Lawyer tickled to get this balance

           Complete Packet of Collection Correspondence - 1909

©DAG

"Hard luck" is valid.

Luden will recover "something" of the $21.00, take a cool fee and move on.

© DAG

Receipt for a late payment Empire Cream Separator, Bloomfield NJ

© BCA Financial Services

Know your Collection Agency Rights...from a Collection Agency!

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Most of the time a person gets "abused" or upset over a collection agency's tactics, it's from a disreputable or very mismanaged collection agency. A legitimate agency will properly train their employees in all aspects of the Federal "FDCPA" or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This act was passed by the US Congress in the late 1970's.

BCA Financial Services and their managing director was there when this act was passed and has watched it evolve (via court cases and FTC intrepretations) over the years.

Over 3000 collection agencies in the United States belong to ACA International. This very respected trade association maintains a website to help individuals know their rights. It's called "Ask Doctor Debt."

You can also find Ask Doctor Debt by going to a collection agency's wesbite. Go to BCA Financial Services Consumer Page. There you'll find the link.

Try it.

Merry Christmas.

Abraham Lincoln Collection Agent

Rather than specializing, Lincoln practiced general law, and so we see him taking on both civil and criminal cases, with breaches of contract and patent infringements sharing space with bootlegging, assault, even murder cases. Much of his work concerned debt collection, for which Lincoln was known well beyond Illinois, and these cases provide a unique window on nineteenth-century business. Lincoln also went out on the road twice yearly to try cases in the state’s circuit courts; this edition documents some of these tours in detail.

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The cases represented paint a vivid picture of America in the decades leading up to the Civil War. The nation's surging expansion is reflected in cases over land speculation, property disputes, construction, and, of course, the railroads, whose interests are a consistent theme throughout. Other trials touch on domestic law, the Black Laws, even the California gold rush.

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We thank the University of Virginia Press for the information above.
The Papers of Abraham Lincoln:Legal Documents and Cases
Daniel W. Stowell, EditorSusan Krause, Assistant EditorJohn A. Lupton, Assistant EditorStacy Pratt McDermott, Assistant EditorChristopher A. Schnell, Assistant EditorDennis E. Suttles, Assistant EditorKelley B. Clausing, Research AssociateR. Dan Monroe, NHPRC Editing Fellow

Antique Collection Agency Tactic

Here's a good one that was definitely pre 1978 (the year the federal government enacted the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, PL 95-109).



Can you tell what makes it illegal?







Here's another oldie from 1938... It wasn't a collection tactic, but rather an ad by Seagram whiskey to show responsible drinking. So basically, pay your bills first, then drink!






Thanks to Matt McGrath of Canada for giving his students this print many years ago.

Collection Lawsuit Update 2009 - NY - NJ - PA

2009 UPDATE--When the lawsuit is necessary to collect your money
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Since these are difficult economic times, we’ve heard recently from clients who want to employ various degrees of compassion for consumer debtors.

While your debtor may not have the ready cash, or any cash to pay your bill immediately, a plan should nonetheless be forthcoming. If it is not and you hear nothing from your debtor, you must consider a lawsuit to secure a Judgment (in District Court-NOT “Small Claims”) to protect your interest. More on why Small Claims court is not recommended later.

If they own a home, your court Judgment will have more weight than simply a credit bureau “derogatory.” Your docketed judgment will be a Judicial lien against that particular parcel (or any they may own in the state the judgment was taken) should they sell or become deceased.

After a Judgment is awarded, the Court Officer will “Levy” Herewith an explanation (although these can vary a bit from state to state.)

“Active Levy” – this is a court ordered levy that will always take assets away from the debtor. Usually these are assets that are cash (in a bank) or can easily be conveyed to cash, i.e. valuable artwork, collector car. Usually a judge will not order the sale of a debtor’s home to pay a debt, unless there are extenuating “fraud-type” or possible criminal circumstances. It can, in fact, happen for a debt, but it can be time consuming, unreliable and costly. Welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, SSI, Veterans' benefits or unemployment benefits cannot be levied upon. In New Jersey the only item that can’t be levied, other than the above benefits is clothing.

“Constructive Levy” – This is a “softer” levy. Assets are encumbered (liened) but are not sold. Your Judgment is a lien against, for instance an elderly debtor’s home and they will not have to pay during their lifetime (or until the home is sold, transferred, etc.). Judgments sit for 20 years in NY and NJ and can be renewed. Pennsylvania at 5 years, is much shorter, but can be renewed.
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If you don’t know of your debtor’s assets: While once again varying from state to state, the attorney can file an “Information Subpoena” or [obtain an] “Order for Supplemental Subpoena” (Discovery) to ask as many questions of the debtor regarding his assets until he is satisfied. If these subpoenas are ignored, our attorneys (if the claim warrants) can issue a Warrant of Arrest.

