Lanternuk.com Review

Based on looking at the website, Lanternuk.com appears to be a debt collection and debt purchase company operating in the UK.

While they present themselves as understanding and flexible, and even highlight positive Trustpilot reviews and awards, the fundamental nature of their business revolves around managing and collecting existing debts, often purchased from original creditors.

From an Islamic perspective, dealing with interest-based debt riba is strictly prohibited, and participating in systems that facilitate or profit from it, such as debt purchasing or collection, is generally considered impermissible.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Focus: Debt collection and management.
• Core Business Model: Acquiring outstanding debts and arranging repayment plans with debtors.
• Ethical Stance Islamic Perspective: Highly problematic and generally impermissible due to its direct involvement with interest-based transactions riba, which are foundational to most modern debt structures. While they offer “flexible repayment plans,” the origin of the debt itself typically stems from interest-bearing loans or credit.
• Transparency: The website clearly states their purpose: “If you owe money to an organisation and have struggled to repay, they may have sold your debt to us.”
• Customer Testimonials: Features positive customer reviews on Trustpilot, emphasizing empathy and helpfulness.
• Accreditations: Mentions “Investors in Customers Gold” award and affiliation with the Credit Services Association CSA.
• Key Missing Information for a “Trusted Website”: While the website provides some contact details and links to debt advice charities, it lacks detailed transparency regarding their specific debt acquisition practices, the underlying interest structures of the debts they handle, and a comprehensive, easily accessible public record of their financial conduct beyond testimonials. For a truly trusted and ethically sound financial entity, one would expect a clear commitment to interest-free dealings and a comprehensive explanation of how they avoid Riba, which is absent here.

Lanternuk.com, despite its claims of being “award-winning and caring,” operates within a financial system heavily reliant on interest riba, which is a major concern from an Islamic financial ethics standpoint.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Lanternuk.com Review Latest Discussions & Reviews:

The website promotes solutions for managing debt that has already been incurred, likely through interest-bearing mechanisms.

This fundamentally misaligns with Islamic principles that forbid usury.

While they aim to provide a “flexible way out of debt,” the very concept of debt purchasing and collection within a riba-based framework is not permissible.

Muslims are encouraged to avoid such financial entanglements and seek truly Sharia-compliant solutions, which prioritize ethical lending, transparent transactions, and the avoidance of interest at all costs.

Engaging with companies whose core business is built upon interest-based debt, even if they offer “flexible” terms, can inadvertently support a system that is forbidden in Islam.

Here are some alternatives focused on ethical consumption and financial management that align with Islamic principles, emphasizing avoiding debt and promoting responsible, interest-free living:

• Islamic Finance Consultations
  • Key Features: Provides guidance on Sharia-compliant financial planning, investment, and debt avoidance. Focuses on ethical wealth management and understanding Islamic economic principles.
  • Average Price: Varies based on consultant, often hourly or per-project fees e.g., $100-$500 per session.
  • Pros: Direct, personalized advice on avoiding Riba. helps structure finances ethically. empowering for long-term financial well-being.
  • Cons: Can be an upfront investment. requires active engagement and learning from the individual.
• Budgeting Tools & Planners
  • Key Features: Physical planners, software, or apps that help track income, expenses, and savings goals. Encourages mindful spending and debt prevention.
  • Average Price: Free apps/basic templates to $50 premium planners/software.
  • Pros: Promotes financial discipline. helps identify areas for saving. prevents accumulation of unnecessary debt.
  • Cons: Requires consistent effort to maintain. may not offer complex financial advice.
• Books on Ethical Investing
  • Key Features: Educational resources explaining principles of socially responsible and ethically compliant investing, including Islamic finance.
  • Average Price: $15-$30 per book.
  • Pros: Self-paced learning. empowers individuals to make informed, ethical investment choices. broadens financial literacy.
  • Cons: Theoretical knowledge requires practical application. may need further research for specific opportunities.
• Financial Education Courses Online
  • Key Features: Online platforms offering courses on personal finance, wealth management, and ethical spending, often with a focus on avoiding debt.
  • Average Price: $50-$300+ for comprehensive courses.
  • Pros: Structured learning environment. covers various aspects of financial health. can lead to significant improvements in financial habits.
  • Cons: Requires commitment to complete. quality can vary between platforms.
• Charitable Giving Platforms
  • Key Features: Secure online platforms to donate to trusted charities. Promotes generosity and ethical wealth distribution, which can deter excessive spending and debt.
  • Average Price: Donations can be any amount.
  • Pros: Fosters a sense of community and responsibility. purifies wealth. indirectly promotes financial prudence.
  • Cons: Not a direct financial management tool, but a complementary ethical practice.
• DIY Home Repair & Maintenance Guides
  • Key Features: Books or online resources providing instructions for common home repairs, reducing reliance on costly professional services and associated debt.
  • Average Price: $10-$25 per guide/book.
  • Pros: Saves money. builds practical skills. encourages self-sufficiency rather than debt for repairs.
  • Cons: Requires time and effort. some tasks are best left to professionals.
• Used Goods Marketplaces e.g., eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
  • Key Features: Platforms for buying and selling pre-owned items. Encourages responsible consumption, reduces waste, and helps save money, thereby avoiding debt for new purchases.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on item.
  • Pros: Cost-effective. environmentally friendly. promotes resourcefulness.
  • Cons: Requires careful inspection of items. may involve negotiation.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Understanding the Business Model of Lanternuk.com

