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Two debt brokers have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they exposed highly sensitive information about tens of thousands of consumers while trying to sell portfolios of consumer debt on a public website. The agreements with the FTC require the defendants to abide by strict new requirements to protect consumers’ sensitive information.

In separate cases filed last year against Cornerstone and Company, LLC and its owner, Brandon Lambert, and Bayview Solutions, LLC and its owner, Aron Tomko, the FTC alleged the debt brokers posted unencrypted documents online containing consumers’ names, addresses, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and amounts the consumers allegedly owed. The sensitive data was posted on a website geared for debt buyers, sellers, and other members of the debt collection industry, but accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

The FTC’s complaints alleged that by disclosing consumers’ information online, the defendants exposed those consumers to risks ranging from identity theft to “phantom debt” collection. Phantom debt collection involves predatory debt collectors who try to extract payments from consumers without the authority to collect the debts.

In response to the FTC’s lawsuits, a federal court ordered the website hosting the sensitive information to take it down immediately. It also ordered the defendants to notify the affected consumers that their information had been exposed and of steps they could take to protect themselves.

Under the settlements, the defendants must establish and maintain security programs that will protect consumers’ sensitive personal information. In addition, the companies must have their security programs evaluated both initially and every two years by a certified third party.

The Commission votes approving the proposed stipulated final orders were 5-0. The orders are subject to court approval. The FTC filed the proposed stipulated final orders in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Buying or selling debts? Check out the FTC’s seven tips for keeping data secure.

NOTE: Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.          

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.