The Federal Trade Commission proposed new protections for consumers facing debt collection litigation. They include:
• States should require collectors to include more data, such as the name of the creditor, in lawsuits against consumers for unpaid debts.
• States should take steps to make it less likely that collectors will sue over debts that are beyond states' statutes of limitations.
• Federal and state laws should be changed to prevent the seizing of Social Security income and other sources exempt from garnishment.
• Consumers should have a true choice in arbitrating debt collection disputes.
• Arbitration forums and arbitrators should eliminate bias and the appearance of bias, and should make their process more transparent.
