Daily Digest - September 25, 2025

 🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to: Helen Kruskamp of Solutions by Text, Frank McArthur of Avtal, Mike Walter of Enova International, Alec Tilley of Goal Solutions, Seth Kelch of CACi, and David Williams of ACI Worldwide.

🎉 Congratulations to the following for starting their new positions: Aakash Shah as Vice President, Product Management, Digital Solutions at Equifax, Taylor Hatfield as Head of Growth & Social Strategy at Revenue Path Group, and Doug Marohn as Managing Director at Creditum Professional Advisory LLC.

I saw a commercial on TV this weekend. That's not the news, but that is something that doesn't happen often anymore. The commercial made the statement, "It's never been a worse time to be a problem." That really stuck with me. Between all the technology and resources that are available, answers are everywhere. Figuring out which answer is the right one can still be a challenge, but if someone is looking for an answer, there are plenty of places to look.

That's one of the reasons why I love sharing as much content as I do, because it helps provide answers. I believe a rising tide lifts all boats and it's an honor and a privilege to contribute to that tide for the credit and collection industry.

Opportunities like ComplianceCon don't come around often. Sure, there are no shortage of events aimed at this industry, but I truly believe the value that you get by coming to ComplianceCon -- 23 hours of content, CLE credits, access to experts that you don't see all the time -- offers an abundance of solutions to a wide variety of problems.

If you haven't registered yet, there is still time. I would love to see you in Nashville. If you haven't checked out the conference yet, you can see the agenda and all the speakers at compliance-con.com. It's a true problem solver.

🔖 🎓 Now with CLE Credits!

Getting to Know Jeff Schuerman

• Realizing you are good at something is a rare moment. Acting on that realization and turning it into a career is even rarer. Jeff Schuerman learned he was good at collections when he needed a job. From there, his 25-year journey has proven that staying in collections was the right choice. Read on to learn more about Jeff, why he’s likely never too far away from a guitar, and why he has his wife to thank for his new breakfast habit.

• More details here.

• This series is sponsored by TEC Services Group

A MESSAGE FROM TCN

TODAY‘S WEBINAR

UPCOMING WEBINARS

FDCPA Case Nets Plaintiff $450K in Fees After Lengthy Litigation

• A District Court judge in Pennsylvania has awarded a plaintiff more than $450,000 in attorney’s fees in a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act case, although it was well less than the $700,000 that the plaintiff was seeking.

• More details here.

Court Certifies TCPA Class of 2.2M in DNC Suit

• A District Court judge in Illinois has certified a class in a Telephone Consumer Protection Act lawsuit against a bank that allegedly made calls to the plaintiff using an automated telephone dialing system without obtaining consent and then continued to make calls after the plaintiff asked the defendant not to contact him anymore.

• More details here.

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Expand Credit Reporting to Rent and Utility Payments

• For all the talk about removing medical debt from credit reports, a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives last week that would add other types of debts to credit reports, as a means of making it easier for millions of Americans with little or no credit history to build their scores. Rep. Janelle Bynum [D-Ore.] and Rep. Young Kim [R-Calif.] have introduced the bipartisan Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025, H.R. 5402, which would expand the types of payments that count toward consumer credit histories.

• More details here.

TSI Acquires DebtNext to Enhance Technology-Enabled Revenue Recovery Solutions

• Transworld Systems Inc. (TSI), the leading technology-enabled revenue recovery outsourcing provider in the United States, announced today its acquisition of DebtNext, a premier provider of recovery management software solutions.

• More details here.

WORTH NOTING: Small businesses continue to be optimistic about the direction the economy is heading ... Perhaps to the surprise of nobody, Americans largely feel like they are behind on how much they have saved for retirement ... Perhaps to the surprise of a lot of people, Generation Z might be doing a better job of saving money than their elders ... If you have ever been curious what types of plastic surgery are most popular in different parts of the country, your prayers have been answered ... It turns out there are some positive benefits to using social media ... A look at how the states are tackling the topic of medical debt ... A new medical debt credit law is going into effect in Maryland next week ... A new twist is bringing the Coldplay kisscam couple back into the spotlight.

