Sec. 2.5. As used in this chapter, “debt settlement services” means any of the following services that a person performs, offers to perform, or represents, either directly or by implication, that the person will perform with respect to a debt between a buyer and one (1) or more unsecured creditors or debt collectors:

(1) A renegotiation of the debt.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 24-5-15-2.5

  • buyer: means an individual who is solicited to purchase or who purchases the services of a credit services organization. See Indiana Code 24-5-15-1
  • Interest rate: The amount paid by a borrower to a lender in exchange for the use of the lender's money for a certain period of time. Interest is paid on loans or on debt instruments, such as notes or bonds, either at regular intervals or as part of a lump sum payment when the issue matures. Source: OCC
  • person: means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a joint venture, or any other entity. See Indiana Code 24-5-15-4
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
(2) A settlement of the debt.

(3) An alteration of the terms of payment or other terms of the debt, including a reduction in the balance, interest rate, or fees owed by the buyer to the creditor or debt collector.

As added by P.L.114-2010, SEC.14.