Lanternuk.com primarily operates within the debt collection and debt purchasing sector in the United Kingdom.

This means they are not originating new loans or credit directly to consumers.

Instead, their business model hinges on acquiring existing debts from original creditors—such as banks, credit card companies, or utility providers—who have struggled to collect these outstanding amounts.

Once Lantern UK purchases a debt, they become the legal owner and are then responsible for recovering the money from the individual who owes it.

Their website emphasizes providing “extended repayment plans” and a “flexible way out of debt,” suggesting a focus on structured repayment solutions rather than aggressive collection tactics. Butlins.com Review

What is Debt Purchasing?

Debt purchasing involves a company, like Lantern UK, buying a portfolio of delinquent accounts from another creditor for a fraction of their face value.

For instance, a bank might sell a batch of credit card debts worth £1 million for perhaps £100,000. The purchasing company then attempts to collect as much of that £1 million as possible, making a profit if they collect more than their purchase price.

This model is common in the financial industry but carries significant ethical implications, particularly when the underlying debts are interest-bearing, which is almost always the case in conventional finance.

The company’s goal is to recover the debt, and any ‘flexibility’ offered is typically within the bounds of maximizing recovery while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Why Debt Collection Raises Ethical Concerns

While debt collection is a legal and established industry, its operations often intersect with practices that are problematic from an Islamic finance perspective. The core issue revolves around riba interest, which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Most consumer debts, including credit card balances, personal loans, and even many utility arrears, accrue interest or penalties that effectively function as interest. When a debt collection agency handles these debts, they are, directly or indirectly, involved in transactions tainted by riba. Even if Lantern UK itself doesn’t charge new interest, their profit stems from acquiring and recovering debts that were originally generated and often compounded by interest. This participation in the riba-based financial system is why such companies are viewed with caution by those adhering to Islamic financial principles. Allslimmingherbs.com Review

lanternuk.com Review & First Look: A Debt Management Perspective

Upon a first look at Lanternuk.com, it quickly becomes clear that this is a company specializing in debt management and collection.

The homepage prominently features phrases like “Debt is just part of the picture,” “clear your debt with dignity,” and “set up a repayment plan.” They present a compassionate image, highlighting positive customer testimonials from Trustpilot and mentioning awards like “Investors in Customers Gold.” This positioning aims to reassure individuals who might be struggling with debt that Lantern UK is an empathetic partner rather than an intimidating collector.

Initial Impressions of User Experience

The website’s design is clean and straightforward, with clear calls to action like “MANAGE ACCOUNT” and “Let’s get started.” It prioritizes ease of use for individuals looking to understand or manage their debt.

Key information, such as why they might be contacting a person because debt was sold to them, is presented upfront.

