Interested in Debt Collection News news and analysis?

• 10 Major Steps in the Process of Selling a Debt Collection Business
• Operational Efficiency in the Account Receivables Industry
• Evolution of the U.S. Accounts Receivable Management Industry

News Headlines

• "Celebrity" FDCPA Litigant Slapped by Texas Judge 9/2/10
• Competition Hosed by insideARM.com Summer Photo Contest Winner 9/1/10
• Texas AG Charges Home Loan Servicer With Violating Debt Collection Laws 8/31/10
• NCO Group Bests Pioneer for Top Ranking in ED Collection Contract 8/30/10
• State Fines Debt Buyer Over Collection Lawsuits 8/27/10
• Man Charged with Running Debt Collection Agency from Prison 8/26/10
• Debt Collector Gets Penalty of $75,000 or 600 Hours of Service, License Revoked 8/25/10
• Credit Card Charge-Off Rates Hit Record High in Q2 8/24/10
• New York Collection Attorneys Secure Court Victory for Creditor 8/23/10
• Budget Cuts Expanding Government ARM Sector 8/20/10
• Collection Agencies Maintain Growth Posture in Tough Economy 8/18/10
• Debt Collectors on State and Local Consumer Protection Agencies’ Radar 8/16/10
• NCO Group Reports Wider Loss in Second Quarter 8/13/10
• Leaving Voicemail Messages: Ninth Circuit May Resolve the Foti Issue 8/11/10
• Skip Tracing: The Lost Art of Calling SLNs 8/10/10
• Could Asset Acceptance Exit Create Health Care ARM Market Leader? 8/9/10
• ARM Firm Gila Corp. Acquired by Private Equity Group 8/4/10
• Are Your Collectors a Data Security Risk? 8/3/10
• ARM Association Leaders Discuss Coordination of Efforts 8/2/10
• FDCPA and Other Consumer Rights Lawsuit Statistics for July 1-15 8/2/10
• Debt Buyers Portfolio Recovery and Asset Acceptance Beat Earnings Estimates 7/30/10
• ED Debt Collection Contract Yields Ties in Second Quarter 7/29/10
• Collection Agency Responds to Settlement Announcement from Cuomo 7/28/10
• NY AG Settles Case Against Debt Collector for $125,000 7/27/10
• Convoke Systems Raises $5.5 Million in Funding; Plans to Expand Services to ARM Industry 7/26/10
• Finance Bill Creates Power Sharing, FDCPA Reform Dilemma in Gov’t 7/22/10
• Collection Agency Owner Pleas Guilty in Medicaid Fraud Scam 7/20/10
• ARM Firm Intrum Justitia Reports Decline in Earnings and Revenue 7/19/10
• ACA Compels National Membership for State Unit Participation 7/15/10
• FTC Commissioner Presents Debt Collection Report to ARM Industry 7/13/10
• New Colorado Collection Agency Requirements Misguided, Say ARM Leaders 7/9/10
• Receivables Outsourcing, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Arc Group Associates 7/8/10
• FDCPA Rulemaking Authority Part of Financial Reform Bill 7/7/10
• State AG Sues Debt Collector for Ignoring Collection Ban 7/6/10
• FDCPA Plaintiff Attorney Suspended from Practicing Law by State 7/2/10
• Very Competitive Field in ED Collection Performance Rankings 7/1/10
• Judge Throws Out State AG Case Against Debt Buyer 6/30/10
• collector mentor Challenge: Greatest Moments 6/28/10
• FDCPA and Other Consumer Rights Lawsuit Statistics, June 1-15, 2010 6/27/10
• Video: ARM Expert Talks First International Transaction Since 2007, Trends 6/25/10
• Casinos and Collecting: The Unlikely Connection 6/24/10
• Legal Experts Indict Flaws in Anti-ARM Report 6/23/10
• collector mentor Teams Up with insideARM.com to Deliver Collector Challenge Series 6/21/10
• Collection Letterhead Can be an FDCPA Violation, Judge Rules 6/18/10
• State Amendments on Court Fees Would Hurt Large Debt Collection Law Firms 6/17/10
• Collection Law Firm Victorious Against State in Supreme Court Case 6/15/10
• Collectors Receive Clarification on New York City ARM Rules 6/14/10
• Early Health Care Reform Rules to Benefit Medical Debt Buyers and Collectors 6/11/10
• FTC Head to Address ARM Industry, Take Questions 6/11/10
• West Virginia AG Announces $75,000 Settlement with Collection Agency 6/10/10

