With record unemployment, the growing popularity of food stamps, emergency cash assistance, and government subsidies, more and more people are turning to the Internet in search of lost or forgotten money.  With over $33 billion in unclaimed funds nationwide, the fastest growing search terms on Google and Yahoo have been "unclaimed money" and "missing money." 

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink reminds Floridians of an online claims system making it easier to recover funds held in the Bureau of Unclaimed Property.  Now holding in excess of $1 billion, the unclaimed property comes from dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance and utility companies, securities and trust holdings.  Unclaimed property also includes tangible items such as watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps, historical items and other articles from abandoned safe deposit boxes.

Since the program's inception 49 years ago, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property has successfully reunited owners or heirs of deceased owners with more than $1.4 billion in unclaimed property held in Florida.  Accounting for almost 45 percent of the money returned since the start of the program, CFO Alex Sink has successfully reunited owners, heirs and businesses with more than $630 million during her tenure.  In fact, almost $45 million in unclaimed property was returned in the months of February and March alone.

 "In these tough economic times it's important that Floridians account for every dollar," said CFO Sink. "I encourage all Floridians to visit our web site at www.FLTreasureHunt.org. With nearly nine million accounts, the chances are good we are holding cash or property for you, your business, or someone you know."

In less than a minute you can determine whether you or a deceased relative is entitled to unclaimed funds or property in Florida.  For more information and to check if you are owed unclaimed funds, visit the Bureau of Unclaimed Property's website at www.FLTreasureHunt.org or call toll-free (888) 258-2253.  If you find a match and believe the property is yours, an online claim form can be completed, printed, and mailed with supporting documentation for immediate processing.  You have the right to claim your property at any time and without cost.  Although there is no statute of limitations on making a claim, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property does not pay interest on accounts.

Florida is not the only state that has an unclaimed property bureau.  Forty states participate in a program officially endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, an organization that proactively seeks owners of missing and unclaimed property.   At www.MissingMoney.com  or www.Unclaimed.org you can quickly determine whether you are entitled to unclaimed funds by clicking on a participating state and entering your name.  Be sure to search each state that you have resided and under every name you have used.  Also search for deceased family members as heirs are sometimes very surprised to learn what has been left behind by their dearly departed.

A word to the wise when searching for unclaimed funds or property - most states, including Florida - do not charge a fee to recover unclaimed property.  There is no reason to pay a search firm for something you can do yourself in mere minutes at zero cost.  If you are approached by company advising that they have located property in your name and will process a claim on your behalf, politely decline and search the bureau registry yourself.

Some of the more notable Floridians the Bureau of Unclaimed Property are holding funds for:  Congresswoman Corrine Brown, former US Senator Mel Martinez, former Miami Dolphin Dan Marino, Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and Florida Attorney General candidates Dan Gelber and Pam Bondi.

Source:  The Credit Report with Bill Lewis - Highlands Today, an edition of the Tampa Tribune.  http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2010/may/17/unclaimed-funds-great-florida-treasure-hunt/news-newbusiness/

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William E. Lewis Jr., is a credit repair expert with Credit Restoration Consultants and host of "The Credit Report with Bill Lewis" on AM 1470 WWNN, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues.

Debt collectors can no longer claim ignorance of the law as an excuse for violating the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) while attempting to collect a debt.

On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court handed down a ruling that severely restricts the "bona fide error" defense under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for debt collectors that send erroneous collection notices.

In a 7-2 ruling, the high court ruled that collection law firms could not use misinterpretations of the law in a "bona fide error" defense under the FDCPA.

In the matter of Jerman v. Carlisle, McNellie, Rini, Kramer & Ulrich, Karen Jerman sued an Ohio law firm for violating the FDCPA when it attempted to foreclose on her home following payment on the mortgage. In its initial collection notice, the law firm sought written proof that Jerman paid her Countrywide Home Loans mortgage. Absent proof of payment or a written dispute within 30 days, the debt would be presumed valid. Jerman hired an attorney to meet the written requirement, although the FDCPA does not explicitly require consumers to submit disputes in writing.

