1/26/2010
Foreclosure Relief Program Riddled With Flaws
Latest effort to save homes having only limited impact, faces challenges.
1/26/2010
Predatory Lending Practices March On and On
Things are not getting any worse for consumers seeking protection. They aren’t getting any better, either.
1/15/2010
House of Cards
The collapse of a financial giant and its Canadian connection.
1/13/2010
Obama May Introduce Bank Tax
The White House is considering a tax on some of America's banks.
1/12/2010
Bailed-Out Banks May Face Special Tax
The Obama administration is reportedly considering a special tax on large banks to recoup bailout money.
1/7/2010
Consumer Protection Prevails in the House: Tell the Senate It’s Their Turn Now
Last week, the House of Representatives did their part to beat back the reckless practices of big banks and Wall Street.
1/7/2010
FTC Opens Initial Study of Consumer Debt Purchasers
The Federal Trade Commission is examining a segment of the debt collection industry that has been blamed for trying to collect from the wrong people.
12/31/2009
Running From The Phone
When the debt collectors come calling, know your rights.
12/11/2009
What To Do When a Debt Collector Calls
When the debt collectors come calling, know your rights.
12/9/2009
Debt Collectors Have An Advantage Over Debtors
As the debt-collection industry files numerous lawsuits each year to recover unpaid bills, it's banking on a simple fact.
12/2/2009
Bad Debts Have Become Big Business
For decades, credit-card companies and other firms would eventually give up after attempting to collect from deadbeat customers.
11/30/2009
What Consumers Can Do When Debt Collectors Call
Collection companies are governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law.
11/30/2009
President Wants To Help Home Owners Hold On To Their Homes
Out of 650,000 trial modifications, only a tiny fraction have been made permanent. Treasury's Michael Barr says the banking industry has to do better.
11/28/2009
Debt-Collection Abuses Rising, Americans Claim Suits Favor Collectors
Agencies grow more aggressive, could even be violating the law.
11/20/2009
Consumer Advocates to Fed - Stop Evasions by Credit Card Companies
Advocates from national consumer groups today will urge the Federal Reserve Board to close loopholes in its proposed rules to prohibit credit card companies from using new tricks and traps to get around the protections of the Credit Card Accountability
11/17/2009
NACA Honors San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera and Staff
With 2009 Consumer Attorney of the Year Award
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) presented the San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera its 2009 Consumer Attorney of the Year Award at their annual meeting held recently in Philadelphia, PA.
11/16/2009
Will Health Reform Push Up Drug Prices?
Drug makers are raising prices in advance of the health-care overhaul in Congress. Why? Changing health care in this country is going to be an expensive proposition.
11/9/2009
NACA Honors George Gombossy with 2009 Print Media Award
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) awarded George Gombossy with NACA’s 2009 Media Award at their annual meeting held recently in Philadelphia, PA.
11/3/2009
Consumers Say Credit Wrongfully Ruined by Reckless Debt Collectors
World-traveling business executive Stefano Rosellini never saw himself as the type of person to get calls or letters from debt collectors.
10/9/2009
Predatory-Lending Lawsuits on the Rise
Homeowners and government officials are taking mortgage lenders to court for unfair lending practices.
9/25/2009
In Age of Debit Cards, Check Fraud Still Around
Check fraud remains a problem for retailers and law enforcement, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which pulls data from the FBI.
8/17/2009
How To Bounce Back From Bankruptcy
While a bankruptcy will remain on your credit record for up to 10 years, you can still bounce back and reestablish a good credit rating.
8/7/2009
When Credit Bureaus Foul Up
The Watchdog recently shopped for lower credit card rates, but ran into an unexpected problem.
7/24/2009
Arbitration Awards Across the Country May Be Set Aside
The kingpin of consumer debt arbitration, the National Arbitration Forum, has been knocked out of the consumer debt business.
6/29/2009
Bank Employees Protest 'Anti-Consumer' Practices
Risky bank policies that contributed to the financial crisis were as common in neighborhood branches as they were on Wall Street.
6/25/2009
Financial Services Industry Still Fights Against Consumer Protections
We’ve all been taught that history repeats itself. If we don’t learn from the mistakes of the past they will continue to occur, right?
6/18/2009
Battle Brewing On Capitol Hill Over Obama's Proposed Consumer Protection Agency
Consumer groups welcomed President Barack Obama's proposal to create a
6/16/2009
Civil Rights Groups Applaud Financial Reform Effort
A group of prominent civil rights organizations joined together today to applaud the launch of the financial reform effort by Americans for Financial Reform.
6/15/2009
A Sneak Peek at the President's Plan For Shoring Up The Economy
President Obama is expected to unveil on Wednesday new reforms designed to create a more stable financial system and to prevent a repeat of the financial crisis.
