Any person collecting third-party debts, and reposessors of collateral due to another person must be registered as a collection agency. 350 collection agencies were registered in Oregon as of November 1, 1998. Anyone who directly or indirectly solicits, offers to take, or takes anything of value of debtors to assist them in taking care of their debts must be registered as a debt consolidation agency. Non-profit agencies must provide a fidelity bond. For-profit agencies must provide a surety bond.
Most registrants are consumer credit counseling agencies.
17 companies are registered in Oregon. Credit Services Organizations, Oregon Revised Statute 646.380 to 646.396 Companies that provide credit repair services, including those who sell, provide, or represent to improve a person's credit must be registered. A contract agreement must be provided to the customer, that includes a three-day right of cancellation. The 1997 legislature amended the Seller of Travel Law to provide for a voluntary program of certifying associations of sellers which meet certain minimum consumer protection standards which are enumerated in the law. Currently no associations have made application for certification.