Freebie Trading- Get Rich Quick Or Get Rich Scam?

Posted: July 30th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Freebie trading, a controversial moneymaking ploy utilizes online forums, You Tube videos, personal websites and various other marketing techniques to drive traffic to web sites that advertise a variety products and trial offer in exchange for a fee. Freebie trading differs from other kinds of affiliate marketing because it includes people who make an agreement to purchase products from these sites on one another’s behalf, for a cut of the commission that results in exchange.

Freebie trading has turned into a multimillion dollar industry these past few years in which people that work from home have the ability to earn incomes of as much as five thousand dollars a month. Because our economy is ridden with unemployment and underemployment, more people are choosing this business as a source of extra income.

Freebie trading starts with what is called an incentivized freebie website. Incentivized freebie websites are special sites with trial offers that include hundreds of different products, cash, and prizes such as iPhones, Xbox 360s and plasma TVs. Some well known businesses offer these incentives, but less reputable companies such as online psychic services can be found on these sites as well.

Incentivized freebie websites are not allowed to compensate you for trying their products that they advertise, but they are permitted to pay you to refer customers to them. In theory, the proceeds would be shared with your referrals. These commissions can span from forty dollars to one hundred and twenty dollars a customer.

On the other hand, critics still remain wary of freebie trading. Some critics are quick to point out that they are prompted to dish out a lot of personal information, perhaps too much. Problems arise when it comes to completing trades and obtaining payment. Also, if you sign up for trial offers then make the simple mistake of forgetting to cancel the ones that you don’t want, you could get stuck with charges on your credit card. Finally, some people say that they just haven’t reaped any money as a benefit, while others who manage to get money for their trades might find the whole process time consuming and tedious.

Mallory Megan works for Rapid Recovery Solution and writes articles on medical collection agencies.


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Manage Your Money On Superbowl Sunday

Posted: July 30th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Arts & Entertainment | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Even though we are in the middle of a recession, and many of you are in debt, there is no reason that you cannot throw a really great Super Bowl Party.

Try to focus on not overdoing it. Make just one extravagant dish and play the rest off of that. A vat of chili, if properly seasoned is able to serve twelve people for twenty dollars. Chicken wings are quite cheap and easy to make. Coils of kielbasa, priced around five bucks are a cheap and delicious snack.

Because the Super Bowl is one special occasion, choose hot food. Ordering large trays of Chinese takeout are less expensive and time consuming than making your own food.

Children at Superbowl parties can be hard to keep happy. Vegetables, juice, chips, and a carvel football shaped ice cream cake priced at $22.99 will keep them at bay.

Drinks? The best choice for shoppers on a budget is beer and wine. A keg will save you about 40% according to experts. The wine doesn’t have to be fancy – a five liter boxed wine will be more than acceptable. If you encounter the troublesome guest who insists on liquor, get discount vodka, a half gallon for just fourteen dollars. Its cheap, and blends with about anything.

Even in tough times, it is essential to make the most of your game-viewing experience. A medium to large flatscreen is completely necessary. But if you don’t own one, rent one. Websites list 42 inch TVs for as low as $26.99 a week.

And then those irritating people who won’t watch football. A pool for small gifts like a store certificate or CD might inspire people who aren’t the least bit interested in football at all if a prize is awarded at the end of every quarter. Try to have experienced fans explain what is going on. Then, sit back, and enjoy your game.

Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection company. She also composes articles on business, finance, the credit industry and collection agencies.


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Boating Can Be A Very Relaxing Pastime

Posted: July 19th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Travel & Leisure | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

Boating can be a relaxing pastime, sailing along on a river or lake without a care. For most people, the boating itself is the whole point of the hobby: once you’re in the boat, you’re set.

Plenty of people bring their boat to wherever they are going to be going boating on a trailer attached to the back of their vehicle, provided the boat is of proper size to drive in, seeing as much bigger boats have to be kept in marinas, which can be expensive. Even today, tons of people still build their own boats out of nothing over wood, nails and ingenuity.

