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Public commenter warns council about local debt‑collection firms and alleged targeting of seniors
Summary
A public speaker told the committee that several debt‑collection firms are harassing city residents, including seniors, and urged the council to investigate companies she named from Cobb County enforcement actions.
A member of the public warned the Community Development Human Services Committee about what she called aggressive and predatory conduct by a set of debt‑collection firms operating in the region.
Helen Delilah Williams, who said she has lived in Vine City for more than 40 years, named Daniel Bridges, Fred Hannah and Associates and Robert Winters and referred to companies such as NCO Portfolio and Asset Acceptance. Williams alleged the firms “steal your information,” impersonate residents and harass elders, and said some companies are “a debt garnishment puppy mill.” She told the committee she wanted the council and city agencies to be aware of the firms and cited prior action in Cobb County as an example.
Committee staff acknowledged the comment and offered to have someone from staff follow up to get contact information so the city could attempt to connect Williams with appropriate resources.
Ending: The committee did not take immediate action, and staff offered to follow up with the speaker to record contact details and to explore possible next steps.