The inclusion of links to independent debt advice charities like StepChange Debt Charity and PayPlan is a positive sign of their commitment to responsible practices within the debt industry, suggesting they encourage individuals to seek broader advice. Algotraders.io Review

Transparency and Disclosure

Lanternuk.com is quite transparent about its core function: purchasing debt. The statement “If you owe money to an organisation and have struggled to repay, they may have sold your debt to us” is direct and unambiguous. This level of upfront disclosure about their business model is commendable. However, what remains unaddressed, and is critical from an ethical standpoint, is the nature of the original debt—specifically, whether it is interest-bearing. As their business fundamentally relies on the collection of such debts, this omission is a significant factor in an Islamic review.

lanternuk.com Pros & Cons: An Ethical Evaluation

Evaluating Lanternuk.com from a purely operational standpoint, one might find several pros related to their customer service and stated approach.

However, when viewed through the lens of Islamic financial ethics, the cons heavily outweigh the pros due to the fundamental nature of their business.

Operational Strengths Non-Islamic Context

• Stated Empathy: The website emphasizes understanding and dignity in dealing with debt, which can be reassuring for individuals in financially vulnerable situations. Testimonials reinforce this perception.
• Flexible Repayment Options: Offering “extended repayment plans” could be beneficial for debtors needing structured, manageable payments to clear their obligations.
• Positive Customer Reviews: The consistent positive feedback on Trustpilot, cited on their homepage, suggests a level of customer satisfaction with their approach to debt collection.
• Accreditations and Affiliations: Being “award-winning” and affiliated with organizations like the Credit Services Association CSA lends credibility within the conventional finance sector. Their listing of independent debt advice charities is also a good practice.
• Online Account Management: Providing a “MANAGE ACCOUNT” portal likely offers convenience for customers to track their debt and payments.

Significant Concerns Islamic Context

• Involvement with Riba Interest: This is the paramount concern. Lanternuk.com’s business model is based on collecting debts that originate from interest-based loans and credit. Even if they don’t charge new interest themselves on the purchased debt, their entire operation profits from and perpetuates a system built on riba, which is explicitly forbidden in Islam. Their revenue stream is intrinsically linked to these impermissible transactions.
• Lack of Sharia Compliance: There is no mention of Sharia compliance, interest-free alternatives, or adherence to Islamic financial principles on their website. This is expected given their conventional debt collection model.
• Supporting the Riba Economy: By participating in the debt purchasing market, Lanternuk.com contributes to the broader ecosystem of interest-based finance, which Muslims are instructed to avoid supporting.
• Limited Scope of “Solution”: While they offer a way to manage existing debt, they do not address the root causes from an Islamic perspective, which would involve promoting interest-free financing and responsible consumption to avoid debt in the first place. Their solution is reactive to an existing, problematic situation, rather than proactive in preventing it.

lanternuk.com Alternatives: Sharia-Compliant Debt Avoidance and Management

Given that Lanternuk.com operates within a framework that involves interest-based debt, exploring alternatives that align with Islamic financial principles is crucial.

The best “alternative” to dealing with a company like Lanternuk.com is to avoid accumulating interest-based debt in the first place. Nektarinteractive.com Review

However, for those already in difficult situations, the focus shifts to ethical ways to manage and resolve debt without further engaging with riba.

Proactive Debt Avoidance

The most robust alternative is a proactive approach to financial management that eliminates the need for services like Lanternuk.com. This involves:

• Halal Income Streams: Earning money through permissible means, avoiding businesses involved in forbidden activities.
• Budgeting and Frugality: Living within one’s means, meticulously tracking expenses, and prioritizing needs over wants.
• Saving and Investment: Building a financial cushion through Sharia-compliant savings and investments to cover unforeseen expenses, rather than resorting to credit.
• Avoidance of Interest-Based Loans: Steering clear of conventional loans personal, car, mortgage that involve interest. This includes credit cards if they are not paid off in full each month, incurring interest.
• Islamic Home Financing: Exploring options like Murabaha, Musharaka, or Ijara from Sharia-compliant financial institutions for home purchases, which are structured to avoid interest.