There’s a great range of different boats, from the small to the large. The smallest boats are those designed to be rowed effectively by 2 people, followed by family-sized small boats. Most people who are into boating tend to have been boating with their family, their friends, and the main reason they take their family and friends along is simply because they’ve had such fun memories in the past, they just want it to be far better.

Once you get above small boats, you start to get into powerboats (also known as speedboats and motorboats). They start off as only too large to row, but can go as large as 50 feet long with cabins and large engines – in other words, you can aquire a powerboat that can be about as big as a car and about as big as a truck.

Yes, boating can be exciting, however, it is as well a hobby in which you need to pay a lot of attention to safety. Lots of boaters die each year, mainly by falling overboard and drowning. It is important that you use common sense as well as making sure to comply with the relevant safety laws, notably by always taking lifejackets with you.

Of course, boating isn’t entirely limited to just cruising around. You can also set up water-skis on the back of your boat and go water-skiing, or even enter boat races, if you think you’re quick enough. You can also fish, both in freshwater and in saltwater, with freshwater fishing two of the most popular things to do with a boat.

Mallory works for a debt collection agency. Also, she composes articles on business and finance, and collections. .


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The Very Basics Of Debt Collection Part Three

Posted: July 19th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Reference & Education | Tags: , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

In parts one and two in this set of articles on the very basics of debt collection, I let you know about the differences between an in house collector and a third party debt collector. I spoke about the different sorts of ways that collection agents will find their debtors, and described a number of statements that the debt collector must say before they can proceed in their attempt to collect debt from you.

Debt collectors refer to these legal guidelines as a “mini Miranda.” If a debt collector does not give this information to you, he or she is violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If questioned, the debt collector is obligated to tell you her name, the name, address and fax number of her agency, and what creditor she is calling on behalf of.

If it is necessary the collections agent will go over the terms of sale with you, or credit contracts. Keep in mind that your conversation will most likely be recorded, and a good collection agent is a sneaky one. They will probably utilize their listening skills to attempt to determine the cause of the delinquency.

Even though you may have heard some incredible anecdotal stories, or you may have read sensational stories in the news, most debt collectors are empathetic people, working to make a buck like you. Even if your debt collector is calling aggressively, it is never a good idea to ignore their calls. A debt collector will have the authority to offer a repayment plan, or some other type of help to make it easier for you to pay off of your debt.

At times, they are capable of finding solutions to your financial problems. After all, they work with people like you every day. They can even offer you some helpful advice or they may be able to tell you about some helpful debt counselors. Unluckily, it has been mentioned that all stereotypes have some truth in them, and there will be an occasional debt collector who may use strong arm or even illegal tactics to collect money that is owed. If a collections agent calls you, and something doesn’t sit right with you, consult the FDCPA, and call your local attorney general’s office to report the incident.

Mallory Megan works for Rapid Recovery Solution and writes articles on medical collection agencies.


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Advanta Credit Card Scam

Posted: July 18th, 2010 | Author: John Monderine | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

I sit at my desk completely frustrated with Advanta. I opened up a business credit card with them 3 years ago and made a purchase of $6500 to help build my business credit for Rapid Recovery Solution, my Collection Agency. I have paid more then the minimum every month, on time. About 3 months ago noticed that my interest rate seemed a little high. No where on my statement did it say the actual interest rate so I called the company. After 10 min or so I get a live rep on the line and they tell me it is 36.1%. Are they kidding, this must be a mistake. I have over a 750 score and never missed a payment. They said they sent me a notice in Aug that they are doing this due to a change in there lending methods. It turns out this is the second time this year they did this. I went from 8.99% in Jan 08 to 18.99 in Feb 08 to 36.1% in Aug 08.

Now, being in the industry for over 10 years I know that I need to watch my credit. I look for charges I didn’t make and it is tough to scam me. I have seen it all but this takes the cake. They told me I am now at a high risk for default so that is why they raised my interest rate? That doesn’t make any sense. They should lower my rate if they think I will default on my credit card. How will an increase in what you are charging me keep me from defaulting. Luckily, I have the ability to pay off this card today but I want everyone to realize that these companies have you by the short-n-curly’s. Watch your statements and lookout for this scam.

