New York Plans Education Campaign on 'Collection Practices Abuse'

By By Larry Rulison, Times-Union

New York’s Consumer Protection Board is planning a statewide educational campaign to combat abusive consumer debt collection practices.

“People who owe money have to repay debts, but they should also know they have rights under the law,” said Jon Sorensen, a spokesman for the state agency.

The move comes as consumer debt is near a historic high in the United States at $2.16 trillion. Credit card delinquencies and consumer bankruptcy filings are at or near historic highs.

The board plans to offer free seminars to community groups across the state within the next few months, if not sooner, Sorensen said. Board staff will inform consumers about their rights under both state and federal law when it comes to debt collectors.

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