Analysis Headlines

• 6 Ways to Create a Culture of Learning in a Collection Agency
  Many in the ARM put focus on training, especially for new employees. And this is very important. But creating a culture of learning in a collection agency can pay greater dividends for differentiating your company.
• The Looming Economic Recovery: Is ARM Ready?
  The characterization of an economic recovery as “looming” may be somewhat off-putting to most. After all, we’re all in this economy thing together, and a recovery is needed in every sector. But some in the ARM industry might be blindsided when liquidation improves.
• Understanding Court Costs and Suit Fees in Collection Litigation
  Collecting a creditor's money as quickly and inexpensively as possible is the primary goal of every professional collection firm. There are times, however, when amicable collection attempts fail.
• 10 Questions to Ask Before Deciding to Sue a Commercial Collection Account
  
• Credit & Debt Collection Industry Executives Express Cautious Optimism About Economic Recovery in 2010
  There are some encouraging signs of economic improvement from the spring 2010 survey. Many ARM professionals reported better results and liquidation rates for Q110 compared to the previous quarter, and these results are also up compared to the first quarter of 2009.
• Debt Collection is not for Everyone: Understanding Turnover
  Debt collection agencies are constantly faced with high turnover among collectors. There is some pretty interesting psychology behind this, and a straightforward solution.
• Interview: Bette Capaldo, SVP of Accounting Operations, NCO Financial Systems, Inc.
  ARM consultant Gina McNaughton recently sat down with Bette Capaldo, head of NCO's massive accounting and payments operation. Bette shared her insights on working for the largest ARM company in the world and what lies ahead for payments in the industry.
• The Impact of Healthcare Reform on the ARM Industry
  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes insurance reform provisions that are likely to affect self-pay collections. Our Healthcare Specialist outlines some of these key reforms that will phase in over the next four years.
• The Consumer Bankruptcy Landscape
  
• Valuation Trends in the ARM Industry
  The recession had a negative impact on the value of ARM companies over the past 12-18 months, but with improving conditions, there are signs that valuations are on the rebound.
• ARM Industry Legislative Primer
  Our insideARM.com Senior Editor outlines the major issues currently before congress that have the potential to change the way credit & collection professionals do business.
• How Do Collection Industry Employees Feel About their Employers?
  Based on our recent Best Places to Work in Collections program, we've identified the keys to what makes an ARM company an employer of choice.
• M&A Activity in the Accounts Receivable Management Industry: Early Signs 2010 Will Be a Stronger Year
  Kaulkin Ginsberg estimates the overall deal value for transactions was $425 million last year - that's far less than the $2 billion in deal value recorded in 2008. Despite this dramatic decline, there is positive news about last year's activity and there are some encouraging signs for the year ahead.
• The Fine Art of Interviewing - Getting Really, Really Specific
  With all the good candidates currently looking for work; how can you determine the best person for the job? A critical step in the hiring process is the face-to-face interview. Learn a technique that works wonders to uncover whether the candidate's resume holds up to scrutiny.
• Using Decision Analytics to Increase your Collections and Net Back.
  
• Understanding the Shift Toward Consumers in the ARM Legal Landscape
  ARM leaders would be well-advised to understand the current legal and regulatory environments governing the industry. There have been major changes recently and even larger ones may be to come.
• Collecting During the Christmas Season
  The Holiday season is typically an emotional time for most Americans. Collectors, especially first-party ones, should be careful when making calls this time of year.
• Preparing for the Post-Recession Collections Environment
  Economic recovery will be coming soon. Accounts receivable management organizations need to prepare now to be ready.
• Strategic Planning for 2010: Driving Sales Results
  One powerful way to set a course for sales success is to take a good look at what worked in the past and find ways to replicate that process moving forward. Kaulkin Ginsberg has some suggested topics for discussion as you forge your sales plan for the coming year.
• The Secret Weapon in Attracting Quality Candidates: Better Job Ads
  With an economic rebound on the horizon, ARM firms are planning for increased staffing levels in the coming year. Good talent is out there, but making the right hire requires attracting quality applicants to your ads. Writing better ads can help improve your pool of candidates without additional investment.
• What to Expect at EXPO 3.0; Getting The Most out of a Virtual Exposition
  EXPO 3.0 is a virtual exhibition, so the entire event is happening over the Internet. Just like a traditional conference however, advance planning will help you get the most out of the experience. We've put together some quick tips for you to help you get an idea of what to expect.
• Rebuilding America...One Credit Score at a Time
  By placing into effect strict new controls over the accuracy and integrity of data reported to the credit bureaus, FACTA 312 is expected to produce substantial challenges for all data furnishers in 2010.
• Understanding Debtors in a New Technology Environment
  The accounts receivable management industry has long been a leader in adopting certain technologies, like analytics. But decision-makers must now take steps to adjust to debtors' use of mobile communications and the Internet.
• Creditors Are Shifting Strategy: Soon, Less will be More
  As a result of economic pressures, a shift in creditor strategy is taking place in the industry. This change in approach has the potential to reshape many collection agencies in the coming years -- in ways that are not at all obvious today.
• Does Your Online Advertising Pass the Stress Test? Eight Questions to Answer Before Your Next Campaign
  Based on nearly 10 years of experience working with advertisers on insideARM.com, we've developed a quick list of tips to help you get the most out of your online marketing campaigns.
• The Collections Quandary: Tripped by a Cell Phone No More
  
