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March 03, 2009

Business debts showing up on personal credit reports

An alarming story that is percolating slowly to the level of national coverage is the fact that more business owners are experiencing a phenomenon known as veil piercing: a term used in corporate law that describes disregard for corporate entities. In other words, small business owners who have setup a corporation to avoid personal liability are discovering that they can, in fact, be liable for certain debts. 

To better manage risk, credit card companies are becoming more aggressive in pursuing debts and are pushing the limits of their contractual abilities. Some are even overstepping legal boundaries to intimidate customers. Such coercive actions have spawned a deluge of complaints and lawsuits. 

Furthermore, small business owners are beginning to see business debts show up on their personal credit reports.  According to CreditMattersBlog.com, Discover has openly admitted to reporting business debts for placement on personal credit reports.  

In short, if you have a business loan, reread your terms.  It could be that like others who were eager to reap the benefits of easy credit, you unknowingly entered into a contract that exposes you to personal liability. 

For more information about this topic and options on how to address it, visit Credit.com

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WAY TO GO KEV. SPREAD THE WORD SO THAT PEOPLE WILL KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE BANKS. I HOPE THEY BRING YOU BACK ON THE SHOW.

Hi, Kevin. I just heard you on the radio in Atlanta. Keep up the great work, man.

As for business debts showing up on personal credit reports, I hope this doesn't happen to me or else I'll be in trouble.

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About Me

Greetings! I’m Kevin D. Johnson, a business owner who has recently assumed the role of consumer advocate and internet activist. Atlanta, Georgia is my home.

My Story

Upon returning from my wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica in October 2008, I received what I thought was an ordinary American Express bill, but to my surprise it was a disappointing letter informing me that my credit line was reduced by about 65% for a highly suspicious and discriminatory reason. Considering my excellent credit score and pristine payment history, it just didn’t make sense. However, what does make sense are the unfair and insidious policies that I have uncovered when asking why. It is time to change them.

Good Morning America tells my story.

The Goal

I created this web site to document and share my challenging journey to change what is wrong, unfair, and unjust in the credit card industry. The ultimate goal of this web site is to inform consumers of ways to stand up for themselves against treacherous business practices and to educate consumers about how to improve their credit. Finally, I hope to encourage a more open dialogue with credit card companies about their policies–good and bad.

Success

I am proud to say that this blog's unyielding demand for change led to an important amendment in the final Credit CARD Act signed by President Obama on May 22, 2009. Despite this major accomplishment, there is still more work to be done.

View video of bill hearing in Maryland

Testifying at a bill hearing in Annapolis, Maryland

Speaking Engagements

In an effort to educate as many people as possible about financial management, especially about how to manage the current credit crisis, I have begun to speak around the country at colleges, universities, corporations, chamber of commerce meetings, congressional hearings, trade organization meetings, etc. Having acquired a wealth of information that will help to empower people and to improve their financial future, I feel that sharing this information is the least I can do to make a positive impact. For information on my availability for speaking opportunities, please send an e-mail to Jennifer Silverman at jennifer@silvermanworldwide.com.


Speaking at a university

Disclaimer

All information provided on NewCreditRules.com is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for professional financial advice. Information on NewCreditRules.com is subject to change without prior notice. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, NewCreditRules.com makes no guarantees of any kind. This web site may contain information that is created and maintained by a variety of sources both internal and external. These sites are unmoderated forums containing the personal opinions and other expressions of the persons who post the entries. NewCreditRules.com does not control, monitor or guarantee the information contained in these sites or information contained in links to other external web sites, and does not endorse any views expressed or products or services offered therein. In no event shall NewCreditRules.com be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such site or resource.

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Great Resources

  1. ChangeInTerms.com

  2. Complaints.com

  3. ConsumerAffairs.com

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  5. CreditMattersBlog.com

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