One of the component’s of Oliver’s weekly show is an in-depth investigation into the social, political and commercial issues troubling America. His most recent installment was on the debt buying and collection business. It has a ridiculously low bar of entry–“Last Week Tonight” incorporated such a company online in Mississippi for only $50. In many states, there is no license required to collect debts.
Among the most disturbing tactics of these debt-buying firms is to sue individual debtors–even if they have already had their debt dismissed through bankruptcy or barred by the statute of limitations. Those companies bet the defendants won’t show up in court, allowing them to win by default. These debt-buying firms can then legally garnish the debtors’ wages to satisfy the judgment.
HENRY KOTULA 