John Oliver Spotlights Debt Collection – by Ben Mattison

Last night John Oliver and the staff of Last Week Tonight did a fantastic piece on the third-party debt collection industry. Even if you aren’t one of millions of Americans who Oliver says owe an estimated $436 billion in overdue consumer or medical debt alone, it is well worth a watch.

It’s another reminder of how important it is to know your rights! Too many third party debt collectors bank on the assumption that consumers don’t, which puts debtors at a huge disadvantage when it comes to negotiations. New Economy Project has some great resources for New York residents and you can find additional information on LawHelp.org. Debt collection law varies from state-to-state, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws where you live.

The City Bar Justice Center’s Legal Hotline gives free legal advice on consumer debt for low-income residents of New York City. Call the Hotline at 212-626-7383 from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday – Thursday, and from 9:00 – 1:00pm on Fridays. You can also apply for legal assistance online.