Consumer Protection - Abusive debt collection tactics are impacting numerous homeowners [1] - Some homeowners are losing their homes due to these tactics [1] Legal Perspective - Kristi Kelly, a consumer protection lawyer, is addressing these abusive practices [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial challenges faced by an elderly woman, Marie, who has accumulated $25,000 in credit card debt after receiving a terminal diagnosis, raising concerns about asset protection and debt collection [2][4]. Financial Situation - Marie receives approximately $1,300 monthly from Social Security and $1,600 from her late husband's pension, totaling $2,900 per month [3]. - Her house is valued at around $100,000 but is held in an irrevocable trust under her daughter Jean's name, complicating asset seizure by creditors [3][6]. Debt Collection Process - Debt collectors must obtain a court judgment before pursuing assets, and protections vary by state law [5]. - In Marie's case, most of her assets are protected from creditors due to their ownership structure [5][6]. Asset Protection - Social Security benefits are protected from garnishment by federal law, with exceptions for federal debts [6]. - The house in an irrevocable trust and the car owned by Jean's brother are not eligible for creditor claims [6]. - Non-exempt valuables, vehicles, bank accounts, and real estate owned in the debtor's name may be pursued by creditors, but specific protections apply [7].

Core Insights - Encore Capital Group reported strong financial performance for Q1 2025, with significant increases in portfolio purchases and collections compared to the previous year [2][4] - The company anticipates exceeding $1.35 billion in global portfolio purchases for 2025 and expects collections to grow by 11% year-over-year to $2.4 billion [2][4] Financial Performance - Portfolio purchases in Q1 2025 reached $368 million, a 24% increase from $295.7 million in Q1 2024 [4] - Collections for the quarter totaled $605 million, up 18% from $510.9 million in the same period last year [4] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were $1.93, reflecting a 103% increase from $0.95 in Q1 2024 [4][7] Business Segments - The U.S. MCM business achieved record portfolio purchases of $316 million, a 34% increase year-over-year, and collections of $454 million, up 23% [2][4] - The Cabot business in Europe reported portfolio purchases of $51 million and collections of $150 million, a 7% increase compared to the previous year [2][4] Operational Metrics - Average receivable portfolios increased by 10% to $3.86 billion from $3.50 billion year-over-year [4] - Estimated Remaining Collections (ERC) rose by 7% to $8.86 billion compared to $8.31 billion in Q1 2024 [4] Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased $10 million of its common stock during the first quarter [3]