March
2022
20
CNBC: She Lost Everything in a Fire. Then her Bank Froze the Savings she Needed to Move On
CNBC — Siraba Keita survived New York’s deadliest fire in decades — only to see her bank freeze the savings she needed to pick up the pieces.
debt collection
May
2021
13
Statement on the enactment of S5923A/A6617A, exempting COVID-19 stimulus payments from debt collection
“Thanks to this important legislation, debt collectors are now prohibited from siphoning New Yorkers’ COVID-19 stimulus payments. The new law ensures that federal relief funds actually provide relief to New Yorkers, not windfalls for the debt collection industry. New Economy Project is proud to have worked on this crucial bill with ally organizations, as we continue the fight for racial and economic justice and a just recovery for all New Yorkers.”
May
2021
7
(Archive) Stop Debt Collectors from Taking NYers’ Stimulus Funds
The NYS Legislature has just passed a critical bill that prohibits debt collectors from taking New Yorkers’ stimulus payments. The bill will ensure that relief funds actually provide relief—not windfalls for the debt collection industry. Take Action! Urge Governor Cuomo to sign this bill into law, to protect New Yorkers from financial predation and ensure a just recovery. Call […]
April
2021
30
Spectrum News: Debt Collectors Would Be Barred From Taking COVID-19 Stimulus Money
Spectrum News — Consumer groups are applauding a bill that is meant to keep debt collectors from garnishing the stimulus payments and other direct aid approved by the federal government to offset the financial strain created by the pandemic.
March
2021
2
How the MTA Targets Poor New Yorkers of Color to Collect on Old, Alleged Debts (Even During the Pandemic)
The pandemic has placed the MTA at the center of the news, but its violations of New Yorkers’ civil rights have gone on for years. Through our NYC Financial Justice Hotline, New Economy Project has helped dozens of New Yorkers presenting the same disturbing facts: Without any notice, MTA took their tax refunds to pay old, alleged tickets they didn’t recognize.
Know Your Rights — Debt Collection
Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, including how to recognize and fight back against debt collection abuse.
Know Your Rights — Defending Creditor Lawsuits
Know your rights when defending yourself against a creditor, debt buyer, or debt collector in civil court.
October
2020
5
ProPublica: Debt Collectors Have Made a Fortune This Year. Now They’re Coming for More.
ProPublica — Earlier this year, the pandemic swept across the country, killing 100,000 Americans by the spring, shuttering businesses and schools, and forcing people into their homes. It was a great time to be a debt collector.
Robinson v. New York City Transit Authority et al.
UPDATE: On September 30, 2020, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, certifying a class of thousands of New Yorkers who have or will have default judgments entered against them for alleged violations (such as fare evasion) of MTA rules. Read the Court’s decision here and the Magistrate Judge’s recommendation here. In February 2019, […]
June
2020
11
From Immediate Relief to Transformative Change: Stopping Predatory Debt Collection During the Pandemic and Beyond
Systematic wealth extraction from communities of color hasn’t stopped for the public health crisis caused by COVID-19—and it won’t stop unless we transform our economy.