Managing Existing Debt Ethically When Already Incurred

If one unfortunately finds themselves in interest-based debt, the focus shifts to minimizing its impact and resolving it as quickly as possible. This often involves:

• Prioritizing Debt Repayment: Making debt repayment a top financial priority, especially for high-interest debts.
• Seeking Independent, Ethical Advice: Consulting with a financial advisor who understands Islamic finance or seeking guidance from reputable Islamic charities that offer financial counseling. Organisations like National Debtline UK or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau US can offer general debt advice, though they won’t specifically address Islamic principles. For Sharia-specific advice, seek out local Islamic scholars or reputable Islamic finance institutions.
• Negotiating with Original Creditors: Sometimes, it is possible to negotiate with the original creditor for a payment plan that waives future interest, especially if a lump sum payment can be made. This is preferable to having the debt sold to a third party.
• Charitable Assistance: In extreme cases of hardship, some Islamic charities may offer Zakat funds or other forms of assistance to help individuals clear their debts, particularly if they are unable to repay and face severe distress.
• Qard Hasan Benevolent Loan: Seeking a benevolent loan interest-free loan from family, friends, or an Islamic microfinance institution to clear an existing interest-bearing debt. The borrower then repays the Qard Hasan without any interest.

How to Avoid Debt That Leads to Companies Like Lanternuk.com

The best defense against dealing with debt collection agencies like Lanternuk.com is to prevent the accumulation of problematic debt in the first place.

This requires a robust financial strategy rooted in Islamic principles of moderation, self-sufficiency, and ethical transactions. Swap.gg Review

Embrace a Cash-Based or Debt-Free Lifestyle

• Pay with What You Have: Prioritize purchasing items with cash or from your savings rather than credit. If you don’t have the money for something, reconsider if you truly need it or save until you can afford it without debt.
• Emergency Fund: Build a substantial emergency fund 3-6 months of living expenses to cover unexpected costs like job loss or medical emergencies. This prevents resorting to high-interest loans when crises strike. Statistics from the Federal Reserve often show a significant portion of the population unable to cover a $400 emergency, highlighting the pervasive issue of insufficient savings.
• Avoid Credit Cards: If credit cards are used, ensure they are paid off in full every single month to avoid any interest charges. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid them entirely.

Strategic Financial Planning

• Detailed Budgeting: Create a comprehensive budget that tracks every dollar of income and expenditure. Tools like budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets can help. Regularly review your budget to identify areas for cost-cutting.
• Distinguish Needs vs. Wants: Critically evaluate purchases. Are they essential for survival and well-being needs, or are they discretionary items wants? Prioritizing needs helps curb impulsive spending.
• Delay Gratification: Instead of buying something immediately on credit, practice saving up for larger purchases. This fosters financial discipline and reduces the likelihood of debt.
• Understand Financial Contracts: Before signing any agreement, especially for loans or services, meticulously read and understand all terms and conditions. Look for hidden fees, interest rates, and penalty clauses. If in doubt, seek advice from a trusted financial expert who understands your ethical concerns.

Ethical Financial Product Choices

• Halal Loans Qard Hasan: For genuine necessities where funds are short, seek interest-free loans Qard Hasan from family, friends, or community organizations, where available.
• Islamic Finance Institutions: For major purchases like homes or cars, explore financing options offered by Sharia-compliant banks or institutions that utilize structures like Murabaha, Ijara, or Musharaka, which are designed to avoid interest. Research from institutions like the Islamic Finance Council UK can provide insights into these products.
• Takaful Islamic Insurance: Opt for Takaful instead of conventional insurance, as Takaful is based on principles of mutual cooperation and avoids elements of interest, uncertainty, and gambling.

Lanternuk.com Pricing: Understanding the Cost of Debt

Lanternuk.com does not publish a “pricing” structure in the traditional sense, as they are not offering a service for which you pay a direct fee upfront. Instead, their “cost” to you is the repayment of the debt they have acquired. When Lanternuk.com purchases a debt from an original creditor, they do so at a discount. For example, they might buy a £1,000 debt for £100. Their profit comes from collecting more than the £100 they paid. If they collect the full £1,000, their profit is £900.