Specializing in real estate and foreclosure law, Carlisle admitted that its initial validation notice intended dispute claims to be submitted in writing. After Jerman sued, the firm argued that it should not be held liable under the FDCPA because the violation was an unintentional or "bona fide error." Carlisle defended the matter asserting a "safe harbor protection" stating they were unaware that "written" disputes were not required under the FDCPA.

Although consumers are often instructed by debt collectors to submit written disputes, no such language exists under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. In this instance, Carlisle argued that said "bona fide error" was the result of a clerical mistake.

The lower court sided with Jerman, noting that while Carlisle had violated the FDCPA, it was not liable under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for damages as the violation was unintentional or a "bona fide error." An appeals court decision affirmed that ruling, sending the case to the United States Supreme Court.

In an opinion written for the 7-2 majority by Justice Sonya Sotomayor, the high court stated that "ignorance of the law will not excuse any person, either civilly or criminally." Carlisle had argued that misinterpretations of the law were written into the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Sotomayor and the majority disagreed, noting that ignorance of the law was not explicitly written into the FDCPA.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, in a dissent joined by Justice Samuel Alito Jr., said the high court's decision "aligns the judicial system with those who would use litigation to enrich themselves at the expense of attorneys who strictly follow and adhere to professional and ethical standards."But Sotomayor spoke directly to that objection in the majority opinion, writing, "We do not foresee that our decision today will place unmanageable burdens on lawyers practicing in the debt collection industry."

"Debt collectors should be treated like anyone else when violating a federal statute," said Scott Kleiman, a foreclosure defense attorney with Kalis & Kleiman. "The Supreme Court decision keeps intact an important reason for debt collectors to abide by the law. While strong financial incentives encourage the collection of delinquent debts, continued unlawful behavior will not be excused and punished to the fullest extent of the law."

The case originated when Carlisle - acting as a debt collector - sent a notice and foreclosure complaint to Jerman, requiring her to submit any dispute "in writing" within 30 days. The "in writing" language was included in the notice based upon legal authority from other jurisdictions. 

Although Countrywide Home Loans subsequently dismissed the foreclosure action, Jerman turned to the Icove Legal Group, a Cleveland-based public interest law firm that filed a class-action suit on behalf of her and other homeowners who received the erroneous notice. "This case will have a far-reaching impact within the debt collection industry as consumer laws in a number of states have 'bona fide error' statutes identical to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act," stated attorney Ed Icove, in applauding the 7-2 majority decision.

The entire United States Supreme Court opinion can be read at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/09pdf/08-1200...

Source:  The Credit Report with Bill Lewis - Highlands Today, an edition of the Tampa Tribune. http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2010/apr/25/us-supreme-court-rules-against-debt-collector/columns-welewisjr/

William E. Lewis Jr., is a credit repair expert with Credit Restoration Consultants and host of "The Credit Report with Bill Lewis" on AM 1470 WWNN, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues.

Have you ever been denied credit, goods, benefits, services, employment and/or insurance?  Do you have a problem with "free" credit reports that are often bundled with credit scores and/or credit monitoring services and steep monthly fees?  If so, you are not alone.

As part of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the Credit Card Act of 2009), advertisements for credit reports will soon require enhanced disclosures to help consumers avoid confusing "free" offers.  These offers often require consumers to spend money on credit scores and/or credit monitoring while the "no-strings-attached" credit reports available through the central source at www.AnnualCreditReport.com are truly free to consumers once every 12 months.

Effective April 1, 2010, the Federal Trade Commission's Free Credit Reports Rule will require a prominent and enhanced disclosure in advertisements for "free" credit reports.  Specifically, all websites offering "free" credit reports must include - across the top of any page that mentions them - a disclosure stating:

THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Read more at FTC.GOV
You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com
or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law.

The website disclosure must include a clickable button to "Take me to the authorized source" at www.AnnualCreditReport.com as well as clickable links to the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

Under recent legislation, the Credit Card Act of 2009 required the Federal Trade Commission to issue a rule to prevent deceptive marketing of "free" credit reports.  Specifically, the Act requires that certain advertisements for "free" credit reports include prominent disclosures designed to prevent consumers from confusing these so-called "free" offers with the federally mandated "free" annual credit reports available through the "centralized source," which is www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

The Federal Trade Commission proposed amending the rule in late 2009 and received more than a thousand comments from consumers, consumer reporting agencies, consumer report resellers, business and trade organizations, state attorneys general, consumer advocates, law firms, members of Congress, and academics. Most of these comments were in favor of change and enhanced disclosure requirements.

