Daily Digest - May 14, 2026

🎂 Happy Birthday to: Don Gordon of Millennium Capital and Recovery Corporation.

Logo Madness!

It’s time to crown the best logo in the industry. Full bracket available here so you can track the competition. Click on the link underneath the logo to choose your winner. Voting is open for 24 hours.

Getting to Know Bob Duggan of RevSpring

• Chances are, Bob Duggan has been to a lot more concerts than you have. And played a lot more hockey, too. Those passions have been alongside him for his entire 30-year career in the financial services industry, long after he set aside his plan to become a teacher. Read on to learn more about Bob, how he is able to juggle multiple tasks and priorities at the same time, and how he starts his day to give himself the best chance for success.

• More details here.

• This series is sponsored by TEC Services Group

A MESSAGE FROM TCN

TODAY’S WEBINAR

UPCOMING WEBINARS

CFPB Fight Intensifies as Senate Rejects Effort to Reinstate Consumer Rules

• Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a series of Democratic-led efforts to restore consumer protection policies that were rolled back after the Trump administration took control of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, underscoring the growing political and regulatory battle over the future of the agency.

• More details here.

Illinois State Court Applies Common Law Standing Standard to FDCPA Lawsuit

• In a case that was defended by David Schultz and Todd Stelter of Hinshaw & Culbertson, a Cook County judge has dismissed a proposed Fair Debt Collection Practices Act class action accusing a collection agency of improperly displaying account-related information on the outside of collection letter envelopes, finding the plaintiff lacked standing because he failed to allege a concrete injury. The ruling is notable because it applies recent Illinois Supreme Court standing analysis from an Fair Credit Reporting Act case to FDCPA claims, an issue that has become increasingly important in Illinois state court litigation.

• More details here.

Fed Report Shows Growing Financial Divide as Younger and Lower-Income Consumers Struggle

• While most Americans say they are still managing financially, a growing number of younger consumers, lower-income households, and African-American adults are showing signs of financial strain, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking.

• More details here.

Delaware Bill Would Expand Hospital Charity Care and Limit Medical Debt Collections

• Delaware lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly expand hospital financial assistance requirements while placing new restrictions on medical debt collection activity across the state.

• More details here.

Judge Dismisses FCRA Lawsuit While Criticizing Plaintiff’s Use of AI, Fake Legal Citations

• A District Court judge in Pennsylvania has dismissed a Fair Credit Reporting Act lawsuit accusing a consumer reporting agency of failing to block allegedly fraudulent accounts tied to identity theft, while also sharply criticizing the plaintiff’s court filings for including fake case citations, fabricated quotations, and apparent AI-generated legal arguments.

• More details here.

WORTH NOTING: A map breaking down the average credit score in each state ... Neanderthals didn't just make fire and tools. They were also into dentistry ... AI is going to be able to know what you need before you do ... How to, and how not to, use Dr. ChatGPT, according to an expert ... Nine products we waste money on every month ... Someone asked Reddit to vote on the regions of the United States ... A fashion expert shares how to spot quality clothing ... How to get a house for $0 in Nantucket.

Top 10 Thursday, part I

Top 10 Thursday, Part II

Webinar Recap: How AI Can Help Get Through Call Screening Technology

Call screening technology has become one of the biggest obstacles for debt collectors, with carrier-level filters, app-based blockers, and device-embedded AI reducing connect rates across the industry. In this webinar, sponsored by TCN, experts Chris Hall (Connexum) and Jesse Bird (TCN) outlined how artificial intelligence can help agencies overcome these barriers and restore meaningful consumer engagement.

Key Insights:

• Three Layers of Screening: Carriers analyze call metadata (volume, velocity, STIR/SHAKEN status), apps like Hiya and TrueCaller crowdsource complaints, and devices (Apple iOS, Google Pixel) now embed AI-driven screening. Each layer requires different strategies.

• AI as the Differentiator: Smart answering machine detection (AMD) and real-time audio classification allow agencies to detect whether they’re interacting with humans, voicemail, or device-level AI filters—enabling immediate and post-call actions.

• Omni-Channel Engagement: Outbound calls alone are no longer sufficient. Text, email, ringless voicemail, and new tools like “diversion” (direct-to-voicemail delivery) must be integrated into recovery strategies to meet consumers where they are.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Strengthen Operational Discipline: Register and manage phone numbers properly, maintain STIR/SHAKEN attestation A, and monitor metrics like Answer Seizure Ratio (ASR) to track declines.

• Adopt AI-Powered Tools: Implement smart AMD and sub-second classification to interact effectively with device-level call screening and improve connect rates.

• Expand Communication Channels: Blend voice with digital outreach—texts, emails, and voicemail diversion—to build trust and increase response rates while staying compliant.

As Chris Hall noted, “In a year from now, the bots are gonna be selling to the bots.” Agencies that prepare now with AI-driven solutions and omni-channel strategies will be best positioned to maintain consumer contact and drive recoveries.

Did you know you can get full access to all of my past webinars, along with transcripts and summaries of each, for only $29/month? Sign up to be a premium subscriber today!

The Daily Digest is sponsored by TCN