• Loan Modification and Delinquency Management Approaches that Build Loyalty
  
• SearchReceivables.com - A New Way to Find Suppliers
  insideARM.com has launched a new search engine that offers a new kind of buyer's guide that taps live information online.
• Six-Sigma Methodologies Can be a Fit for ARM Firms
  
• Recovery Management: Best Practices for Managing Collection Agencies
  Credit issuers and debt collection firms alike are facing extreme challenges today. Recovery managers need to maximize the effectiveness of their recovery strategy, and agencies need to work in close partnership with their clients in order to deliver results. With this in mind, we offer some best practices for recovery managers to consider when managing their recovery network.
• Making your First Impression Count with Consumers
  An industry expert explores the importance of Initial Right Party Connect and how to maximize collection efforts based on the first impression.
• Consumer Credit At Risk On The Rise
  Kaulkin Ginsberg’s Consumer Default Risk Index provides an indication of consumer credit at risk due to bankruptcy. Rising unemployment has driven this index to rise nearly 60% compared to last year, translating into $20.04 billion worth of consumer credit at risk for the December monthly filing period.
• Interview: Louis Summe, Co-Founder and CEO of LiveVox
  Louis Summe, CEO of hosted dialer provider LiveVox, recently sat down with insideARM to discuss the genesis of his company and the role he sees LiveVox playing in a difficult collections environment.
• Survival Tips to Weather the Economy for Bankcard/Credit Card Agencies
  The economy has been especially hard on agencies focused on the bank card/credit card arena, and predictions persist that unemployment could further dampen recovery efforts this year. Here are a few thoughts to consider for positioning your firm to survive -- and even grow -- during this turbulent time.
• Medical ARM Firms Feeling Pressure of a Sour Economy
  
• Banks Show Sliding Confidence on Collection Prospects, But Expect Rebound: Survey
  
• Data Causing Concern for Credit Card Market
  
• Managing Collection Processes in Uncertain Credit Markets
  
• Collection Agencies Shifting Strategies in Rough Economy: Survey
  
• $28 Million FTC Settlement with Bear Stearns/EMC Mortgage has Significant Impact on ARM Industry
  
• Healthcare Self-Pay Collection - Recover from Those Who Can Pay
  Integrating a legal remedy into collection efforts provides a patient-friendly and efficient method to close the loop on your self-pay receivables.
• What is UR txt msg str@tegy?
  
• Improving Deceased Account Collections Performance Without Sacrificing Client Brands
  
• The Art of the Talk Off Can be Taught
  
• Kaulkin Ginsberg to Present the Best Places to Work in Credit and Collections
  
• Interview: John McNamara, Chief Marketing Officer at LiveVox
  insideARM recently spoke with John McNamara, a 25-year ARM industry veteran. McNamara shared his experience in the industry and changes he's seen, providing some fascinating insight on how the debt collection business has changed and the drivers behind the change.
• Collections Management Requires a Plow Horse, Not a Show Horse
  
• Leveraging Technology: Automated Collections
  
• Consumer Gloominess Likely to Continue to Pressure Collections
  Tightened budgets and a heightened awareness of one’s financial burdens will inevitably produce a difficult recovery environment for collectors, but to what extent remains to be seen.
• Survey Shows Tough Times But Rosier Outlook for Collectors
  Our Confidence Survey for collection agencies shows that the current economic downturn is impacting ARM companies, but most think that things will improve later this year as the worst is behind us.

Research Headlines

• Kaulkin Report 7 Excerpt - Bankruptcy Reform 
• Kaulkin Report 7 Excerpt - Investments in Technology Required for Improved Efficiency 
• Kaulkin Report 7 Excerpt - More Household Income Used to Repay Debt 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Convergence Pricing Outlook 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Mergers & Acquisitions 
• Healthcare ARM Report - Healthcare Sector of the ARM Industry 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Legal Framework 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Globalization Outlook 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - M&A Outlook 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - First Party Collections 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Collection Law Firms 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Debt Buying 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Pricing Outlook 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Contingency Collections 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Offshoring 
• Kaulkin Report 6th Edition - Technology Vendors 

