensuring that rights are protected. The post also emphasizes the expertise of Florida Consumer Lawyers in providing personalized, compassionate representation to homeowners. The post concludes by encouraging readers to contact the firm for a free consultation.

Inaccurate and sloppy credit reporting practices by TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian as well as other information providers is preventing consumers from getting housing in this difficult rental market.

Credit card debt levels and interest rates are reaching historical highs leaving consumers few options to get out of debt.

Credit card balances are at an all time high and there is no relief in sight for most consumers. Now is the time to plan around your debt strategically and speak with Florida Consumer Lawyers today.

Banks and hospitals are cashing in on the most ridiculous idea we've ever heard. Medical credit cards. Having a baby, just charge it at 27% interest. Just another scam out of a broken system that continues targeting consumers who can least afford it.

Florida home prices are already sliding but 2023 looks like the year for a large decline. While most are no saying 5-10% price declines are coming, the reality will probably be much worse.