The National List of Attorneys has partnered with Cornerstone Support to do a blog series on licensing. This is the third blog in that series. Cornerstone Support is a licensing service provider to the collection industry. They offer an array of services and products that can support the licensing, compliance, and insurance needs of any organization. We encourage you to read the important information and follow the advice that they are very qualified to provide for NL members and clients.
Cornerstone Support receives frequent requests from agencies in need of assistance related to their state collection licenses. While requests come from agencies with an array of licensing concerns, one we often assist with is branch licensing compliance.
Whether neglected or simply misunderstood, licensing branch locations continues to be an area in need of improvement. Although incorrect, it is not uncommon to find collection agencies who have licensed the organization on an entity level with little or no regard to the physical location(s) of the respective call centers/collectors.
State Laws Vary
Each state has the right to enact its own set of collection laws and requirements. Most jurisdictions have very different statutory regulations and application requirements. Certain jurisdictions require that all locations from which debtors are communicated with maintain a separate branch license. The branch license can be as involved as the original debt collection license application or as uncomplicated as a letter notifying the appropriate jurisdiction of the branch location.
Unlicensed Collection Activity Is Costly
It’s important to note that any communication with a debtor from an unlicensed branch location is considered unlicensed collection activity. It carries all of the same consequences of unlicensed collection activity to both the agency and the organizations they represent (creditors and debt buyers). This can prove costly, not only to collection agencies, but also to the creditors that they represent.
For a summary of the jurisdictions that require some level of branch licensing, contact Cornerstone Support today. Our highly educated experts can confirm where you may or may not need licensing for your branch.
by Matt Pridemore
Cornerstone Support has established the reputation as the premier licensing service provider to the collection industry. We understand the particular nuances of licensing all types of collection agencies and in all types of situations. We are professionally staffed and trained to help you navigate through the gauntlet of regulations that is not only confusing, but can prove costly if misunderstood or neglected. Call us at 888-445-8660 or visit us at www.cornerstonesupport.com to discuss the details of your business and see how Cornerstone can support your overall compliance strategy.
888.445.8660
Categories: Business Relationships, Compliance, Debt Collection, Guest Blogs, Licensing, NL Insider
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