FCC Proposes New Rules Targeting Offshore Call Centers and Foreign Robocall Operations 

The Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission) has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) outlining a series of actions aimed at offshore call centers, with a strong focus on improving customer service standards and reducing robocall scams that originate outside the United States.  The proposal, led by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, is scheduled for a vote at the agency’s March 26 open meeting. If approved, it will be published in the Federal Register […]

New Legislation Seeks Stronger Verification Standards for CFPB Complaint Database 

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) recently introduced H.R. 7588, the Eliminating Fraud in the CFPB’s Complaint Database Act, legislation aimed at strengthening the accuracy and integrity of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s public Consumer Complaint Database.  The bill proposes amendments to the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 by adding stricter verification requirements for individuals submitting complaints and implementing additional reforms to how complaints are processed and published.  Legislation Overview  H.R. 7588 seeks to formalize and […]

DCWP Finalizes Amendments to Debt Collection Rules 

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has adopted amendments to its debt collection rules, clarifying their intent and scope while making several substantive adjustments.  According to the DCWP, the overall goal of the rules is to significantly expand record retention and reporting requirements for collection agencies, revise validation and verification procedures, and enhance consumer protections. The rules also require debt collectors to inform consumers about […]

FTC Officially Removes Noncompete Rule from Federal Regulations 

The Federal Trade Commission has formally eliminated the Non-Compete Clause Rule (16 CFR Part 910) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This procedural step closes the chapter on the agency’s attempted nationwide ban and aligns federal regulations with court rulings that blocked the rule before it could take effect.  A Shift in Direction  The turning point came in August 2024, when a federal court halted the proposed ban in Ryan LLC v. Federal […]

Washington Lawmakers Advance Medical Debt Interest Proposal to House for Further Review 

A proposal that would reshape how interest is applied to medical debt in Washington is now under consideration in the House. Washington Senate Bill 5993 cleared the Senate with a 29–19 vote and has been forwarded for additional review.  The measure centers on limiting the amount of interest that can be added to medical debt. An earlier draft would have eliminated prejudgment interest entirely. However, during committee review, lawmakers revised the language to instead establish a simple interest cap […]

Indiana Lawmakers Advance Medical Debt Reform Measures 

Indiana legislators are moving forward with multiple proposals aimed at reshaping how medical debt is handled, with a focus on consumer protections, payment flexibility, and garnishment limits. Two key bills—Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 197—have drawn attention from policymakers, industry representatives, and consumer advocates as they progress through the 2026 legislative session. Senate Bill 85 Moves to the House  Senate Bill 85, titled Health Care Debt and Costs, recently passed the […]

Consumer Litigation and Complaint Volume Finish the Year on the Rise 

Legal filings tied to major consumer protection laws accelerated late in the year, with December closing higher across several key categories and annual totals showing steady growth. Recent data from WebRecon points to expanding litigation activity and a continued increase in consumer complaints impacting the accounts receivable management sector.  Monthly trends revealed notable increases in lawsuits filed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Telephone Consumer […]

Department of Education Proposes Major Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs

The U.S. Department of Education has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Reimagining and Improving Student Education,” introducing potential changes to federal student loan programs. The proposal represents a significant shift in loan policy, with a focus on reducing tuition-related borrowing and simplifying repayment options for borrowers.  According to the department’s rulemaking announcement, the proposal centers on lowering costs, improving repayment clarity, and providing additional pathways for borrowers to maintain or regain good standing […]

Call Volume Is Easy to Count—and Easy to Get Wrong 

Sometimes I wonder where I’d be if I hadn’t taken my daughter to her first riding lesson. Retired early? Living on a beach? Eating ice cream for breakfast without judgment? What I do know is this—I definitely wouldn’t be on a small farm with four horses, one of whom believes he’s a stand-up comedian. One small decision quietly changed the direction of everything that followed.  Collections works the same way. Progress rarely comes from sheer volume. It comes from the right moments, […]

Businesses Race to Adopt Generative AI While Security Lags Behind 

As generative AI adoption accelerates, many organizations are moving faster on implementation than on the safeguards needed to protect consumer data. This growing disconnect is becoming increasingly visible across industries, particularly those handling sensitive financial and personal information.  According to data from Fuel iX, an enterprise AI platform, companies are expected to spend approximately $644 billion on generative AI in 2025. Of that total, just $2.6 billion — about 0.4% — is projected to be allocated to […]