Video: Dateline debt collection expose features LHR
We’re getting ready to file the FTC complaint about LHR and my client found this March 2009 Dateline documentary on illegal debt collection practices.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29921188/ns/dateline_nbc-the_hansen_files_with_chris_hansen/
Prominently featured is Lewis Hastings Receivables aka LHR.
If you click on the video link, you can start with the first video “Debt Trap” (worth watching) or go directly to part 4 with the LHR collectors. They got several LHR collectors on hidden camera to admit how they knowingly engage in illegal practices. The best part:
A debt collector admits that breaking the law pays off.
Does the company ever get sued, though, like, for ... ?
Oh yeah, we bring in a lot of money, so it’s like, it’s worth it for people still to be illegal and collect money
Of course that’s true. The $1,000 FDCPA statutory damages were effective when the FDCPA was created in the 70s. The damages have never been increased.
So LHR then fired all the collectors in the video. However, as you can see by the subsequent LHR continued collection of my client’s disputed debt, nothing changed. They are demanding about 3 times the amount of the charged off account and report the account incorrectly to the credit bureaus.
It’s time for the FTC / AG complaint.
Posted by Christine on 10/04/2009 at 03:16 PM
2008 - 2009 FCRA - FDCPA violations • LHR refusal to validate • (0) Comments • Permalink