How Lanternuk.com Recovers Costs and Makes Profit

• Debt Purchase Model: Their revenue is derived from the difference between the deeply discounted price they pay for a debt portfolio and the amount they successfully collect from debtors. This means every pound you repay to them contributes directly to their profit.
• Negotiated Repayment Plans: While they emphasize “flexible repayment plans,” these plans are ultimately structured to ensure they recover the principal amount of the debt or as much of it as possible that they now own. They are not offering you a “service fee” for managing your debt. they are collecting their asset the debt.
• No New Interest on Purchased Debt: Typically, once a debt is sold to a debt purchaser, additional interest or penalties are not added by the debt purchaser themselves. However, the original debt usually contained interest that led to its accumulation, and Lantern UK is collecting that underlying, interest-based principal. The critical point is that they are recovering debt that was largely built on interest.

The True “Cost” from an Islamic Perspective

The “cost” of dealing with companies like Lanternuk.com, from an Islamic perspective, is far more significant than just the monetary repayment. It represents:

• Involvement in Riba: The act of repaying debt to a company whose entire business model relies on the purchase of interest-bearing obligations means continued involvement in a system that promotes riba.
• Loss of Blessing Barakah: Engaging with forbidden financial practices can lead to a lack of barakah blessings in one’s wealth and life, even if one eventually becomes debt-free.
• Ethical Compromise: It necessitates interacting with a system that contradicts fundamental Islamic economic principles, potentially desensitizing individuals to the gravity of riba.

Therefore, while Lanternuk.com doesn’t have a visible “pricing” list for consumers, the cost is the ongoing financial and ethical burden of repaying a debt within a system that is fundamentally misaligned with Islamic teachings.

The best strategy remains preventing such debt from accruing and seeking Sharia-compliant solutions if already incurred.

How to Cancel lanternuk.com Subscription or Free Trial N/A

It’s important to clarify that Lanternuk.com is not a subscription service, nor do they offer a free trial. Therefore, the concepts of “canceling a subscription” or “canceling a free trial” do not apply to their operations. Osborneslaw.com Review

Lanternuk.com is a debt collection and debt purchasing company. This means:

• They acquire debt: They purchase existing debts from original creditors like banks or credit card companies.
• You owe them money: If they contact you, it’s because they now own a debt that you previously owed to another organization. You are not “subscribing” to their service. you are obligated to repay the debt that is now legally theirs.
• Your goal is repayment, not cancellation: The objective when dealing with Lanternuk.com is to clear the outstanding debt you owe them, not to cancel a service.

What “Managing Your Account” Entails

When the website mentions “MANAGE ACCOUNT” or “set up a repayment plan,” it refers to the process of:

• Viewing your debt: Accessing details about the specific debt they have acquired from you.
• Setting up a payment schedule: Arranging how and when you will repay the outstanding amount.
• Making payments: Facilitating one-off or regular payments towards your debt.

Therefore, if you are looking for information on how to stop dealing with Lanternuk.com, it means you are looking for ways to settle your debt with them, rather than cancel a subscription. Once the debt is fully repaid, your obligation to Lanternuk.com ceases.

From an Islamic perspective, the aim is to repay the debt as quickly and efficiently as possible to free oneself from the burden of riba-tainted obligations and to fulfill one’s financial responsibilities.

FAQ

What is Lanternuk.com?

Lanternuk.com is a debt collection and debt purchasing company based in the UK. Chillchair.com Review

They acquire outstanding debts from original creditors and work with individuals to set up repayment plans.

Is Lanternuk.com legitimate?

Yes, Lanternuk.com appears to be a legitimate and registered debt collection company operating within the UK.

They are regulated by relevant authorities and display positive customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.

Why is Lanternuk.com contacting me?

Lanternuk.com is contacting you because they have purchased a debt that you previously owed to another organization.

This means they are now the legal owner of that debt and are seeking repayment. Littlemuseum.ie Review

How does Lanternuk.com make money?

Lanternuk.com makes money by purchasing debts from original creditors at a discounted rate and then collecting a higher amount from the debtors.

Their profit is the difference between what they paid for the debt and what they collect.

Is Lanternuk.com involved in interest-based transactions?