FYI, In NY, the maximum interest rate is 30%. They are charging me more then the maximum allowed in my state. I will send a letter to the BBB, the NY Attorney General, the UT Attorney General and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

As a nation we are in deep trouble. If a credit card company can just raise my rate because they feel like it I am positive that 99% of their customers are also paying 36.1%. How many other credit card companies are doing this to innocent people? We need to fight back. I am going to tell as many people as I can.

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do except payoff the card. I was told I am a high credit risk. I paid the bill in full after I realized the rate was so high and the next month I received another bill for more finance charges for about $255. I paid that bill in full. I just received another bill in the mail for $5.65 and my rate was changed to 37.99%. Another point higher.

Just for cookies and giggles I called again to see why the rate went up again and they said “Sir, you have been classified as a very high credit risk and as a company we can’t risk you not paying your bill with us.” I said “I just paid my bill in full with your company, I have never had a late payment with your company in three years, I have one mortgage on my house for $290K, 25 years left at a fixed rate of 5.375% and it is worth over $500k and almost zero credit card debt personally. I am in the fastest growing industry right now, CNBC expects the debt collection industry to grow at 25% a year for the next decade. What else would I have to do to receive a better rate?” The extremely rude lady said “Sir, you would need to send a letter to Santa Clause and maybe he can help you out.”

The Government should put a maximum rate in place for the next year or so on all credit card debt. If the credit card companies are truly worried about consumers defaulting on their obligations, wouldn’t it make more sense to lower the rate so we can continue to make the payments? By raising the rate, it only makes it harder to pay and more likely that a consumer will default. The credit card companies are preying on the weak right now hoping you don’t pay so they can pound you with the highest interest rate. When you do default, they now have a higher balance to sell to a collection agency. In my eyes, this is a crime.

The Government doesn’t care either. Instead of giving the banks 350 billion dollars, They could have sent $1151.98 to each US citizen to pay towards credit card debt. The banks still get the money but we the people get a little break on our bill. The average family of four would receive $4607.92 to pay off a credit card. They reason that the banks need the money so they can lend money again to us? Are they crazy? All the banks did was raise the interest rates on our cards and pocket the money without ever having to say what the money went towards. No accountability!

Now the geniuses in Washington are considering giving billions to the auto industry so they can produce more shit cars that we can’t afford. How about giving the money to everybody with a current auto loan so we can pay for the car we already have. The money would still flow to the banks and auto makers via we the people.

Good luck America, your gonna need a miracle.

I feel better now. I was very upset prior to writing this blog. I hope everybody reading this realizes that if it can happen to me it can happen to anybody.

John Monderine Rapid Recovery Solution, Inc.

John Monderine is the President of Rapid Recovery Solution, Inc. a Debt Collection Agency. When you need help getting your Bad Debt paid go to his Collection Agency website for a free quote.


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How Are Credit Reports Calculated And What Do They Mean?

Posted: June 14th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Reference & Education | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

As of 2009, bankruptcy filings that were new increased by over thirty five percent in just one year. Although it may seem like a dismal sign, a good way to look at it is that all of these people are on their own paths to rebuilding their credit scores and ultimately, financial freedom. We have all seen commercials with “people just like you and me” urging us to go to whatever website and check on our credit score. We know that if the number is high, it’s a good thing. It it’s low, it could mean trouble finding a loan, getting a job, or a new place to stay. But just what is a credit score?

Your credit score is packaged up in one (hopefully!!!) three digit number that is based on a statistical analysis of your very own personal credit file. A credit score’s purpose is to give you a major headache, and for the banks to review your capacity to take on debt and repay a credit obligation. That is why credit card companies and banks will look over your score to figure out how much credit they want to decide and offer you and at what interest rate.

So how is your score determined, you may be asking? The Fair Issac Corporation, or as you may know them, FICO, was the first group to come up with a scoring system in 1958. The report recently underwent a makeover (FICO 08) but it’s not used by all credit reporting agencies. In this new, improved FICO 08 version, minor credit delinquencies are not stacked against you when you for the most part do a good job repaying your money.

