Tag Archives: ftc

Finance

Feds Seek To Limit Debt Collector Use Of Social Media

Some banking institutions and debt collection agencies are taking to the social media to track down those who owe or to lure brand new customers. Regulators in Washington are putting a microscope on the methods.

Ways to keep away from rules

The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, established more than 30 years ago, protects consumers from many abusive collection practices. However, those laws were established long before there was such a thing as the Internet or social networking. Therefore, the laws have been spongy on the matter.

The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals is an international trade association that Mark Schiffman is part of. He explained that member businesses should not use social media as the rules are not clear.

Not everyone states no to social media

Not every collector listens to the advice.

Lawyer Billy Howard spoke with author Carl Dougherty about the methods of some debt collectors for a piece in Bloomberg.

“You get a friend request from some chick in a bikini,” Howard said. “You say yes, and then somebody says ‘by the way, I’m a debt collector.'”

Some say the practice at times borders on stalking or harassment.

Problem on a federal standard

This issue has been noted by the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agencies will decide if collectors can use LinkedIn, Facebook and other social online websites to contact consumers.

The federal organizations have already laid down rules for debt collection businesses, regulating aggressive rhetoric, making sure consumers are kept updated on any legal actions, and also making it easier for consumers to register complaints.

Financial institutions also in trouble

Meanwhile, The U.S. Federal Banking institutions Examination Council is urging the public to weigh in on its proposed guidance, seeking to lay down limitations for how banking institutions can use social networking in attracting business. To view that guidance, go to:

Their website

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau points out that 30 million Americans are being pursued by collectors, and about $12 billion in revenue is made in the Accounts Receivable Management industry annually. That a ton of cash and a ton of abuse.

Do not be afraid to speak up

Get a hold of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for FTC if you feel you have been harassed by debt collectors.

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Finance

Precious Metals Businesses Facing CFTC Inquiry

For the 3rd time in the last few weeks, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has taken action against precious metal investors. American Precious Metals LLC has been closed down, pending further inquiry. These corporations have been extending Ponzi scheme style investments in precious metals. Gold, silver, palladium, and other precious metals were sold, fraudulently, as investments by these companies. People have invested personal loans just to lose money.

What the suit against American Precious Metals LLC is about

The American Precious Metals LLC business is located in Florida. It is in Lake Worth, Fla., to be exact. The business used telemarketers to call and pressure consumers into purchasing gold, silver, platinum and palladium investments. The salespeople claimed the company would store the physical metals for the customer and even finance part of the purchase after a significant down payment was made. In exchange, the company promised several hundred percent returns on the customer’s investment. In essence, the company was offering short-term loans for investments in precious metals — but the company never really had the precious metals. Investment companies have to register with the Federal Trade Commission or CFTC. The business did not do so. The charges against the company consist of violations of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, as well as regulations controlling precious metals. Now the company doesn’t have access to its assets. They were all frozen.

The cost of precious metals

Precious metal investment scams have become more prevalent recently. This is because there has been a rise in the precious metals price tags. There has been a huge increase in gold prices in the last year. They have gone to over $1,500 from being at $1,200. Silver and other precious metals have experienced a similar price jump. Most precious metals are considered a “safe haven” for investments, which could trigger some of this. Some industry watchers have warned that gold and precious metals are getting close to bubble status, with costs that have expanded beyond their “real” value.

Protecting yourself when investing

Investing can be an activity fraught with dangers. Investing tools simply don’t exist. If you would like to invest in precious metal, purchase it and store it without help from anybody. Make sure whoever you invest with is at the Better Business Bureau. Always check there for information. Any business that cannot be verified with the FTC or Commodity Futures Trading Commission should not be invested in.

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