Debt collection

Debt buyer Encore Capital Group Inc. has earned DBA International's industry certification. The program was launched last year and all DBA members are required to meet the standards by 2016.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has sued four online payday lenders and a loan lead generator promoted by talk show host Montel Williams.

Two companies that operated as consumer-reporting agencies settled charges on Wednesday that they violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

A debt settlement company and its owner on Tuesday pleaded guilty in federal court to mail and wire fraud charges. Money bilked from 1,200 people helped pay nightclub expenses, luxury car leases and credit card bills.

Risk is again emerging as a concern in the consumer credit sector as the economic recovery moves into its fifth year, according to a survey of bank risk professionals.

A large U.S.-based public debt buyer announced Monday it raised its credit facility to prepare for one of the largest acquisitions in accounts receivable management industry history.

Kaulkin Ginsberg announces that its spring semester research fellows program, in conjunction with the University of Maryland, College Park’s Department of Economics undergraduate studies program, is underway.

Debt buyer Portfolio Recovery Associates UK expects future growth will create up to 400 jobs in the next three years, adding to its current 300 employees at the company's office in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

Consumers cut back on their credit card use for the second straight month in February but increased borrowing on student loans and auto loans by the largest amount in a year.

Legislation in Louisiana aimed at making payday loans cheaper for borrowers failed Monday in a House committee.

Arizona's attorney general quietly rehired his former spokeswoman to lead the state's Collections Enforcement Unit, a move that could lead to political fallout.

Local court officials across Tennessee gained approval last week to add an additional fee if they use an outside collection agency to pursue unpaid criminal court fines and fees.

U.S. attorneys general launched a multistate investigation into a data breach at a subsidiary of Experian that gave criminals access to consumers' bank account, Social Security and drivers' license numbers.

A Missouri House panel adopted a measure to drop renewals on payday loans and lower the amount of interest borrowers can charge.

The two principal owners of Rincon Debt Management will surrender more than $3.3 million to settle charges related to a debt collection scheme.

Two West Virginia auto loan companies settled complaints over their debt collection practices.

The Federal Trade Commission renewed its call for data security legislation in testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

The borough of Phoenixville, Pa. is reviewing whether to hire an outside collection agency to pursue the an estimated $1 million in unpaid water, sewer and trash bills.

Debt buyer Encore Capital Group Inc. announced it received regulatory approval to acquire a controlling stake in a management company that purchases credit portfolios and focuses on UK insolvencies and Spanish assets.

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's office announced agreements Tuesday with 10 businesses that will limit their marketing of title loans, a type of payday loan, to residents of the state.