Attorney General James Gives $2 Million to Erie County to Bolster Consumer Protection Programs | So Good News

Where Money Comes from a Predatory Debt Collection Business
AG James Shuts Down Because of Harm to Consumers Worldwide

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today donated $2 million to Erie County to strengthen consumer protection programs in Western New York. The money comes from Attorney General James’ previous efforts to shut down a debt collection agency that has disrupted consumers across the country. The debt collection service, created by several companies including JPL Recovery Solutions, threatened consumers with pain if they didn’t pay and raised real debts. As a result of the agreement, the debt collection service paid the state $2 million, which Attorney General James is giving to Erie County. The government will use the money to expand consumer protection measures and hire a full-time, in-house attorney at the Consumer Protection Office to take action against predatory and illegal businesses, including fraudulent home improvement contractors.

“I am proud to donate this money to support critical programs that will help protect consumers in Buffalo and throughout Erie County,” he said. Attorney General James. “Abusive businesses harm hard-working New Yorkers and leave them struggling to make ends meet. These funds will help ensure that consumers have the resources and support they need to recover their money and prevent fraud. My office will continue to use every tool to protect New Yorkers from fraud and deceit. “

“I want to thank Attorney General James for securing this funding to expand the services and programs provided through the Erie County Office of Consumer Protection,” he said. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Now we can better investigate consumer complaints and improve our ability to educate our citizens about predatory and illegal businesses that seek to take advantage of others. Today’s announcement is the latest example of why my administration created an office dedicated to ensuring that Erie County residents are and access to education, information and tools related to consumer protection to protect against abuse and protect those whose rights have been violated.”

“I want to commend Attorney General Letitia James for representing Buffalo and Erie County,” he said. Erie County Legislature Chairman April NM Baskin. “When the Legislature voted in 2020 to restructure the Consumer Protection Division, I said I wanted to see that it would be more effective for people who are targeted by fraudsters and debt collectors. Thanks to Attorney General James, the office will have more money to protect men and women. hardworking women in Western New York.”

In recent years, Western New York has become a hub for debt collection businesses, many of which use deceptive and predatory tactics against consumers. In May, Attorney General James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shut down a debt collection agency that involved several companies, including JPL Recovery Solutions. As part of the agreement, the debt collection service paid $2 million to the CFPB and $2 million to the state. Using funding from JPL, Erie County will:

• Assign a full-time, in-house Attorney at the Office of Consumer Protection to begin enforcing predatory businesses,
• Funding for community support including community development programs and educational support, and
• Establish the position of Deputy Commissioner of Public Advocacy to oversee and oversee programs in the Office of Consumer Protection.

Attorney General James has taken action against several animal extortion businesses in Western New York. Today’s announcement continues our efforts to protect consumers. Last year, Attorney General James banned debt collector, Andrew Fanelli and his company Northwood Asset Management Group from the consumer debt collection industry, for collecting debts using fraudulent and illegal methods. In 2019, Attorney General James announced a $60 million judgment against debt collection kingpin Douglas MacKinnon, who used similar fraudulent and illegal tactics.

Any consumer who feels they have been defrauded is encouraged to register online with the OAG.