Learning Lab

Promises, Pitfalls and Protections: Navigating Predatory Debt Repair Practices

Predatory debt settlement and debt repair companies often target financially distressed consumers with promises of reduced debt, improved credit, and quick financial relief--while leaving many clients in deeper financial hardship, facing lawsuits, damaged credit, and mounting fees. Participants will learn how debt settlement and credit repair schemes operate and will leave with actionable guidance for intake screening, litigation and negotiation strategies, and trauma-informed approaches to assisting vulnerable clients navigating significant financial distress.

  • Upon completion, participant will be able to identify common debt settlement and debt repair schemes and red flags during client intake.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to understand key federal and state consumer protections.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to evaluate litigation and advocacy options.

Angel Kwaterski, Atty

Angel Kwaterski, Atty

Attorney

Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.

Angel Kwaterski is an attorney at Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW), where she has dedicated the past 9 years to advancing consumer justice across the state. Having worked in three of LAW’s offices, she now provides statewide leadership, mentorship, and training on consumer law matters, while continuing to directly represent individuals facing issues such as auto fraud, financial exploitation, debt collection abuses, predatory sales practices, and bankruptcy. Angel is deeply passionate about protecting consumers and ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to fair, honest financial systems. Her work is driven by a commitment to holding bad actors accountable and empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. This passion extends beyond her direct client work into broader advocacy, collaboration, and education efforts Angel earned her Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University in 2013 and her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School (now UIC) in 2016. She currently serves as Wisconsin Co-Chair for the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), sits on the State of Wisconsin’s FTC Consumer Fraud Taskforce, and is a member of the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission’s Consumer Debt Collection Taskforce, in addition to participating in several interdisciplinary teams focused on consumer protection.
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