In our prior post, we discussed the top complaints made by consumers and the fact that debt collection practices play a role. While consumers understand that the collection agencies are the ones causing the real problem, they also reported the frustration that their complaints were not being addressed.

In 2010, approximately 252,009 complaints were made to the agencies studied in the survey. While the governmental consumer agencies said that they would like to give every complaint the attention it deserves, they say it is simply impossible after recent budget cuts.

"Consumer protection agencies need more funds to do their jobs effectively," said the director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. "They provide essential public services, like firefighters and police, and deserve the same support," but according to the director, that support is not being given.

The budget cuts have resulted in smaller staff numbers and fewer resources while the complaints keep rolling in. "State and local agencies are the bedrock of the consumer protection system in the United States, but many are dealing with severely strained resources," said the director. "They are being forced to do more with less, and this is having a real impact on consumers."

While many advocacy programs have been started to help spread awareness over bad collection practices and push for legislative change to make laws even stricter for those who misbehave, consumers do not have to wait. Consumers can contact attorneys who have devoted their lives to helping debtors work with their creditors while protecting their client's rights.

Source: Fox Business, "Auto Repair, Credit and Debt Issues Top Consumer Complaint List," Martin Merzer, Aug. 3, 2011