Jay Speer

T: (804) 782-9430 ext. 109 | F: (804) 649-0974 | E: jay@vplc.org

 

Predatory Loan Helpline: (866) 830-4501

 

Overview

A fair and thriving marketplace demands that consumers’ rights be respected and protected.  With an emphasis on representing consumers in the legislature and in the courts, VPLC is focused on those consumer issues that most impact low-income Virginians.

Main Issues

• Fair Lending – Predatory loans and lending practices, Consumer purchase transactions, and contracts for goods or services. Includes credit reporting and credit access.
• Debt Collection – Harassment and dissemination of personal information around Debt Collectors, Debt Buyers, and companies collecting on their own debts.
• Student Loans – Student loan servicing issues

Education, Outreach and Other Resources

Our goal is to get precise and pertinent civil legal issue information to those who need it most. We conduct regular training workshops focused on consumer-related issues for attorneys that are new to the legal aid network, and for attorneys in private law firms who do pro bono work for legal aid clients. VPLC also conducts an annual conference for legal aid attorneys and others who serve our clients.

We also help those dealing with consumer issues through outreach, education and training. We partner with credit unions and credit counseling agencies to provide information and training to diverse groups including low-income men and women, the elderly, and youth in foster care. We train them on financial literacy and developing strong financial practices such as learning how to save and to avoid predatory loans.

Consumer Help Resources:

Predatory Loan Helpline: (866) 830-4501 – Get information around predatory internet loans.

Federal Trade Commission – For help with identity theft issues, consumer scams, and unwanted solicitations. Complaints can be filed.

Consumer Financial Protecton Bureau – Find consumer information and tips around financial products and file complaints against financial institutions treating consumers unfairly or illegally. This can include banks, credit unions, consumer lenders, payday and car title loans, loans over the internet, student loan servicers, and debt collectors.