Debt collectors, car dealers, home repairs are top complaints on clarkhoward.com

Debt collectors, car dealers and home repairs top a new tally of consumer gripes collected from state attorney generals. Incidentally, these are the same top three "usual suspects" from last year!

Clark actually paid his way through grad school working as a bill collector. He did commercial collections and really enjoyed his work. The consumer champ used own style of really getting to know the people at organizations that owed his employer money. In essence, he used his pleasant personality to get debtors to pay up.

Too often, however, collectors play dirty pool -- threatening jail or even telling children that their parents are going to the slammer because they can't honor their debts. Remember, we don't have debtor's prison in the United States.

Later when he owned his own business, Clark would dedicate Thursday mornings for showing up in person at the doors of people who owed him money. He was always respectful, but many others in the collections business are not.

Don't let them intimidate you or behave in a threatening manner toward you. Record the line whenever a collector calls. And send them our drop dead letter. Know that once you send, it is illegal for a collector to contact you again. You still owe the money, however.

When it comes to car dealers, remember that you buy a used vehicle "as is." Salespeople are generally allowed to lie to you about the condition of a vehicle. So be certain to have the car vetted by an independent mechanic before your purchase.

Finally, when it comes to home repairs, references do matter. You also want to see a contract that specifies what work is being done, what materials will be used and how long it will take, with possible financial penalties for breaching the agreed work period. And don't pay too much upfront or front-load payments.

Rounding out the Top Ten, we have complaints about credit cards, online purchases, mortgage problems, telemarketers, auto repairs, auto warranties and slamming/cramming on bills.

Remember, our Consumer Action Center is here to help with your consumer issues.

What others are saying

Need Home Repair and debt Grant
I'm 76 years of age, cared for aging parents to age 96, the other 93. Was left to educate two daughters when I was widowed at age 49. My husband had been laid off from his job two years prior to his death, and had just been called back to work one day before he died. It's been a struggle. I need help.
By Anita J. Smith @ 10/22/09 11:47:29 AMreport abuse
Zombie Debt Collectors
This practice is abhorrent, especially when the statute of limitations is clearly run. The best action for the consumer is to file a response to the complaint, often referred to as a Demurerr which will challenge the entire action and hopefully dismiss it on statute of limitation grounds. The good new is often the underlying notes contain attornies fees clauses, which mean that the consumers attorneys fees would usually be payable by the Collection company if the complaint is dismissed. Some states allow fees only when represented by counsel, others allow reasonable fees for all work performed. Check with your loacal law library or attorney.
By Hank @ 10/04/09 01:07:17 PMreport abuse

Need Home Repair and debt Grant

I'm 76 years of age, cared for aging parents to age 96, the other 93. Was left to educate two daughters when I was widowed at age 49. My husband had been laid off from his job two years prior to his death, and had just been called back to work one day before he died. It's been a struggle. I need help.

By Anita J. Smith @ 10/22/09 11:47:29 AMreport abuse

Zombie Debt Collectors

This practice is abhorrent, especially when the statute of limitations is clearly run. The best action for the consumer is to file a response to the complaint, often referred to as a Demurerr which will challenge the entire action and hopefully dismiss it on statute of limitation grounds. The good new is often the underlying notes contain attornies fees clauses, which mean that the consumers attorneys fees would usually be payable by the Collection company if the complaint is dismissed. Some states allow fees only when represented by counsel, others allow reasonable fees for all work performed. Check with your loacal law library or attorney.

By Hank @ 10/04/09 01:07:17 PMreport abuse

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Oct 02, 2009 -- Debt collectors, car dealers, home repairs are top complaints

What others are saying