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What's the best way to navigate personal bankruptcy?

Dec 27, 2021
For people pushed to the edge financially, bankruptcy can be an option. One nonprofit is trying to make the choice easier and less expensive.
Bankruptcy can be a lifeline for some, but it's still out of reach for many who can’t afford the roughly $1,500 it takes to hire an attorney and pay for court fees.
FuzzMartin via Getty Images

Tenants facing pandemic eviction have a new ally: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Apr 20, 2021
The new CFPB rule requires landlords to clearly inform tenants — and limits what debt collectors can do.
The new CFPB new rule forbids debt collectors from giving tenants misleading information about their rights.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

In China, chasing debt after the COVID-19 lockdown

Jun 23, 2020
Delayed payments are a normal part of doing business in China. That works OK when the economy is bustling — but not anymore.
A recent survey showed 66% of Chinese firms had clients delay payments last year. Then the pandemic hit.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

With the CFPB's future uncertain, New York and other states want to step in

Mar 5, 2020
Some states are stepping up their plans to regulate the debt collection industry. Consumer advocates say the moves come at a time when Federal protections are weakening.
Gov. Cuomo announced a plan to crack down on fraud with additional oversight of the debt collection industry.
Scott Heins/Getty Images

How New York's court system turned into a debt-collection machine

Nov 27, 2018
A series from Bloomberg this week sheds light on a predatory lending practice that’s turning New York’s court system into a debt-collection machine. Some lenders that offer cash advances to small businesses require their customers to sign what’s called a “confession of judgment.” That means before borrowers get a loan, they sign away their right […]

Arkansas debates where to draw the line on debt collection for probationers

Apr 11, 2018
One private probation company presses the question in Eastern Arkansas.
Ian Waldie / Getty Images

Federal regulators prepare to rein in debt collectors

Jul 28, 2016
Some say the new proposed rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau don’t go far enough.
One in three consumers said they’d been contacted by a debt collector over the last year, according to a new study.
Fox Photos/Getty Images

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The color of debt

Oct 8, 2015
How collection suits squeeze black neighborhoods: a ProPublica investigation with Marketplace.

The wild west is over for debt collectors

Nov 7, 2013
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will announce new rules for the debt collection industry.

7 tips on what to do if you're being harassed by a debt collector

May 17, 2013
What can you do if a debt collector is after you? Take some advice from someone in the industry and know your consumer rights.