From an Islamic perspective, yes. While Lanternuk.com itself may not add new interest once they acquire a debt, their entire business model is built upon purchasing and collecting debts that were originally generated through interest-bearing loans and credit, which is considered riba and is forbidden in Islam.

What should I do if Lanternuk.com contacts me about a debt?

If Lanternuk.com contacts you, you should verify that the debt is legitimate and that you owe it.

It’s advisable to seek independent debt advice from a charity like StepChange Debt Charity or Citizens Advice, especially if you are struggling financially. Iroamly.com Review

From an Islamic perspective, prioritize immediate repayment if possible to minimize engagement with interest-based systems.

Can I negotiate a payment plan with Lanternuk.com?

Yes, Lanternuk.com’s website indicates that they offer “extended repayment plans” and a “flexible way out of debt,” suggesting that negotiation for a manageable payment schedule is possible.

Does Lanternuk.com charge new interest on purchased debts?

Typically, when a debt is sold to a debt purchaser like Lanternuk.com, they do not add new interest or penalties themselves.

However, the original debt often accrued interest, and Lanternuk.com is collecting that underlying interest-based principal.

Is Lanternuk.com Sharia-compliant?

No, Lanternuk.com is not Sharia-compliant because its core business involves the purchasing and collection of interest-based debts, which fundamentally contradicts Islamic financial principles concerning riba. Holidaypirates.com Review

What are ethical alternatives to dealing with debt?

Ethical alternatives include proactive financial management to avoid debt budgeting, saving, living within means, seeking Qard Hasan interest-free loans, exploring Islamic home/car financing Murabaha, Ijara, and consulting with Islamic financial advisors or scholars for guidance.

How can I avoid accumulating interest-based debt?

To avoid interest-based debt, you should commit to paying with cash or from savings, build an emergency fund, avoid credit cards if you cannot pay them off monthly, and seek Sharia-compliant financing options for major purchases.

What is the “MANAGE ACCOUNT” feature on Lanternuk.com?

The “MANAGE ACCOUNT” feature allows individuals who owe debt to Lanternuk.com to log in, view details of their outstanding debt, track payments, and manage their repayment plan online.

Does Lanternuk.com offer financial advice?

Lanternuk.com focuses on debt collection and management.

While they aim to be understanding, they are not independent financial advisors. Uk.whatgeek.com Review

They do, however, list reputable independent debt advice charities on their website.

What awards has Lanternuk.com received?

Lanternuk.com states on its homepage that it has been awarded “Investors in Customers Gold” four years in a row, indicating positive feedback from its customers.

How can I find out more about my debt with Lanternuk.com?

You can typically find out more about your specific debt by logging into their “MANAGE ACCOUNT” portal on their website or by contacting their customer service directly via phone or email, which should be provided on their site.

Are there any charities that help with debt from an Islamic perspective?

Yes, some Islamic charities may offer financial counseling or Zakat funds in cases of extreme hardship to help individuals clear debts, particularly those who are unable to repay and are in severe distress.

You would need to research specific charities in your region. Couwy.com Review

What is the Credit Services Association CSA and Lanternuk.com’s connection to it?

The Credit Services Association CSA is a trade body for the debt collection and debt purchase sector in the UK.

Lanternuk.com mentions the CSA and links to their “Five Steps” guide, indicating their affiliation and adherence to industry standards.

Can I make a one-off payment to Lanternuk.com?

Yes, the website mentions that they have “made it easy to set up a repayment plan, make a one-off repayment, and manage your account online,” suggesting that one-off payments are an option.

What if I cannot afford to repay my debt to Lanternuk.com?

If you cannot afford to repay your debt, it is crucial to communicate with Lanternuk.com and, more importantly, seek independent debt advice from organizations like StepChange Debt Charity, Citizens Advice, or PayPlan.

They can assess your situation and help you explore all available options. Netlify.com Review

How does Lanternuk.com’s approach differ from traditional aggressive debt collectors?

Lanternuk.com aims to present a more empathetic and understanding approach, emphasizing “dignity” and “flexible repayment plans” rather than immediate, aggressive collection tactics.

Their public testimonials suggest a focus on customer service, which can be a relief for individuals compared to more rigid collection agencies.