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.
Question I just received a call from a foreign guy named "Larry Owens" with stories identical to those previously posted. The claim was that I had a payday loan for $475 from October 2005. I explained that I had closed my prior account due to fradulent activity but very diligently contacted anyone I had automatic drafts with. I also expressed irritation that it has taken almost 3 years for me to be contacted, especially since he now claims that the amount has inflated to $1785.35. I felt confident that I had previously resolved this matter. Also, he claims they sent 19 emails to an old employer email address which within itself sounds odd. Wouldn't a return message saying that the email address was invalid have fired? And, why can you reach me on my same cell number now but could not call me in 3 previous years.
I think these people prey on your fear of ruining your credit and your record. I don't know what to do. How can I verify this is an honest debt?
Please help!
Answer It would be easy to verify if it was a valid debt but I can tell you now that if it is US National Bank it is a fraud because there is no such bank. Besides, a legitimate creditor would have notified you by mail prior to any action being taken. They wouldn't just call you and tell you you committed a crime. Relax. File a complaint with the FTC and www.ic3.gov.
