Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers

Below are a few of the many excellent questions I have received. This page is currently under construction, so only a few of the questions have been posted. Please come back often, as this page will be frequently updated.

How Do I Use a “Cease-Communications” Letter?

Cease communications letters are a way to force debt collectors to leave you alone… for more of the answer, please click “How Do I Use a ‘Cease-Communications’ Letter.”

What is a “debt-buyer?”

I talk about debt collectors a lot, but many, and perhaps most people being sued for debt are being sued by people (or companies, usually) that have purchased the debt from someone else, …  click here for more: What Is a Debt Buyer?

What is the difference between a “debt collector” and a “debt-buyer?”

Most people think of debt collectors as the people who call them up and bug them for money. And the companies, to the extent many people know about them at all, might be called “debt-buyers.” But in the law,.. click here for more: What Is a Debt Buyer?

What is the difference between a “debt collector” and an “original creditor?”

While there is no practical difference between “debt buyers” and “debt collectors,” “original creditors” are a different story altogether. Original creditors are the business that originally generated the debt by extending you credit in some way…For more on the differences, see Original Creditors and Debt Collectors.

How is a lawsuit by or against the original creditor different than one against a debt collector?

The real-world differences between original creditors and debt collectors give rise to legal differences. To consider whether you should still fight the original creditor, click here: Original Creditors and Debt Collectors.