What I don't understand is why the AG doesn't go after them for criminal acts then. If they can't use the CFPB to regulate an attorney's law practice, they most certainly can use Title 18 USC to prosecute for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, harassment and extortion. When an attorney becomes a willing participant in a conspiracy his actions as an attorney end and his actions as a co-conspirator start. Tell that to the Georgia Supreme Court. "We have no intention of regulating Mr. Hanna's law practice, but we have every intention of prosecuting his criminal acts."
Consumers complain that a Marietta debt collection firm uses deceit and abusive tactics to collect money, even when it isn’t owed, records show.
Enough complained that the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs began investigating last fall. It ordered Frederick J. Hanna & Associates to answer questions about collection practices, consumer disputes and what it does to ensure the validity of debts.
But for three months the state’s top consumer watchdog agency and the debt collector have been in a standoff.
Frederick J. Hanna & Associates says its tactics are none of the state agency’s business. Because it’s a law firm, the debt collector contends it is outside the consumer office’s jurisdiction. It refuses to answer the agency’s questions.
“We don’t feel like they’re entitled to anything. Period,” Frederick Hanna said. He said his firm gets 50,000 new debt files each month and its collection methods are legitimate.
The consumer office says it has a right to investigate whether the firm’s tactics are breaking state law. “If we perceive an infraction of the law, we don’t believe your status as a law firm will protect you,” said Bill Cloud, a spokesman for the consumer office.
A hearing is scheduled March 30 in Cobb County Superior Court and the outcome could have a significant impact on thousands of Georgia consumers targeted by debt collectors — especially those who don’t owe money.
These people are awful...want to "work out an arrangement" with me, but only with access to my checking account. I don't think so. Hopefully, the FTC can stop them.