“Small Claims Court”: It is not recommended to use Small Claims Court for your collection suits as Small Claims Court may present problems for businesses. Other than the fact that SCC has the historical feeling of a consumer’s court, the judge must invoke Rules of Evidence and Rules of Procedure, which you would be unfamiliar with as a lay person.

Garnishment of a debtor’s wages (not in Pennsylvania): If place of business is known, or can be found, the Court Officer will be directed to the debtor’s employer to have funds deducted from his paycheck (provided he earns more than $127.50 per week in NJ).

See Also Older Blog: "To Collect Money Suit Should Not Be Your First Choice"

Creditors: Obtain Information Before Transaction!

BCA Financial Services Collection Agency Clients:

Start off 2009 on the right foot:

This past year at BCA Financial Services Collection Agency, we have seen literally hundreds of claims come in to our office with very little or no “back-up” information.Remember the last time you obtained a loan at a bank? You sat there and filled out numerous boxes of information so detailed that they can tell you the maiden name of your mother.

When you extend credit at your business, it’s not unlike a bank loan. While you may not need as much information as the above bank, you’ll need all the basics—plus: TRADE STYLE for business credit transactions and PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT for consumer transactions.

Protect your business – obtain information when giving credit.

Trade Publication Collection Agency

Trade Magazine collections are not unfamiliar to BCA Financial Services. They take legwork, diligence and “reach.” Often our clients are in one state, say New York, and their customers (advertisers) are in another, sometimes very distant, state.

A delinquent debtor in say, Utah will understand the cumbersome nature trying to collect your money with so many miles between you.

In the worst-case scenario, BCA Financial Services can sue in the debtor’s state, using a bonded attorney from one of the five attorney referral services to which we subscribe. We say worst case because a debtor company may put up a challenge, however specious, and either delay the case or require an appearance by our client.

Hopefully the case will be successfully collected by our office eliminating the need for this.

Forwarding for suit has to be evaluated by our clients and BCA Financial on a case-by-case basis. The amount, jurisdiction’s court costs and debtor’s viability will be a factor in our mutual decision.

Visit BCA's Web Site often for valuable collection information.

BCA Financial Services Has Been Accepted Into the American Collectors Association!

BCA Financial Services , a New Jersey Bonded Collection Agency, has again been accepted as a member of the American Collectors Association for 2008-2009.

This will be their 31st year of membership in that most august and prestigious of businesss organizations.

Here is their new certificate.

Tantamount To Getting Invoices Paid...

...Surely is proper billing procedures.

If these aren't followed, there may be a confusion, or delay on the part of the customer (it doesn't take much!)



Mail invoices promptly: The sooner you get invoices out, the sooner payments will come in. Some small businesses send invoices out monthly. This is a mistake because it can delay some receivables by two or three weeks. Instead, try to send invoices within a day or two of delivery of your product or completion of a project.

Bill the right person: Sending a bill to the wrong person can push payment off as much as 30 or 60 days as it gets routed around a company. Talk directly with your client and ask who should receive your bill if the bill is going to someone other than your day-to-day contact, call and introduce yourself before you put the bill in the mail. If you’re sending a bill to your client’s bookkeeper or accounting department, copy your client as well and follow with a phone call.

Follow up: It is easy for a bookkeeper to ignore an invoice if there are no follow-up phone calls to check on its status. A quick check-in can confirm that your invoice was received and is being processed. If payment does not arrive by the due date, check in with the bookkeeper again to determine when the invoice will be paid and follow up weekly until you receive the money.














aca international - Member Since 1977

However, if you don't...there's always: BCA Financial Services - Since 1968.

End of Summer 2007: Money Collection Drought Soon Over.

Summertime can be the doldrums for the collection agency business (as well as your own company's internal collection efforts).

Debtors have been vacationing or otherwise preoccupied with summer goings-on.















The end is near!

While summer may be officially over about September 21st, Labor Day puts everyone back near their homes and jobs. Enough to pay attention to your calls and letters demanding your money.

So get back to work and keep your company healthy with cash-flow.

Meanwhile...

A BCA Financial Services rallying tip:


This past year at BCA we have seen literally hundreds of claims come in to our office with very little or no “back-up” information.

Remember the last time you obtained a loan at a bank? You sat there and filled out numerous boxes of information so detailed that they can tell you the maiden name of your mother. When you extend credit at your business, it’s not unlike a bank loan. While you may not need as much information as the above bank, you’ll need all the basics—plus: TRADE STYLE for business credit transactions and PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT for consumer transactions.

