AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Zombie Debt Collectors a/ka Bottom Feeders

The consumer news page from the website of Chicago law firm Edelman & Combs has a good article on "Zombie Debt Collectors". This was a new term for me. The term that I have used for them is "bottom feeders". These are debt collection companies that buy stale credit card debt. Usually this debt is past the statute of limitations for collections and probably past the date which it can be posted on your credit report (7 years since it went in default). Since the statute of limitations is an affirmative defense in most states, there is not an outright ban on collecting this debt; but the collectors have to walk a fine line in what they threaten to do. Many times they step over it.

I have worked closely with Edelman & Combs in the past. They have an excellent track record in representing consumers. If you are a solo practitioner or small firm attorney, you should contact Dan Edleman to see about cocounseling with you on your case. If you are a UAW-LSP attorney they may still be of assistance.


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