AboutMichael Brotherton Expertise Consumer/Debtor Rights Advocate.
Current President of Financial Emergency, Inc FKA Debt Mediation & Financial Counseling. Inc, a debt mediation service.
30 years in the credit and collections industry. Former loan officer and debt collector. Managed two middle to large finance companies.
I am well versed in Loss Mitigation practices and the legal collection process. I have helped literally thousands of people over many years overcome serious financial problems such as foreclosure, creditor lawsuits and abuse by debt collectors. For more information about resolving your "financial emergency" visit www.financialemergency.com.
We actively promote Fair Debt Collection Practices and other consumer protection laws. We teach DEBTOR RIGHTS and enforcement of those rights. It is my opinion that the more informed you are of your rights in the credit and collections practices the more peace you can have dealing with your FINANCIAL EMERGENCY.
Most financial problems are fairly common and as such have some very common solutions. The key is understanding your rights in the collection process and how to enforce them if need be.
Primary business- Debtor Rights Advocacy and Debt Mediation relating to foreclosure, creditor lawsuits, and other serious financial problems.
www.financialemergency.com (copy and paste in browser)
Experience Former loan officer 23 of last 30 years. I have been a debt counselor and mediator since 1992. Current owner of Financial Emergency, Inc. A Debtor Advocacy organization. I also have a radio program called "Financial Emergency" where I routinely answer call in questions from listeners about credit, debt, and the collection system. My emphasis is on "Consumer/Debtor Protection" and the collection process.
Education/Credentials Many years hands on experience. No formal eduction other than Finance and Credit Management training through former employers where I managed two rather large finance companies.
Awards and Honors Numerous letters of recognition from previous employers for excellence in my field.
Expert: Michael Brotherton Date: 3/17/2008 Subject: Credit Card fee in dispute
Question On a recent trip to Italy, my wife purchase some items for a total of a little over $400 US. She put the purchase on her credit card. So far, no word from the shop and no items received, but the credit card company has put the charge on her credit card for payment. The shop has not responded to my emails so far. Should we dispute the payment and not pay that amount? Pay the amount, but dispute it too? Or just pay it and hope that the items come in due course? Any other thoughts?
Answer If you haven't received the merchandise and they will not respond to e-mail or phone calls I would be leery and dispute the charge. They may be legitimate but they may not be. This is difficult to say but any legitimate business has a way to communicate with their customers. Better safe than sorry. Dispute the charge with your credit card company.