The amended rule also restricts practices that might mislead or confuse consumers as they attempt to obtain their federally mandated "free" annual credit report. The consumer reporting agencies of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will now be required to delay the advertising of any products and/or services at the central source until the consumer has successfully obtained their "free" annual credit report.

Except for the wording of the disclosures for television and radio advertisements, which takes effect on September 1, 2010, the new rule is effective April 1, 2010.  The Federal Trade Commission will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the amended rule as well as the required disclosures and may consider additional changes as deemed necessary in the normal course of affairs.

Information contained in credit reports may determine whether a consumer can obtain credit, goods, benefits, services, employment and/or insurance.  As such, it is important that consumers review their credit reports and correct any information that is inaccurate, erroneous, obsolete, and/or fraudulent. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union are required to provide consumers with a "free" annual credit report once every 12 months, but only upon request.  To learn more about their right to a "free" credit report under federal law, consumers are encouraged to visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov/freereports.

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William E. Lewis Jr., is a credit repair expert and host of "The Credit Report with Bill Lewis" on AM 1470 WWNN, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues.

The days of simply opening up shop and starting a loan modification business have come to an end in Florida. Individuals or businesses providing loan modification services must now be licensed as a mortgage broker by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) in order to conduct business.

The Florida legislature recently passed Senate Bill SB 2226. This law makes significant changes to Florida's mortgage brokerage law - Chapter 494, Florida Statutes - effective January 1, 2010. In particular, the new law specifically covers negotiation of existing loans as being part of the duties of a mortgage broker. As such, any individual or business attempting to negotiate a loan mortgage modification in Florida will require a license through OFR. Additionally, there are new disclosures required in order to perform a loan modification - large type print on contracts and a three day rescission period are among a few of the changes.

The new law also requires "loan originators" to obtain a license. Prior to the amended law, there was a large loophole that allowed salaried employees of a mortgage broker to act as loan originators and still receive compensation for bringing a borrower and lender together. Although this section of the law phases in on October 1, 2010, hundreds of individuals have submitted applications to the OFR to become compliant.

The new law was sparked by hundreds of complaints filed with the state attorney general's office in Tallahassee. While only 59 complaints were filed in 2008, the number skyrocketed to approximately 3,750 this year, according to Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who recently appeared on the Credit Report with Bill Lewis on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida.

In an effort to combat the rampant increase in foreclosure rescue scams within an industry previously unregulated, General McCollum sued three Miami-Dade County foreclosure rescue firms - and the attorneys who worked for them - alleging that they charged advance "qualifying payments" as high as $1,299 to perform loan modifications in violation of state law. Filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on December 17, 2009, the suit also claims the company required clients to set up escrow accounts for additional fees and deceived them by implying the money was for legal representation.

After receiving numerous complaints - the majority originating from consumers outside Florida - the attorney general began investigating Kirkland Young LLC in July, 2009. State regulators soon realized that the business was affiliated with ABK Consultants Inc. and Attorney Aid LLC, which were also named in the suit. Although located in Miami-Dade, the businesses solicited customers nationwide. The legal action seeks to shut down the three companies, a $10,000 fine for each violation of state law, as well as restitution for consumers scammed in the process. Although in receivership, Kirkland Young has also been sued by the Federal Trade Commission.

Through November 30, 2009 South Florida ranks fourth in the nation for home loan modifications, with 34,860 under President Barack Obama's Making Home Affordable Program. Nationwide, 24 percent of the 3.3 million homes with distressed loans have been modified, according to a U.S. Department of the Treasury report. While the new law is not going to eliminate loan modification scams completely, it will make them more difficult. In the first half of 2009, the Miami-Dade County's Mortgage Fraud Task Force was handling more than 200 cases of loan modification fraud. In 2008, the Miami-Dade field office of the FBI had the second-highest number of mortgage fraud reports in the country with 5,155 reported instances.