Press Releases

• The CMI Group Successfully Completes SAS 70 Type II Audit 9/3/10
• More Than You Ever Thought You Could Know About Debt Collection Complaints 9/2/10
• Stellar Recovery Simplifies Multi-Site PCI Compliance with LiveVox 9/2/10
• Executive Changes: Southwest Credit Adds Sharell Weeams and Kathleen Eads to Management Team 9/2/10
• IACC Agency Certification Program Celebrates 10 Years 9/2/10
• Executive Change: Marco Angheben to Link Financial Group as Project Director 9/2/10
• CreditorsRightsLawFirms.com offers Experienced FDCPA Defense Attorneys 9/1/10
• Oxford Management Services Helps American Cancer Society Fight Men’s Cancers at Yankee Stadium 9/1/10
• RGS Financial Joins Tech Lock Certified Program 9/1/10
• New International Debt Collections Handbook Out Now for Decision-Makers in International Collections 9/1/10
• National Recovery Service Supports Local Myasthenia Gravis Association Co-founded by Employee 8/31/10
• Brown & Joseph and Management Services & Associates Introduce SBMA’s Cash Advantage Program 8/31/10
• Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Receives Bar Association Green Certification 8/30/10
• ARM Firm EOS Consolidated Receives ‘A’ Rating 8/30/10
• Vengroff, Williams and Associates Drives Significant Operational Efficiencies and Reduces Revenue Leakages for CPG Industry 8/27/10
• New Commission Opportunities with Launch of CollectionTree.com’s Affiliate Program 8/27/10
• ACA Joins U.S. Chamber Call to Repeal IRS Reporting Requirement in Healthcare Bill 8/27/10
• Debt Resolve Reports Balance Sheet Improvements 8/26/10
• FDCPA and Other Consumer Rights Lawsuit Statistics, August 1-15 8/25/10
• Executive Change: Carmine Dorio Joins NCB Management Services as SVP 8/25/10
• PRC Adds The Credit Department to Client Roster, Expands Presence in Collections Space 8/25/10
• Inland Capital Services Selects Ontario Systems’ Collect SAVVY to Improve Collections 8/25/10
• New Strategic Partnership Brings ARM Industry Veterans Kristin Dougherty, Chris Della Ratta & Frank Woodhouse Together Again 8/24/10
• Executive Change: Fred Lundquist to Windham Professionals as EVP, Business Development 8/24/10
• iQor Looks to Hire 150 at Charleston Call Center 8/23/10
• Executive Change: Howard Friedman to FAMS as Deputy Contract Administrator, Student Loans 8/23/10
• Sierra Group Compliance Signs Contact with United Collection Bureau to Launch ETHIcollect Compliance Program 8/20/10
• ACT Recognized by Inc. 5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year 8/20/10
• Aktiv Kapital Reports Flat Earnings in Second Quarter 8/19/10
• Teleperformance Acquires beCogent in the United Kingdom 8/18/10
• Province of British Columbia to address GCS 2010 Credit and Collection Delegates in Vancouver 8/16/10
• Professional Recovery Consultants Introduce New Company Blog 8/16/10
• FTC Proposes Changes to Update and Improve Credit Reporting Notices 8/16/10
• Lowell Group Staff Complete Three Peaks Charity Challenge 8/16/10
• Debt Collector Gives His Time and Money to Feeding Kansas City’s Hungry 8/13/10
• FDCPA and Other Consumer Rights Lawsuit Statistics, July 16-31 8/12/10
• Prime Acceptance Corp. Announces Partnership with NCCI 8/12/10
• Collection Agency Promotes "Good" Stories of the Collection Industry 8/11/10
• Persolvo Data Systems Adds Three Top 15 Collection Agencies in Second Quarter 8/11/10
• Eltman, Eltman & Cooper Announces DEEP LOOK: Free Judgment Portfolio Netback Analysis 8/11/10
• Optio Solutions Named Best Place to Work by North Bay Business Journal 8/10/10
• Executive Change: Constar Financial Names Martha Hewitt as Executive Administration Director 8/10/10
• MSB Signs Statewide Collection Agreement with Colorado Judicial Branch 8/9/10
• National Consumer Law Center Releases Report on “The Debt Collection Machine” 8/9/10
• Martin Sher Takes the Gavel as President of ACA International 8/9/10
• Fraudulent Collection Companies Harassing Payday Loan Customers 8/6/10
• Congressman Chris Lee Puts Spotlight on ARM Industry in Western New York Economy 8/6/10
• Cabot Financial Awarded Bronze Status By Investors In People 8/6/10
• Collection Agency Receives Readership Poll Award 8/5/10
• Forte Launches Probate Finder OnDemand to Simplify Deceased Debt Collection 8/5/10