Bill collectors get tough, and complaints surge

By DAVID B. CARUSO, Associated Press Writer

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 30, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 30, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — A rapidly increasing number of people are complaining about getting harassed and abused by bill collectors.

Nearly 71,000 people filed such complaints with the Federal Trade Commission last year, roughly double the number in 2003. In addition, more than 14,000 complained to the Better Business Bureau.

It's become a big problem in New York City, where officials say that shady collectors are threatening deportation against immigrants over bad debts. New York City commissioner of consumer affairs Jonathan Mintz says his office investigated 1,277 complaints last year, up from 508 in 2004.

Experts say the problem is only going to get worse as the recession takes hold.

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