In an ideal world, one would not worry about the recession, high unemployment rates, the foreclosure epidemic and the never ending debt load carried by the average American. In what has been commonly referred to as the "Year of the Consumer," 2010 has a lot to offer in the way of federally mandated "changes" as it relates to the credit card industry.

With less than 30 days until enactment of The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 creditors and financial institutions are doing their very best at circumventing the new law, also known by its short title - The Credit Card Act of 2009. Are you aware of your rights and protections under the new law?

There are several positive changes that will have an impact on how each and every American utilizes their credit cards, debit cards - even their gift card.

Consumer Protection

· Retroactive and/or retrospective interest rate increases will be banned except when a cardholder is more than 60 days delinquent in paying a credit card bill.

· A credit card issuer must review the cardholder's account six months after increasing the interest rate and return the annual percentage rate to the prior lower level if the all payments have been submitted on time.

· An interest rate cannot be increased within the first 12 months of account existence and promotional rates must have a minimum of 6 months in duration.

· An advance notice of 45 days must be provided to the cardholder prior to significant changes in credit card terms and conditions. This includes any reward or benefit structure of a credit card.

· The practice commonly known as universal default and double-cycle billing are no longer allowed.

· Bills must be sent out no later than 21 days before the due date.

· Payments cardholder makes must be credited as on time if the payment is received by 5 P.M. on the due date. All due dates that occur on a weekend or holiday are extended until the next business day.

• All over limit fees are now prohibited unless the cardholder specifically opts to allow processing of a transaction rather than being denied at a point of sale.

Enhanced Consumer Disclosures

· A clear disclosure on how long it would take to pay off a credit card balance if cardholder makes only the minimum payment each month must be provided.

· A clear disclosure on the total cost of interest and principal payments if a cardholder makes only the minimum payment each month must be provided.

• Any late payment deadline and/or postmark due date are required to be clearly shown and provided to cardholders.

Protection of Young Consumers

· Credit cards can no longer be issued to individuals under the age of 21 unless they have an adult co-signer or show proof that they have the means to repay the debt through a reasonable income.

· All college students will be required to receive permission from parents and/or guardians to increase a credit limit on joint accounts they hold with those individuals.

• Individuals under the age of 21 will now be protected from pre-screened credit card offers unless they specifically opt-in for said offers.

Gift Cards

· Gift cards are now required to remain active for at least five years from the day of their initial activation.

· Dormancy or inactivity fees may no longer be imposed on gift cards unless there has been no activity in a 12-month period.

· Dormancy or inactivity fees must be clearly disclosed to gift card buyers upon purchase.

• Should a gift card expires after 5 years, the terms of expiration must be clearly disclosed to gift card buyers upon purchase.

The majority of the new rules under the Credit Card Act of 2009 will be take effect 9 months after the signing of the bill, which - in this instance - puts the effective date as February 22, 2010. The remaining provisions will become effective on August 22, 2010.

William E. Lewis, Jr., is a credit repair expert and host of "The Credit Report with Bill Lewis" on AM 1470 WWNN, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues. The Credit Report is brought to you by Credit Restoration Consultants - the leading credit restoration firm in South Florida. If you are having credit problems, if your bills are out of hand, or if you just want a credit check up, call CRC at (954) 581-5050 or visit them online at http://www.TalkAboutCredit.com

The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain announced today that they will host LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!  This 2^nd annual fundraising event will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 6:00PM -11:00PM at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, 250 Raquet Club Road, Weston, FL 33326.

The red carpet attired evening will include cocktail hour, music, dancing, entertainment, sit down dinner, silent auction, white hot casino tables, and cash bar.  Cost to attend is $100.00 per plate.

Children's limited life experiences and immature language skills often leave them confused, scared and silent during times of difficulty and tragedy.  Realizing a child's first written language is coloring and drawing, The Foundation for Coloring Away Pain was founded to help children open up.  Whether it is a community devastated by a hurricane or a child who has lost their parent to senseless violence, it is our hope to help children cope and encourage them to tell their story through drawing and coloring.