6/8/2009
Credit Card Debt Negotiation in 3 (Not) Easy Steps
Determine what kind of arrangement would work best for you.
5/25/2009
The US Economy Burned While Congress Fiddled
Congress and regulators were asleep at the wheel while a laissez-faire attitude towards banking took hold.
5/22/2009
Consumer Groups Push for Expanded Rights to Sue Financial Firms
Consumer groups are lobbying the Obama Administration to expand the ability of consumers to file lawsuits.
5/21/2009
Advocates Urge Court: Keep Chrysler On Hook
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, the Sacramento-based nonprofit advocacy group, joined other consumer groups asking a federal bankruptcy court to maintain Chrysler LLC's liability in cases where consumers claim they suffered injury or loss in a
4/30/2009
Mortgage Bankers Celebrate Victory
You would think this year's Mortgage Bankers Association annual meeting would be a rather solemn affair.
4/28/2009
Consumer Group Seeks End To Forced Arbitration
Consumers forced to give away their legal rights
4/22/2009
Groups Call for End to Forced Arbitration Clauses in Contracts
A newly formed coalition is calling on Congress to pass legislation to prohibit forced arbitration clauses that are often found in employment and consumer product contracts.
The group says it is not opposed to alternative dispute resolution procedures
4/12/2009
Tax-Refund Loans Take Advantage of the Desperate
When Amy Davis stepped into an H&R Block office in Greenwood, Miss., for an advance on her tax refund, it had been three weeks since her last paycheck.
4/7/2009
Credit Card Industry Defeated, For Now
Hidden penalties, sudden interest rate hikes, and deceptive language are just a few of the questionable tactics used by credit card companies.
3/5/2009
More Americans Turn to Tax Refund Loans to Pay Monthly Bills
When Amy Davis got an advance on her tax refund, it had been three weeks since her last paycheck.
3/4/2009
Ten Things You Can Do to Stay in Your Home
The pace of the foreclosure crisis is accelerating. How can you try to stem the tide?
2/26/2009
Teamsters: KeyBank Funds Misery
The Teamsters Union is launching the "KeyBank Funds Misery" public information campaign today to highlight Cleveland-based KeyCorp's irresponsible use of taxpayer bailout money.
2/25/2009
Voluntary Mediation Benefits Consumers
Unlike mediation, binding mandatory arbitration requires individuals to use company courts as a condition of receiving goods or services.
2/1/2009
Congress Eyes New Lifeline For Homeowners
A House committee approved a bill that would allow bankruptcy judges to order banks to reduce mortgage payments.
1/30/2009
Image Issue Plagues U.S. Banks
Bank advertisements boasting of their accomplishments helping homeowners have provoked a negative response from NACA.
1/29/2009
The Fed Awakens
The Federal Reserve had the power to protect consumers. Until now, it just chose not to use it.
1/28/2009
Fannie Mae Foreclosure Sale at 50 Cents on $1 Shows Price Reset
With a sharp nod, Robert Parkin bids $500,000 at the auction of a brick colonial house.
1/25/2009
Foreclosure Rescue May Not Offer Help You Need
Kimberly Matlock was about to lose her Illinois home to foreclosure when a shiny flyer from Clearwater arrived.
1/15/2009
Swindlers Find Growing Market in Foreclosures
As home values across the country continue to plummet, the authorities say a new breed of swindler is preying on the tens of thousands of homeowners desperate to avoid foreclosure.
1/15/2009
Freddie, Fannie Force Borrowers to Waive Legal Rights
Housing Advocates, Congressional Leaders Call Practice Abusive
1/9/2009
Homebuilders Push Housing Aid Plan
With lawmakers angling to pass an economic recovery package, desperate homebuilders from around the country flew to Washington.
12/20/2008
Protective Measures
What do consumer groups want for 2009? For one, better defense against price gouging.
12/14/2008
Fed Could Remake Credit Card Regulations
New Rules Would Ban Retroactive Rate Hikes
12/9/2008
Deck The Halls With Boughs of Fear
I'm not getting any chestnuts-on-an-open-fire vibe from Washington's shopping streets this season. It's the psychology of fear.
11/18/2008
Bankruptcy Reform Back; Odds of '09 Passage Likely
Mortgage bankruptcy reform is officially reclaiming the congressional stage this week.
10/29/2008
Robert Berner and Brian Grow Win NACA 2008 Media Awards in Portland, OR
NACA held its Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 25 and awarded Media and Member awards for 2008
9/22/2008
House To Vote On Landmark Credit Card Legislation
Broad Based Coalition Urges Support for Bill to Curb Unfair Abusive Practices
9/10/2008
Government Faces Balancing Act on Fannie, Freddie
Government regulator faces tough task handling collapsed mortgage titans Fannie, Freddie
8/28/2008
Project to Aid Homeowners
Indiana Legal Services program in South Bend aims to avoid foreclosures.
