Debt collection reality show being developed

by Since the recent recession, many American families have struggled financially. With various reality television programs like "Hardcore Pawn" and "Pawn Stars" showing a behind-the-scenes look at short term lenders, people have become aware of new options to receive fast cash. Partially because of these shows, many individuals are now looking at the pawn sector as an acceptable way of taking out loans.
 The programs have influenced the success of many of these types of companies. Some people believe that television shows revolving around other industries could bring more exposure and more business. With this in mind, recently, creators of a reality program concerning the ins and outs of the debt collection sector began shopping their program to television networks. Reality shows often bring more business
As seen by many pawn brokers nationwide, the more exposure, the more mainstream the industry as a whole becomes. In the case of pawn shops, though they used to be seen as shady businesses, they are now sought out because of their exposure. "The pawn industry has moved forward. [A show like] 'Pawn Stars' has greatly enhanced the image," president of Larry's Pistol and Pawn Shop Rob Barnett told The Huntsville Times. "It is showing the pawn broker is a legitimate business." The new show set to hit airwaves will be called "Deadbeat Busters," according to insideARM, and is being produced by reality TV veteran Hale Storm. The show could serve to make dealing with debt collectors more acceptable to consumers, and may make them more amenable to making a deal with agents, so everyone can benefit. Cons to the show
However, other industry experts believe this show may do more harm than good in the end. While the majority of recovery service agents make sure to remain compliant with the various laws that govern the industry and look for a repayment solution that can help the consumer out, this show may not reflect those values. According to insideARM, the collection agents featured on the show will be self-professed "tough guys" and will be riding to debtors' houses in a hearse with the license plate "PAYUPNOW." The source also suggested the workers may be using harassing tactics to get people to repay amounts. Though this could make for good TV, it might not be the best reflection on the sector. Therefore, companies may want to make sure they're always compliant and are amenable to individuals' situations, so they can propagate the good nature of businesses in the sector.