"Because we don't know when or where disaster will strike we need to be always ready to assist the children, our goal with this year's event is to raise enough funds to pre-print a certain amount of coloring books so that we can respond even quicker," says Kim Herrick, CEO and President.

For tickets and more information please visit www.coloringawaypainfoundation.org click on "events" or through mail at Foundation for Coloring Away Pain PO Box 279051 Miramar FL 33027-9051   

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If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kimberly Pressley-Herrick, please call (954) 907-9476 or e-mail at kim@coloringawaypain.com.

Outstanding Couples of South Florida to be Honored at 2009 Finest Couples Gala

South Florida's most outstanding couples will be honored for their success in business, leadership in the community, and unparalleled support of charitable causes.  The CF Foundation will celebrate the couples' power in partnership and recognize their accomplishments on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale.

This year's event co-chair persons are Jennifer and William E. Lewis, Jr., and Eileen and Chip LaMarca.  The couples being honored include: Catalina and Freddie Avalos, Robin and John Bartleman, Tony Beall and Ray Birbilas, Rhonda and Adam Black, Cheryl and Michael Brown, Tamara and John Chase, Carole and Governor Charlie Crist, Marlene and Pedro Dijols, Danielle and Nick DiNicola, Stephanie and Commissioner Angel Gomez, Pauline and Juan Carlos Gomez, Genesi and Julio Gonzalez, Barbara and Hal Hammel, Lisa and Derek Hayward, Karen and Joe Hillman, Cyndie and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Trina Robinson and Clarence McKee, Melissa and Congressman Adam Putnam, Summer and Jim Robertson, Sharon Glazer and David Singer, Kristi Krueger and Todd Templin, Sheryl and Bruce Udolf, Michelle Seyez and Alan Jay Wildstein. 

The fifth annual gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and a tribute to the honorees.  Following presentations of South Florida's Finest Couples, guests at this black-tie optional event will have the opportunity to mingle while dancing the night away to EOEntertainment. This year's sponsors include Publix Supermarkets and Credit Restoration Consultants.

Tickets to attend South Florida's Finest Couples are available for $200 each or $1,750.00 for a table of ten.  For more information about the event, to purchase tickets, or to find out about the available sponsorship opportunities, please call Jennifer Tate at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation office at (954) 739-5006 or email jtate@cff.org                                              

WHAT:  South Florida's Finest Couples

WHEN: Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 S.E. 17^th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

About CF and the CF Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis.  CF is a genetic disease that can lead to life-threatening lung infections and digestive problems.  Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation funds CF research, has more than 80 chapter and branch offices throughout the country, and supports and accredits a nationwide network of CF care centers, which provide vital treatments and other CF resources to patients and families.  For more information, please visit www.cff.org.

A tale of April Fool's at AM 1470 WWNN didn't go over well with morning drive hosts Steve Kane and Brian Craig of the "Steve Kane Show" in south Florida.  From the radio waves to the telephone lines, an April Fool's prank played by fellow host Bill Lewis of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" didn't sit well with Steve and Brian.  In a joke that spanned almost a week, it was only on April 2^nd that fellow hosts and listeners alike learned that Bill Lewis had not left the station and his long standing show on financial issues. 

Although not a holiday in its own right, April Fool's Day or All Fools Day as it is called in several countries, is celebrated on April 1^st.  It is a day that is marked by the commission of hoxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on family, friends, co-workers, enemies and neighbors.  The aim of April Fool's is to embarrass the weak and gullible.  In light of the April 1^st date itself, certain pranks require intense planning and cooperation of others to remain credible. 

As the longtime host of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida, Bill Lewis has provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics for over five years.  On occasion, Bill has hosted politicians such as Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Charlie Crist, Alex Sink, and Bill McCollum in addition to local politicians seeking election or retention in office.  Throughout the years, Bill's show has strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In a scheme that involved station management, Bill Lewis sought to strengthen his listener base and to consolidate the topics hosted.  If Bill's show was to evolve, the name had to be changed.  Gone was the name "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour."   Born was "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis, a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends and cutting edge issues.  In contemplation of said change, Bill Lewis announced to his listeners a week in advance that the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" was voluntarily coming off the air on Tuesday, March 31^st and that an unknown host was replacing him.  Lending credibility to the prank was a detailed on-air conversation with station manager Bob Morency on his "last day" in which Bill ridiculed Beasley Broadcasting and AM 1470 WWNN in general.