8/12/2008
The Predators’ Ball
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped defang laws that might have prevented the subprime mess.
7/20/2008
Foreclosures and Short Sales, Equal Ills
Is there a right way to lose your home? And is there any good reason to pay for "expert" advice on how best to do it?
7/14/2008
Judges, Attorneys Work to Stanch Foreclosures
As actions surge, so do dismissals, mediation orders.
6/15/2008
Ex-Justice Describes Abuse of Debtors
Arbitration system gamed, Neely tells business magazine.
6/12/2008
Troubled Borrowers Sue Mortgage Lenders
Florida homeowners sued their mortgage lenders, alleging lenders committed fraud making loans borrowers couldn't afford to pay.
6/6/2008
Credit Bureaus Inch Toward Spotlight
Credit Reports Will Become More Important as the Money Crunch Makes it Tougher to Get a Loan.
6/5/2008
Things to Know When You Buy a Car
Candid video with good tips that could save you money when you buy a car.
6/4/2008
In Bed With Bankers
General Assembly must stop blaming mortgage crisis on homeowners alone, act to help them.
5/13/2008
Payday Lawsuit Back in Court
The phone calls were relentless. The loan collectors wanted their money.
4/29/2008
Act Quickly on Mortgage Ills
If foreclosure looms, contacting your lender right away could help.
4/22/2008
No More Line of Credit for You!
Todd Appleman never envisioned washing his dishes in the bathtub when he opened a $64,000 home-equity line to renovate his kitchen.
4/7/2008
Indebted America Keeps Packing on the Plastic
As much as you try to see beyond what is happening in this economy, common sense says it won't be.
4/6/2008
Break Free From Wallet-Squeezing Fees
Terri Lovin and her husband, Harold, may have had the world's most expensive pizza ... at $117.
4/2/2008
Mortgage Aid Effort Questioned
Progress of Bush Administration's Hope Now Questioned As Foreclosures, Frustrations Mount
4/1/2008
Governor: 1,100 Lawyers Volunteering to Stave Off Foreclosures
Jeanette Wilkes' home foreclosure problem started when she picked up a box.
4/1/2008
Caution Advised: Used unwisely, Pick-A-Pay loans can lead to trouble
Some customers of Wachovia are troubled by a mortgage option the bank is pitching.
3/10/2008
Predatory Lending Preys on the Vulnerable
Almost every day, Americans get new offers for more credit. Many of those who take the bait only go deeper in debt.
3/9/2008
Hidden Fees Hit Wallets
Consumers no longer ignoring hidden fees, called ‘fastest-growing white-collar crime in America.'
2/27/2008
Consumers Fighting Back at Hidden Fees
Hidden fees and surcharges that drive up the cost of everything are spreading like wildfire.
2/26/2008
ID Theft Cases Soar
I do not owe money to DirecTV. I do not live in Detroit. I want my good credit restored. I am a victim of identity theft. I AM SHELDON CHRYSLER.
2/17/2008
Someone to Speak for Borrowers in Trouble
As she leafed through her client’s mortgage papers, the housing loan counselor just shook her head.
2/12/2008
"Project Lifeline" Does Little to Help Consumers
NACA's Ira Reingold warns of disconnect between the mortgage industry's rhetoric and reality.
2/8/2008
Exploding ARMs Roil Bernanke's Drive to Calm Markets.
Joe Ripplinger took out a $184,000 mortgage in 2006 and makes his payments every month. Now he owes $192,000.
2/7/2008
Metro's Mortgage Woes 'Will Get Worse'
Foreclosure tallies reaching all-time highs in every corner of metro Atlanta.
1/24/2008
NACA Supports Bankruptcy Reform to Help Consumers Save Their Homes
We are writing to express our strong support for the Helping Families Save their Homes Act of 2007
1/18/2008
Subprime Swing: Politicians Seek Answers to US Housing Crisis
Mortgage crisis transforms community outreach program in effort to save homes.
1/11/2008
Deal May Bring Legal Troubles
If Bank of America Corp. ends up purchasing Countrywide Financial Corp., it could inherit a flood of legal trouble.
1/8/2008
A Way for Older Homeowners To Back Out of a Bin
Some find banks are willing to accept reverse mortgages to retire troubled loans.
1/2/2008
Mandatory Arbitration Stacks Deck Against You
How many of you would give up your rights to get a cell phone that works, or a car that runs properly?
