Debt Collector Using Illegal Tactics

News10 in Sacramento reported on a debt collector, Jeff McCoon, who is alleged to have used illegal liens to get people to pay on debts. Apparently, Mr. McCoon is facing 132 felony charges in Orange County this summer. His illegal tactic: placing liens on properties under the UCC for unsecured credit card debt.

There is a lesson to be learned here. First, check your property and see if there are liens. A title insurance company can do this for you relatively easily. Once every one or two years probably makes sense. Second, if someone does claim a lien, get the supporting documents, including a copy of the court file. If there isn't one, talk to an attorney immediately. An illegal lien is criminal, and can subject the person to a civil lawsuit.