On April 1st, Bill Lewis was replaced by Liberal Barry and Nat Trayger of "Middle Ground" - a weekend show on AM 1470 WWNN that is considered polar opposite to the "Steve Kane Show."  In fact, show hosts Barry Murray and Nat Trayger spend their entire existence dissecting the ramblings of Steve and Brian.  What a way to pay tribute to the existing hosts of the Steve Kane Show!  What a day for Steve and Brian thinking arch-rivals Liberal Barry and Nat Trayger had replaced Bill Lewis immediately following their show each and every morning.  It would be a full 24 hours before the cat was out of the bag.

In an April Fool's joke that had everyone wondering why Bill was leaving the air, "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis was born on April 2^nd.  Gone was the company name that no longer represented the true nature and intent of the show.  Gone were the personal viewpoints that adversely impacted Bill's credit restoration business.  Although disclaimers touted that the "personal viewpoints of the host, guests, and callers were not those of the station management" it may never be known how many listeners were turned off by Bill Lewis and his rude, arrogant, annoying and obnoxious viewpoints.

Have you grown tired of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour?"  You can now tune into "The Credit Report" with Bill Lewis weekdays at 9am and 9pm on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida.  As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, your opinion matters.  Talk lines are open at (888) 565-1470 and for those outside the local area, you can listen live at www.WWNNRadio.com.

Experts are talking recession and families are wondering how to protect their financial security.  With the foreclosure epidemic, unemployment at an all time high, and Congress scrambling to bail out the financial industry, many consumers are experiencing severe stress as it relates to their economic stability and general well being.  Although gasoline prices have fallen into the low $2.30 range, the economy is struggling with food prices and professional services that have increased at alarming rates.  As a result, many families have scaled back on their spending to include only the necessities.

In an ever worsening economy your good name and reputation within the community is becoming more important.  Creditors have tightened their guidelines effectively barring millions of Americans from borrowing money.  Even those with excellent credit are experiencing reduced credit limits and closed equity lines.  Mortgage lenders, auto finance companies, credit card issuers and banks have all raised the bar.  Borrowers with low credit scores can expect to be denied or to pay significantly higher interest rates than those with excellent credit.  Long gone are the days of obtaining credit, goods, benefits, services and/or employment with a 620 credit score.  In more instances than not, a consumer will be denied if they maintain a credit score lower than 720.

The terms credit repair, credit restoration and/or credit rehabilitation are somewhat synomous.  Those with bad credit cannot afford to ignore the potential benefits of credit repair.  In today's society, credit repair is more important than ever.  Approximately 78% of credit profiles contain some sort of error or omission materially impacting credit worthiness.  As such, one would be wise to at least explore retaining a reputable credit service organization in the restoration of their own good name and reputation within the community.  With that said, Credit Restoration Consultants may be that credit service organization.

Credit Restoration Consultants is a credit service organization specializing in the restoration of consumer credit worthiness as well as identity theft.  We assist consumers in achieving a favorable financial credit profile. Everything we do is legal utilizing laws enacted by Congress to dispute negative, erroneous, obsolete, and/or fraudulent information contained within your consumer credit profile.

Utilizing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, Credit Restoration Consultants will assist a consumer in the submission of disputes electronically, verbally and in writing to the Equifax, Experian and Trans Union consumer reporting agencies in addition to creditors, collection agencies, third-party record providers and state/federal/private regulatory authorities.  Keep in mind that anything Credit Restoration Consultants can do - you can do yourself.  Where Credit Restoration Consultants has the edge is the fact that we possess the education, knowledge and a source proven method which yields results.

