ACA International?s ?Ask Doctor Debt? helps consumers combat phony debt collectors

MINNEAPOLIS – With the recent national alert by the Better Business Bureau about phony debt collectors preying on consumers, the world’s leading trade association for real debt collectors continues to offer a fast, free, friendly solution for people seeking answers to their credit and debt questions.

Ask Doctor Debt is a free consumer education Web site created by the ACA International Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving consumers by improving financial literacy. Serving as an online version of “Dear Abby” for consumers with credit and debt questions, Ask Doctor Debt allows viewers to search a dynamic FAQ database, submit their own questions anonymously and utilize free tools, tips and techniques aimed at help them get and stay out of debt.

With more than 5,500 member debt collection agencies, attorneys, creditors, debt buyers, vendors and other industry members in 65 countries, ACA International is the world’s largest trade association for the credit and collection industry.

So why would an organization made up of credit and debt collection professionals want to help consumers?

“It’s simple, actually. For our members, an educated consumer who understands his or her rights and responsibilities when it comes to the credit and debt collection process is far easier to work with than someone who does not,” said John Nemo, ACA International’s Public Relations Director.

“In addition, dealing with debt and credit issues can be an emotional and sometimes intimidating process. It doesn’t need to be. If you know your rights, fully understand the situation you’re in and what options are available, you can avoid unnecessary stress while making the best decision for you and your family’s financial well being.”

Since the Web site’s launch in April 2009, the experts behind Ask Doctor Debt have participated in more than 85 radio and television interviews, reaching an estimated 18 million consumers in the process. This includes a recurring “Ask Doctor Debt” segment each Friday at 11:45 a.m. EST on Fox News Channel’s “Happening Now” program.

About ACA International
ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, is the comprehensive, knowledge–based resource for success in the credit and collection industry. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together more than 5,500 members worldwide, including third–party collection agencies, asset buyers, attorneys, creditors and vendor affiliates. The association establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers.