NJ aims to stop abusive debt collection

By: Phil Gregory

A measure aimed at eliminating abusive debt collection practices in New Jersey is before a state Senate committee, and has cleared the Assembly consumer affairs committee.

By: Phil Gregory
pgregory@wbgo.org

A measure aimed at eliminating abusive debt collection practices in New Jersey is before a state Senate committee, and has cleared the Assembly consumer affairs committee.

Listen:
[audio: 090604pgdebt.mp3]

The bill would require consumers to get a written notice about the amount of the debt they owe and any fees they have to pay. The legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli would also prohibit a debt collector from communicating with a debtor earlier than 8 a.m. or later than 9 p.m.

Burzichelli: If you owe a rightful debt you need to pay that debt when you can or work out provisions to pay it. This just sets the rules that makes it very clear harassments doesn’t work. You’re not going to disrupt a person trying to make a living and turn a person’s life upside down in an attempt to collect the debt.

Debt collectors who violate the bill’s provisions would face fines up to $20,000 dollars.