A credit score asks five questions. What is your payment history like? How much money do you currently owe? Just how long have you had credit? How many times have there been credit inquiries made on your report? And what type of credit do you have? So let’s say, for the sake of example, that you screwed up. Just how long will negative marks have an impact on your credit score? Well, that depends on the type of information. Plain old negative information can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. In the case of bankruptcy filing it can stay up to ten years. Here’s where we get into the creepy big brother aspect of credit reports. Every individual has a personal credit file, and what this means is that the impact from person to person will affect each differently.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, concerned about your financial situation, or just want to know more and feel more secure, it is in your best interest to seek out the advice of a financial planner. One that works for a fee is preferable, because they will have your best interest at heart and not their commission instead. Good luck in your financial journey!

Rapid Recovery Solution is a New York collection agency.


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Bankruptcy Lawyers Get Down At Gathering

Posted: June 14th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

For some reason a gathering of mid-level bankruptcy professionals made it into the news recently. They met at a bar, some networked, others found new clients, and others just came for the fun. Sources reveal that all of the young executives were enjoying themselves very much.

Maybe one of the only industries flourishing in today’s economy; the corporate restructuring profession is experiencing an upswing. According to statistics, U.S. business bankruptcies climbed up to 38% in 2009 from the past year.

This increase prompted advisory firms into pumping up their practices with new “turnaround experts,” young lawyers who burn the midnight oil in order to handle the onslaught of bankruptcy cases. Established pros have without a doubt enjoyed a good company-approved networking outing; wine tastings, makeover and martinis groups, and golf are just a couple of examples. Unfortunately, this leaves only the less experienced attorneys to work at a desk into the night.

This was not the first get together like this. December marked the first gathering of the “Turnaround Underground” posse. Oops did I say posse? I meant gathering. Turnaround Underground gathering. Some attorneys came to network. A few attorneys came looking for love in all the wrong places. “You can meet your best friend here, meet your significant other here. This is not all about business” a starry eyed lawyer cooed. But some of the party-goers managed to leave work at work, loosening their ties and kicking up their feet.

Fashionably late, guests flooded the bar minutes after the gathering officially began at 7 pm in a classy New York City nightspot. Within 45 minutes, there were BlackBerrys, business suits, and beer as far as the eye could see. In fact, one rowdy attorney who wisely declined to be named was quoted as saying “Everything is better with beer.” All in all, it seems as though Turnaround Underground is a success.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a credit collection agencies.


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If You Have A Debt Collector On The Phone….

Posted: June 5th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

If you owe debt to a creditor collection agencies are allowed to report your debt to credit bureaus, file lawsuits against you, and should be taken very seriously. The best way to protect yourself and your financial situation is a methodical approach. First, know why you are being contacted. Know where the debt is from and exactly how much it costs.

Ask for the name of the person calling, the agency, the creditor, and the agency’s address and fax number. You have the right to tell a collector over the phone that you want all future contact to be in writing. Follow up all requests with a written request.

Try to remember that if you ask the collector not to contact you at all it the agency has the authority to contact you once more to inform you how it plans to proceed. Another request that can be made is that you are the only person that should be contacted. It may be a good idea to keep a file including dates and details of phone conversations and when you mail out or receive letters.

If you do send any correspondence to the collections agency do this by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. This ensures that the letter reached the collector, giving you a signed receipt as proof. If you negotiate a re-payment plan over the phone, ask for the terms of the plan in writing. Any promise to remove or adjust credit history should also definitely be documented.

Ensure that you pay the right party; payments should be made to the collections agency, not the creditor, unless otherwise instructed to do so. Look over the amount you are being asked to pay carefully. Obtain an assessment of any interest, fees or charges that have been added.

If you think that your collector is harassing you, be sure to complain to the agency and keep this complaint in your file. Finally, never ignore a collector even if you feel that the debt isn’t yours; they will continue to contact you and it may mean more trouble and time in the long run.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a medical collection agency.


