To: Governor Gavin Newsom
Stop debt collectors from feeding like sharks on California's working poor.
These big debt collection businesses buy up huge chunks of debt, then pay attorneys to write letters demanding payment. When people cannot pay or do not respond (many don't know what to do), the collectors file a law suit, which costs hundreds of dollars to fight. How can these impoverished people pay? The end result is often big buck judgements, based on inflated interest and other charges, that are extracted (garnished) from the paychecks of the working poor.
California, which allows creditors to pursue a credit card debt for 3 years, most states are 2 years, has become a feeding grounds for many unscrupulous collectors, some kicked out of other states, who prey on poor people who do not know their rights or have the money to stop these bullies.
We need for our good Governor, Jerry Brown, to require all debt collectors to be licensed, then watch-dog them for unlawful tactics, including attempting to collect on debts that are past the current state statute of limitations.
We also need for our Governor to reduce California's debt validity statute of limitations from three to two years and stop California from becoming a debt collectors feeding ground. Californians who have fallen on hard times, sometimes barely "getting by", are being victimized and saddled with crippling legal judgements because they don't have the money or support to fight back.
Sign now and send a strong message to our Governor, Jerry Brown:
First:
Require all debt collectors to pay to be licensed by the state of California and adhere to lawful practices under penalty of state enforced severe fine and/or license revocation.
Second:
Reduce the state mandated window of debt collection from three years to two.
Third:
Provide a website with a.) clear information in plain language that advises Californians of their rights when dealing with debt collectors, including that the collector must PROVE the debt is owed by providing a copy of any original contract, and b.) warn Californians about the consequences of NOT responding to a court summons, as well as where to find help with responding.
California, which allows creditors to pursue a credit card debt for 3 years, most states are 2 years, has become a feeding grounds for many unscrupulous collectors, some kicked out of other states, who prey on poor people who do not know their rights or have the money to stop these bullies.
We need for our good Governor, Jerry Brown, to require all debt collectors to be licensed, then watch-dog them for unlawful tactics, including attempting to collect on debts that are past the current state statute of limitations.
We also need for our Governor to reduce California's debt validity statute of limitations from three to two years and stop California from becoming a debt collectors feeding ground. Californians who have fallen on hard times, sometimes barely "getting by", are being victimized and saddled with crippling legal judgements because they don't have the money or support to fight back.
Sign now and send a strong message to our Governor, Jerry Brown:
First:
Require all debt collectors to pay to be licensed by the state of California and adhere to lawful practices under penalty of state enforced severe fine and/or license revocation.
Second:
Reduce the state mandated window of debt collection from three years to two.
Third:
Provide a website with a.) clear information in plain language that advises Californians of their rights when dealing with debt collectors, including that the collector must PROVE the debt is owed by providing a copy of any original contract, and b.) warn Californians about the consequences of NOT responding to a court summons, as well as where to find help with responding.
Why is this important?
Protect California's working poor from Big Business Debt collectors.
Debt collectors are moving into California - where they are not required to be licensed - and feeding like sharks on California's working poor. Governor Brown needs to stop this feeding frenzy.
These big collection businesses buy up huge chunks of debt, then pay attorneys to write letters demanding payment. When people cannot pay or do not respond (many don't know what to do), the collectors file a law suit, which costs hundreds of dollars to fight. How can these impoverished people pay? The end result is often big buck judgements, based on inflated interest and other charges, that are extracted (garnished) from the paychecks of the working poor.
California, which allows creditors to pursue a credit card debt for 3 years, most states are 2 years, has become a feeding grounds for many unscrupulous collectors, some kicked out of other states, who prey on poor people who do not know their rights. We need for our Governor, Jerry Brown, to require all debt collectors to be licensed, then watch-dog them for unlawful tactics, including attempting to collect on debts that are past the current state statute of limitations.
We also need for our Governor to reduce California's debt validity statute of limitations from three to two years and stop California from becoming a debt collectors feeding ground. Californians who have fallen on hard times, sometimes barely "getting by", are being victimized and saddled with crippling legal judgements because they don't have the money or support to fight back.
Sign now and send a strong message to Governor Brown: First:
Require all debt collectors to pay to be licensed by the state of California and adhere to lawful practices under penalty of state enforced severe fine and/or license revocation.
Second:
Reduce the state mandated window of debt collection from three years to two.
Third:
Debt collectors are moving into California - where they are not required to be licensed - and feeding like sharks on California's working poor. Governor Brown needs to stop this feeding frenzy.
These big collection businesses buy up huge chunks of debt, then pay attorneys to write letters demanding payment. When people cannot pay or do not respond (many don't know what to do), the collectors file a law suit, which costs hundreds of dollars to fight. How can these impoverished people pay? The end result is often big buck judgements, based on inflated interest and other charges, that are extracted (garnished) from the paychecks of the working poor.
California, which allows creditors to pursue a credit card debt for 3 years, most states are 2 years, has become a feeding grounds for many unscrupulous collectors, some kicked out of other states, who prey on poor people who do not know their rights. We need for our Governor, Jerry Brown, to require all debt collectors to be licensed, then watch-dog them for unlawful tactics, including attempting to collect on debts that are past the current state statute of limitations.
We also need for our Governor to reduce California's debt validity statute of limitations from three to two years and stop California from becoming a debt collectors feeding ground. Californians who have fallen on hard times, sometimes barely "getting by", are being victimized and saddled with crippling legal judgements because they don't have the money or support to fight back.
Sign now and send a strong message to Governor Brown: First:
Require all debt collectors to pay to be licensed by the state of California and adhere to lawful practices under penalty of state enforced severe fine and/or license revocation.
Second:
Reduce the state mandated window of debt collection from three years to two.
Third: