This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal.
Protecting you from unlawful debt collection at work
This blog post from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains your rights when debt collectors use aggressive tactics, including contacting you at work. Contacting you at work can be illegal and can threaten your employment or put pressure on you to pay debts even if you don’t actually owe them.
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes.
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
New Rights for Buy Now, Pay Later Purchases
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information for consumers on their rights when using “buy now, pay later” options from companies such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, Affirm, Splitit, and PayPal.
Your Credit Card Rights
This fact sheet from the National Consumer Law Center provides information on consumer rights relating to the use of credit cards. This includes the types of disputes that might occur with a credit card company and how to resolve those disputes.
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot (CODI) [Philadelphia Municipal Court - ONLY]
Codi (Consumer Debt Collection Information Bot) will help you understand your debt collection case in Philadelphia Municipal Court. Codi will ask questions about your situation so it can give you accurate information. You may be asked for information that’s on a paper you got from the court. If so, Codi will tell you how to find that information. Based on your answers, Codi will: (1) Explain any court forms you have; (2) Create personalized information about your case; (3) Give information about how to prepare for court; and (4) Provide general information about debt collection cases. PLEASE NOTE: Codi is not a person or a lawyer. It does not give you legal advice. Codi cannot take any actions for you. It does not store your information and none of your answers are saved or given to the court.
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)