Protect your business – obtain information when giving credit.

Spring Credit Advisory Memorial Day 2007

SPRING CREDIT ADVISORY:

Don’t let a debtor vacation with your money.

Look over receivables now, before the doldrums of the summer give those slow payers further excuse for delay.

Act now to turn them over to BCA Financial Services in this peak period and realize the cash before the collectibility shrinks away, increasing your losses and charge-offs.

Photo Courtesy Debold American Gallery

Debold American Gallery : Memorial Day Acquisitions

The Debold American Gallery has just completed the final details and has now taken possession of two rare original photos from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

The one on the left shows the tall Hall of Science at night. The official photographer's comments on the reverse claims that the tower was illuminated "...in blue and rose color neon tubes."

The official photographer by the way, was Kaufman & Ferry Co. (425 So. Wabash Avenue)of Chicago, Il.

The photo below is a daytime image "Looking northwest across the lagoon from the court of the Electrical Building." They further note that you can view the vaulting skyscrapers of Chicago's loop in the background.

The Debold of American Gallery 
is a part of BCA Financial Services Collection
Agency of Bloomfield, NJ.

What To Do If You Receive a Collection Notice.

Nearly everyone BCA Financial Services collects from intends to keep their payment promises when they purchase an item or service. Photo Courtesy Evermore Gallery of American Art

They sincerely wish to pay their bill, but for a variety of reasons they are unable to do so.

Working with a collection agency need not be an unpleasant experience. Assistance from collection specialists, plus determination and self-control has brought many people out of serious financial situations.

After being contacted by a collection agency, following these three suggestions may help you pay your debt.

Don't Get Angry

Your account came to a collection agency from someone who values your business. However, just as you depend on an income to pay for groceries, rent and other necessities, those who extend credit must have payment for their goods and services in order to pay their bills and remain in business.

Contact the Collection Agency

Now, your account is past due. It is time to find a solution. If you believe you do not owe this bill or have questions about this bill please let us know in writing. This will allow us to provide a response to the issues you raise.

By the bye, if your collection agency is not playing by the book (and from experience the vast majority are OK) and that book is the federal law "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act", they may be in violation of that law. After receiving your first notice from them, you have 30 days to ask them questions, like how did your creditor arrive at the balance. Or, may you have a copy of the bill showing dates, etc. But you should ask them in writing.

If you do owe the bill, let the agency know when payment can be expected, and if you are unable to pay it in full, tell them why. Whatever the reasons were for your past payment problems, to get this matter resolved you should contact them. Please read any notices or letters that they send to you carefully. They contain important information about your rights.

Let Them Help

While collecting past due accounts is their business, helping people solve their financial problems [should be] their commitment. People that staff collection agencies are experienced in credit and collections and are able to assist you if you let them. If your account is listed with a collection service that reports to a credit bureau, this could prevent you from obtaining credit when you need it in the future.

We hope the ideas mentioned here will help you, and that you’ll accept their (or OUR, see below) assistance in resolving a debt.

Remember, you can depend on our cooperation.

NOW, if you have a collection-related question from the debtor side, ask us. We'll keep it confidential but if you're uncomfortable, you do not even have to give your real name. Contact owner John Debold. He'll attempt to give you the most honest and sensible answer.

Medical Collections - Keep up with the times!

Just as you wouldn't use this antique "respirator" (from the Evermore Gallery of American Art) on one of your patients, you wouldn't want to apply antique credit and collection methods in your practice.

<---Click on picture for a close-up!

BCA Financial Services Collection Agency remembers the 1970's when we used a personal computer, Apple II with two floppy 5 1/4" disk drives to record and store our data. Today, even our backup drive is 160 gigabyte.


If your bill is not paid, to protect your practice's financial health, all patients must attempt to either recover your payment from their insurance or make arrangements to pay your bill on their own.

Your medical office can guide BCA Financial Services on a case-by-case basis (if necessary) as to the creditworthiness of your patients, but if you can't, we can, by the most up-to-date means legally at our disposal.

Since the Federal collection laws were enacted in 1978, BCA Financial Services has complied with and kept abreast of various changes and interpretations so we, as well as you, can respect your patients' rights and privacy, while maintaining the perserverance needed to collect your money.

With our monetary system, cash flow makes the world go 'round. If you maintain a healthy cash flow in your office, you'll remain a viable practice better able to assist others in need.

<---Here's another medical device (The Evermore Gallery calls it an "Electro-Cardiogram"-it weighs a ton) you would be using if you didn't keep up with the latest technology--which takes money!
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Let BCA Financial Services help your practice. We've got the experience and references, knowledge and tact to do a good job for your office.

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<---click to enlarge