FTC Targets Alleged Student Loan Scam in $8.8 Million Case
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has secured a temporary restraining order against California-based NERD Solutions Inc., which also operated under the name ED REF. The agency alleges the company defrauded student loan borrowers out of more than $8.8 million. This case represents a significant enforcement action under the FTC’s recently finalized Government and Business Impersonation Rule, reflecting a heightened focus on deceptive practices within the financial services sector. Regulatory Context and Legal Framework The
A New Legal Frontier for AI in Hiring
Employers may be entering a new era of accountability when it comes to artificial intelligence in hiring. A recent class-action lawsuit is signaling a shift in how AI-driven recruitment tools are being scrutinized—and the implications could be far-reaching. At the center of the case is Kistler et al. v. Eightfold AI Inc., which challenges the practices of Eightfold AI, a widely used talent intelligence platform. The lawsuit alleges that the
Maine Strengthens Consumer Protections Against Medical Debt Collection
Maine is taking a significant step to protect residents from the financial strain of medical debt. Governor Janet Mills has signed LD 2129 into law, introducing new restrictions on how medical debt can be collected across the state. Officially titled An Act to Strengthen Consumer Protections by Prohibiting Liens on Principal Residences and Wage Garnishments for Medical Debt, the legislation is designed to provide a stronger financial safety net for individuals
Vendor Management And Vendor Oversight Are Not The Same (And Yes, It Matters)
As I prep for my panel on Vendor Management and Vendor Oversight at Collection & Recovery Solutions 2026, I’m excited to share what the auditor with a heart has learned along the way. Early in my career, I got a front-row seat to something that sounds subtle—but makes a huge difference in practice: vendor management and vendor oversight are not the same job. I was responsible for vendor oversight. A colleague of mine handled vendor management. Easy enough, right? Divide
Cracking Down on Credit Repair Scams: What New Legislation Means for Consumers
Efforts to rein in deceptive practices within the credit repair industry are gaining momentum in Washington, as lawmakers push forward bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting consumers and increasing accountability. The proposal, introduced in both chambers of Congress, reflects a broader concern about how easily individuals working to rebuild their financial health can be misled by companies promising fast and easy credit score improvements. In the Senate, Lisa Murkowski and Chris
From Plaid Couches to Credit Cards: What Collectors Should Know About the Three Eras of Credit
From a very early age, my parents made sure I understood their rock-solid, absolutely foolproof beliefs about money. Their advice came in the form of long lectures—the kind that earned dramatic sighs and Olympic-level eye rolls from me. This is, after all, the same couple who proudly kept a brown, orange, and yellow plaid couch for over 40 years. A true 70s masterpiece. Practically a neighborhood landmark. Their approach to credit? Simple: don’t use it