Can a potential employer access my credit score?
Posted by: Patrick Burpee
November 22, 2011
Topic: Frequenty Asked Questions Concerning Collection Law

Employers cannot access credit scores; however, they can and do access credit reports. A poll last year by the Society of Human Resources Management found that 47 percent of all employers check credit reports for at least some job applicants. Typically, those reports accessed concerned job applicants who the employer anticipated handling financial duties. The group also found 13 percent of employers

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What laws govern the return of my security deposit from my landlord?
Posted by: Patrick Burpee
November 09, 2011
Topic: Frequenty Asked Questions Concerning Collection Law

The Washington Landlord-Tenant Act Deposit laws (RCW 59.18.260-285) were enacted to ensure the proper handling of your damage and/or security deposit. Before a landlord can collect a security deposit, a move-in inspection must occur and an inspection checklist must be completed and signed by the landlord and the tenant. If such an inspection is not conducted or a checklist not completed

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Is there a student loan bubble in the United States?
Posted by: Patrick Burpee
November 07, 2011
Topic: Debtor and Creditor News

Nearly all Americans have felt the impact of the housing bubble. In its wake, many are becoming increasingly concerned that there is a student loan bubble about to burst. College enrollment has surged approximately 33 percent over the last ten years. With rising demand, college tuition and fees have more than doubled in that same time frame. The volume of outstanding student loans is rising rapidly and now exceeds credit card debt.

While credit card debt is declining, student loan debt keeps heading north. Indeed, there is just cause for concern. Student loan debt can be nearly impossible to escape. Although one might be able to walk

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Can a collection agency block its telephone number?
Posted by: Patrick Burpee
November 01, 2011
Topic: Frequenty Asked Questions Concerning Collection Law

A new Washington law that prohibits debt collectors from engaging in certain conduct. The law, which became effective on July 22, 2011, amends the Washington Collection Act ("WACAA"), in several areas. One notable change to the WACAA is the addition of RCW 19.16.250(19). That provision prohibits collection agencies from "intentionally blocking its telephone number from displaying

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On so-called account stated causes of action in Washington, such as credit card default cases, must the creditor prove acknowledgement?
Posted by: Patrick Burpee
October 28, 2011
Topic: Frequenty Asked Questions Concerning Collection Law

Washington law provides that when creditors sue under the theory of "account stated", they must show that the alleged cardholder personally acknowledged the account sued upon, such as a cancelled check or online payment.

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