Behind on Debts? Know Your Rights
Kiplinger's Personal Finance|May 2021
There are limits on what debt collectors can do to recoup what you owe. If you have medical debts, you have even more rights.
By Rivan Stinson
Behind on Debts? Know Your Rights

The average Fico Credit Score hit an all-time high last summer, but that doesn’t mean debts aren’t a problem. Nearly 30% of consumers with a credit report had some type of debt in collection last October, according to data from the Urban Institute, a policy think tank. And when debts go into collection, they end up in the hands of debt collectors—a common source of angst for consumers.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group, credit and debit issues, including those related to debt collection, are among the top 10 complaints that consumers file with state and local consumer agencies. And thanks to a new debt-collection rule issued last year by the government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, complaints aren’t likely to decline anytime soon.

The CFPB’s two-part rule, set to take effect in November, will allow debt collectors to contact consumers via e-mail, text and direct messages on Facebook and other social media sites—and there’s no limit on how many times the collectors can reach out to you using these methods. On the plus side, you may not receive as many phone calls during dinner because collectors will be limited to seven calls a week for each debt. If you pick up the phone during one of these attempts, the collector can’t call you again that week to discuss that particular debt.

この記事は Kiplinger's Personal Finance の May 2021 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Kiplinger's Personal Finance の May 2021 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCEのその他の記事すべて表示
HOW INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS WILL AFFECT YOUR TAXES
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

HOW INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS WILL AFFECT YOUR TAXES

We looked at IRS rules for 2025 on everything from tax brackets to how much you can save in retirement accounts.

time-read
3 分  |
January 2025
GUARD AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT IN THE NEW YEAR
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

GUARD AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT IN THE NEW YEAR

Scammers are getting better at impersonating legitimate businesses.

time-read
3 分  |
January 2025
SHOULD YOU BUY PET HEALTH INSURANCE?
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

SHOULD YOU BUY PET HEALTH INSURANCE?

You can fend off big veterinary bills with a policy that covers your furry companion.

time-read
2 分  |
January 2025
THE LOWDOWN ON BUYING A VACATION HOME
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

THE LOWDOWN ON BUYING A VACATION HOME

If you return to a beloved destination again and again, purchasing a home there may be a smart move-but don't overlook the costs and effort that go into it.

time-read
8 分  |
January 2025
HOW COUPLES CAN MANAGE DIFFERING RETIREMENT TIME LINES
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

HOW COUPLES CAN MANAGE DIFFERING RETIREMENT TIME LINES

Staggered retirement is increasingly common, but it can create financial and emotional challenges.

time-read
7 分  |
January 2025
AVOID THESE CREDIT MISSTEPS
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

AVOID THESE CREDIT MISSTEPS

KIPLINGER ADVISOR COLLECTIVE

time-read
2 分  |
January 2025
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF

Whether you're looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own.

time-read
10+ 分  |
January 2025
My Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

My Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025

SINCE 1993, I have offered an annual list of 10 stocks with the potential to beat the market in the 12 months ahead. My 2024 selections notched the highest return ever: an average of 48.9%. I beat the S&P 500 index by 10.8 percentage points, and every one of my stocks was up-six by more than 30%.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2025
WHAT MAKES AN ETF SUCCESSFUL?
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

WHAT MAKES AN ETF SUCCESSFUL?

EXCHANGE-traded funds have exploded in popularity, with the industry now reaching the milestone of $10 trillion in assets.

time-read
2 分  |
January 2025
TIPS FROM INSIDERS
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

TIPS FROM INSIDERS

When corporate insiders buy or sell, it can offer clues on whether you should do the same.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2025