Top 10 Thursday, part I

Top 10 Thursday, Part II

Webinar Recap: The Different Types of Cyber Attacks and What You Need to Know About Them

Cybersecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges for the credit and collections industry, where sensitive consumer data is constantly moving between systems, vendors, and platforms. In a recent webinar, a panel of experts—including Solomon Adote (Phillips & Cohen Group), Rhett Bohling (Revco Solutions), Brad Rounding (Revco Solutions), and Mike Wright (Campus Guard)—shared their perspectives on the most common threats facing the industry and how companies can strengthen their defenses.

Panelists pointed to identity management and authentication as the most common entry points for attackers. Phishing and “MFA fatigue” attacks are increasingly successful, and experts stressed the need for phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA). As Mike Wright noted, “Compliance doesn’t equal security,” urging companies not to rely solely on box-checking audits but to invest in real-world protections.

Employee training was another recurring theme. Organizations that test their staff regularly with simulated phishing campaigns are better prepared to spot suspicious messages. Brad Rounding explained that his team runs weekly phishing tests, where failures prompt HR conversations—illustrating the seriousness of this threat.

The conversation also highlighted the growing risks of ransomware, insider threats, and third-party vendors. Adote reminded participants that “cybersecurity comes down to two fundamental principles: visibility and control.” By layering defenses and carefully vetting vendors’ detection capabilities, companies can reduce their exposure.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Upgrade MFA protections: Move to phishing-resistant authentication and avoid relying on email or SMS codes.

• Prioritize employee training: Regular phishing simulations and education reduce the risk of human error.

• Adopt defense in depth: From endpoint monitoring to encrypted backups, layered security reduces the impact when attackers get in.

Cyber threats will continue to evolve, but with the right mix of strategy, training, and layered defenses, companies can better protect consumer data and their bottom line.

Webinar Recap: How to Optimize & Maximize Responding to RFPs

In today’s competitive environment, responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) is more than a procedural task—it’s an opportunity to tell your company’s story and differentiate your value. That was the central message of the recent webinar “How to Optimize & Maximize Responding to RFPs,” moderated by Mike Gibb and featuring panelists DeAnna Busby-Rast (Authentica Group), Kelli Edmonds (Coda Business Solutions), and Kacey Rask (Phillips & Cohen Associates).

The panelists agreed that too many companies treat RFPs as a copy-and-paste exercise. Instead, successful responses require structure, collaboration, and customization. As Rask explained, “RFPs are your first date—you want to make sure you come prepared and clean.” Edmonds emphasized that the lowest price does not guarantee success: lenders seek disciplined execution, compliance, and proof of value. Busby-Rast added that a well-organized process, clear ownership, and consistent branding are essential to stand out.

Panelists also highlighted the importance of transparency. Overpromising on capabilities can damage reputations and jeopardize future business. Instead, companies should provide evidence—whether through audits, training cadences, KPIs, or real performance benchmarks—that demonstrates credibility and builds trust.

Ultimately, RFPs should be seen as the foundation of long-term partnerships. As Edmonds put it, “It’s not just about responding—it’s shaping the decision in your favor.”

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Create a structured RFP process: Assign a clear point person, involve cross-functional teams, and ensure final reviews for accuracy and consistency.

• Demonstrate value beyond price: Provide data, references, and compliance investments that show how you protect both performance and reputational risk.

• Prioritize honesty and clarity: Avoid vague claims. Be transparent about strengths and weaknesses, and focus on concise, evidence-based responses.

By treating RFPs as strategic opportunities rather than routine paperwork, organizations can strengthen credibility, build trust, and win more meaningful partnerships.

The Daily Digest is sponsored by TCN