The U.S. Attorney’s office forwarded a criminal complaint Friday in U.S. District Court charging Timothy E. Arent and Neil G. Wieczkowski, both of Buffalo, N.Y., with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Arent is also charged with bankruptcy fraud. The charge of mail fraud has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The bankruptcy and conspiracy fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and fine of $250,000.

In order to skirmish the topics associated with harassing debt collectors and debt collection companies, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (also known as the FDCPA) was constructed. The laws and regulations determined by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act not only guard consumers, but they also assist debt collection agencies as well by encouraging them to act in a serious and professional manner when engaging in dialog with supposed debtors.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court revealed last week that it has amended some of the rules governing the use of small claims courts. The Court said that the changes were formed specifically to address the amount of debt collection cases that are filed in small claims courts.