Collector Group to State AG: Debt Collection is Not a Scam

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster issued a report recently on the state’s “top scams” for 2010. At the top of the list was debt collection. Today, the Missouri Collectors Association issued its own release clarifying that debt collection is a legitimate, legal activity governed by federal and Missouri law.

“Missourians should not avoid debt collectors or dismiss being contacted as a scam without verifying it first,” said Missouri Collectors Association President Roger Weiss. “We understand that consumer complaints are high and collectors are actively working to prevent, reduce and resolve them, but the vast majority of debt collection activity is legitimate. It’s imperative to address a debt collection inquiry head-on because a consumer’s failure to act could have a negative impact on their ability to get future credit.”

The group noted that it is actively working with Attorney General Koster and state leaders to put an end to illegal an deceptive activities meant to intentionally deceive or mislead consumers as it seeks to ensure a balanced debt collection system that protects consumers and allows the legitimate collection of debt to function.

“Anything less than the legal and respectful collection of duly owed debt is simply unacceptable and those bad actors that choose an alternative path should be held accountable for their actions,” said Weiss.

The Missouri Collectors Association is a proud supporter of AskDoctorDebt.com, a consumer-focused resource to answer questions about debt collection and consumer rights.

“With the multitude of scams and misleading or false information easily available at the click of a mouse, our aim is to provide consumers with a tool they can trust without fear of gimmicks or being ripped off,” Weiss added.

The Missouri Collectors Association has more than 60 members and is a state unit of ACA International.