The Delaware Department of Justice has joined a national coalition committed to working to crack down on illegal debt collection. Led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “Operation Collection Protection,” unveiled this afternoon in Washington, D.C., brings together federal, state, and local enforcement and regulatory organizations. In addition to the FTC, the coalition includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal Department of Justice, attorneys general from 48 states and the District of Columbia, state regulatory agencies, and local authorities from around the country.
“Our Fraud and Consumer Protection Division has received almost 300 complaints regarding debt collection since the start of 2013, including 144 of a harassing nature,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “Being part of ‘Operation Collection Protection’ allows us to share information about investigation targets with other members, as well as share best practices for investigating and bringing actions against illegal debt collectors.”
“Operation Collection Protection” represents a significant change in how state and federal enforcement agencies address the problem of illegal debt collection. Together, participants improve communications and enforcement coordination, and ramp up their enforcement efforts. Acting together, all of the organizations participating in OCP are working more efficiently and effectively than acting alone.
“We want to make sure that Delawareans are protected against these abuses,” Denn said. “It’s illegal for debt collectors to lie about people’s debt, harass or threaten, and share information about someone’s debt.”