12/21/2007
The Pain of Foreclosure
For Joyce Griffin and thousands of others losing their homes, sadness and uncertainty overshadow a season of cheer.
12/20/2007
The Best and Worst Money Moves of 2007
Making financial decisions is always easy -- after the fact.
12/10/2007
Mortgage Help Is Way Too Narrow
The industry-inspired plan to aid subprime borrowers announced last week by President Bush does too little for too few.
12/4/2007
Foreclosure Solutions Won't Be Easy
Congress, White House, lenders wrestle with efforts to head off defaults.
11/7/2007
It's Time to Nail Down Subprime Loans Crisis
Market won't cure ills; the law must curb lax lending standards.
9/18/2007
Frozen Out: A Review of Bank Treatment of Social Security Benefits
Testimony before the Committee on Finance, U. S. Senate, on behalf of low income clients.
9/14/2007
"Don't Get F#%'D"
Graphic illustration of the unscrupulous tactics credit card companies use to trap college students, and other low or no income targets, into credit card debt.
9/10/2007
Foreclosure Scams - Don't Get Taken
Five years ago Darrell Sa'lley purchased his first home. It's something he takes pride in and gives thanks for everyday.
9/2/2007
Fending Off The Mortgage Crunch
Homeowners who fall behind have options to help avoid foreclosure.
8/26/2007
Inside the Countrywide Lending Spree
Countrywide Financial Corporation courted customers over the telephone with a seductive pitch that seldom varied.
8/19/2007
Foreclosure-Rescue Deals Snag Troubled Homeowners
Some of the people who walked up to Karen Hawley's front door asked, "Is this the house that's being auctioned off?"
8/10/2007
Consumer Advocates Slam Credit-Card Arbitration
They charge the deck is tilted in favor of banks in disputes with credit-card holders.
8/7/2007
Mortgage Maze May Increase Foreclosures
As the housing market weakens and adjustable mortgage interest rates rise, more borrowers are falling behind.
7/23/2007
Consumer Advocates Slam Credit-Card Arbitration
They charge the deck is tilted in favor of banks in disputes with credit-card holders.
6/14/2007
How Home Buyers Can Make Sure They Get the Best Mortgage
Think you're getting a good deal from your mortgage broker? Try looking at the fine print.
6/14/2007
Pentagon's Predatory Lending Rules Faulted
Rules Leave Military Families Unprotected, Consumer Groups Argue
6/7/2007
Should You Sue Your Lender?
When should a homeowner decide whether he/she has any legal qualms with his/her lender? This question is explored on MSN.com.
5/22/2007
Arbitration Ties Consumers' Hands
If you've bought a cell phone, computer, home or car, you may have forfeited rights to sue.
4/17/2007
Phone Number, Unpublished for 42 Years, Now Under Seige by Debt Collector.
A Case of Identity Theft? Here are things you can do to protect yourself.
4/13/2007
Consumers Need to Stand Up and Fight Back Against Unfair Business Behavior
When an auto parts shop wouldn't honor his $5 coupon, Derek Monroe sued.
4/10/2007
"Borrowing Trouble" - yield spread premiums are a boon for for everyone but the consumer
When Gregory and Paula Sherman wanted to refinance the mortgage on their ranch-style home in Chattaroy, Wash., near Spokane, in June 2003, they went to a local mortgage broker.
3/20/2007
Consumers Abused by Mandatory Arbitration
The two faces of the National Arbitration Forum
3/16/2007
See the ABC Nightline interview by Elizabeth Warren of James Scurlock, director of "Maxed Out."
"Maxed Out" is the hard hitting documentary about credit card debt in America, that opened in theaters last week.
3/16/2007
Suffering from dementia? Over 80? Need a mortgage? No problem.
Aggressive selling has plunged millions of badly-off Americans into financial disaster.
3/15/2007
Incredibly High Foreclosure Rates Result from Deregulation of Mortgage Industry
Ira Rheingold states "the incredibly high foreclosure rates ... (are) a product of the complete deregulation of the mortgage industry over the last 10 to 15 years."
3/9/2007
NACA Joins in Applauding Bank Regulators for Finally Proposing Restrictions on Dangerous Subprime Mortgage Loans
The devastating reign of “exploding” adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) in the subprime market may soon be over. Today federal banking and credit union regulators proposed to clamp down on these risky loans by requiring depository institutions to do more c
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3/5/2010
Fair Debt Collection Training Conference
Register Now to Attend the 2010 FDCPA Conference!
5/14/2010
Coming Soon! 2010 Auto Fraud Conference
Mark your calendars now and be sure to attend NACA's 2010 Auto Fraud Conference, May 14-16, 2010, in Chicago, IL.
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