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Declaring Bankruptcy: Automatic Stay And How It Protects You From Creditors

Posted: June 5th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

U.S. Bankruptcy Code imposes something called an automatic stay the moment that a petition for bankruptcy is filed. The automatic stay will usually halt the commencement, enforcement or appeal of actions and judgments against a debtor from the creditors they owe money to that are attempting to collect these debts incurred prior to the bankruptcy petition. In addition, the automatic stay protects property of the bankruptcy estate itself from collection actions and proceedings.

Any action that a creditor might take that violates the automatic stay will be voided out. Any violation of the stay might cause the violating party to have damages assessed to them. But, like every complicated law, there are exceptions. A creditor might be allowed to take their collateral if they obtain permission from the court first. They will get this by filing a motion for relief from the automatic stay.

After a petition is filed, the court will grant the motion or provide security to the creditor, which ensures that the value of their collateral won’t decrease during the stay. Without the protection of the automatic stay creditors could hypothetically race to the courthouse in order to improve their positions against a debtor. If this happened, and let’s say that a debtor’s business was facing just a temporary crunch, it might not survive a “run” by creditors when their business could otherwise be salvaged. A run may also result in waste and it might be unfair to similar creditors that are owed money too.

There are three kinds of avoidance actions, and all of these attempt to limit the risk of the legal system encouraging the downfall of a financially unstable debtor who hasn’t declared bankruptcy yet. The bankruptcy system will typically reward creditors who continue extending financing to debtors and will discourage creditors from ramping up their debt collection efforts.

Even though these rules seem simple, a few exceptions exist in each category of avoidance action.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a national collection agency.


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10 Tips To Help Collect Past Due Accounts

Posted: June 5th, 2010 | Author: Mallory Megan | Filed under: Finance | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Ten Tips on how to collect debt:

PREPARE: Go over the paperwork on the debtor before making a call. Knowing the history of the account is key. Have all the records in front of you, ready for reference if needed.

ATTITUDE: Adopting a straight, professional, business-like attitude is important. You have a contract or you delivered the goods, money is now owed and you have the right to expect payment. Do not let it become personal. Don’t yell or raise your voice; and NEVER curse. Don’t make idol threats; legal action is your recourse.

CONTACT: It is important that you are talking to the decision maker. Do not let any individuals brush you off with “You’ll have to talk to the bookkeeper.” Identify the person who can cut you a check. If you can not get through after several calls, let the secretary know that you know your calls are being screened. Tell her the purpose of your call and if necessary give a deadline.

CONTROL: Always control the conversation. Keep it focused on the debt and on the repayment schedule. Do not let the debtor sidetrack you with personal history, excuses, etc. Remember, the objective of your call is to collect money, or get a commitment to pay not to become friends with the debtor or win arguments.

FLEXIBLE: Be ready to adjust to the situation. Think about the kind of customer you’re dealing with and adapt to meet the circumstances. Be prepared to accept a reasonable payment schedule, and a willingness to deal with a customers circumstances.

NOTES: Keep detailed, accurate notes of every contact with the customer. Probe for further information on the customer. Notes of these contacts will help you in subsequent phone calls, and may be invaluable in litigation. Good notes will also help in further credit decisions, or in cases where skip tracing may be needed.

PRODUCTIVE: Keep contact brief and to the point. This is a business call, not a social one. View your efforts on a ratio of time expended to results achieved. Long conversations probably mean the customer is stalling you, or trapping you in the buddy syndrome.

PRECISE: Never leave a contact open ended, such as “Well talk next week,” or “Ill send what I can.” Every contact should result in a commitment to payment. A specific amount, by a specific date, even the check number the customer is using to pay the debt.

TIME: The longer an account is held, the less likely it is that it will be recovered. If payment or a payout is not arranged within 90 days, place the claim with a collection agency or start legal proceedings.

PLACEMENT: Try to choose an agency that does not have to pay to get your information. Just type in “Collection Agency” to any search engine and pick a firm that ranks organically.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a commercial collection agency.


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