Unlike most credit service organizations that submit the same written dispute letters monthly, Credit Restoration Consultants has devised a strategy whereby disputes are submitted electronically, verbally and in writing over a six month period to the credit reporting agencies, creditors, collectors, and third-party record providers reporting negative, inaccurate, obsolete and/or erroneous information.  Utilizing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in addition to laws applicable to a particular state, Credit Restoration Consultants has obtained thousands of deletions and updates for its clients.  Credit Restoration Consultants can help remove erroneous and/or inaccurate judgments, liens, bankruptcies, student loans, inquiries, derogatory tradelines, personal identifiers and more!  While the credit restoration process can take anywhere from 30 days to six months, most clients see dramatic results in 45-60 days.

Credit repair, credit restoration and/or credit rehabilitation is as legal as pleading "not guilty" in a court of law.  With that said, one must understand that as a credit service organization Credit Restoration Consultants is not a law firm and that none of its employees is an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.  As such, Credit Restoration Consultants cannot provide legal advice nor represent any individual before any court or in any legal proceeding.  In the event that legal representation is required, Credit Restoration Consultants may provide an appropriate attorney referral for consultation.

Still not convinced as to the benefit of utilizing Credit Restoration Consultants in the restoration of your good name and reputation within the community?  You should tune into the Credit Restoration Consultants Hour with credit repair expert Bill Lewis.  Bill can be heard weekday's on the 9's - both 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. eastern time - on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida. For those listening online, streaming audio can be accessed at www.wwnnradio.com/  by clicking on the listen live link.

For more information on Credit Restoration Consultants or to discuss the $1,499.00 Internet special, please contact us at (954) 581-5050 or online at www.talkaboutcredit.com

Credit Restoration Consultants - a credit service organization specializing in the restoration of consumer credit worthiness and identity theft - has a long proud history of volunteer service.  Our volunteers are working to meet the needs of their neighborhoods and the community by participating as committee members or volunteers in the Weston Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society event, as well as with the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.

In recognition of these outstanding achievements, Credit Restoration Consultants is proud to announce the availability of the President's Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment.  Established in 2003, this new Award is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.  

Credit Restoration Consultants has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers.  As a Certifying Organization of the President's Volunteer Service Award, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the Award criteria.

"Credit Restoration Consultants is extremely proud to join the President of the United States in recognizing the volunteers who consistently take the time to make a difference in the lives of others," said William E. Lewis, Jr., president of Credit Restoration Consultants "Volunteers strengthen America and inspire others to get involved.  We are proud to honor our volunteers who are answering the call with this Award." 

Children, adults, families and groups can receive the Award and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements (see sidebar).  To qualify for the President's Volunteer Service Award, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to Credit Restoration Consultants (under organization number JQZ-25158) and we will verify the service and deliver the Award. 

Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of Credit Restoration Consultants, the Weston Relay for Life, or the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.  In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year.  The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within 12 months; recipients can qualify for a new Award each year.

"Our volunteers should strive to earn the President's Volunteer Service Award every year," said William E. Lewis, Jr.  "Even if you've never volunteered before, the Award is within your reach.  In fact, the strength and success of our nation depends on every one of us taking an active role in the community where we live.  You can also help strengthen America by asking your friends, families and neighbors to join you in helping your community.  Most people say ‘yes' if asked to volunteer - all it takes is a personal request."

The President's Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation - created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation.  To learn more and find out how to qualify for the Award, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov and enter the Credit Restoration Consultants section under organization number JQZ-25158.

SIDEBAR

To be eligible to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award, applicants' service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization.  There are three levels of the Award varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:

Kids - 14 and younger                                       

Bronze Award       50 - 74 hours

Silver Award         75 - 99 hours

Gold Award           100 or more hours

Young Adults - Ages 15 - 25

Bronze Award       100 - 174 hours

Silver Award         175 - 249 hours

Gold Award           250 or more hours

Adults - Ages 26 and up    

Bronze Award       100 - 249 hours

Silver Award         250 - 499 hours

Gold Award           500 or more hours

Families and Groups (two or more people)*

Bronze Award       200 - 499 hours

Silver Award         500 - 999 hours

Gold Award           1,000 or more hours

*Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total

President's Call to Service Award

Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more volunteer service hours over the course of their lifetime are eligible to receive the President's Call to Service Award.