By MATT CHANDLER
Buffalo Law Journal

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo continued his statewide reform of the debt-collection industry, announcing deals Tuesday with three more Buffalo companies accused of engaging in deceptive business practices.

Cuomo's office released a statement saying that Creditors Interchange Receivable Management LLC, Capital Management Services LP and Tri-Financial LLC have agreed to pay a combined $245,000 to the state and implement a host of policies and procedures aimed at policing their collection agents.

A representative for Tri-Financial said the company had no response regarding the settlement.

In response to a message left at his office, Creditors Interchange CEO Gary Holter forwarded a statement that read, in part: "We have reached a settlement agreement in which we have agreed to pay a penalty, but not admit to any wrongdoing."

Holter went on to say that his company employs 500 people in "good paying jobs with excellent benefits," adding that his firm continues to create new jobs despite the current economy.

"We agree with the attorney general that there should be transparency with regard to consumer protections," he said in the one-page release. "We also believe it was in the best interest of our company to resolve this matter and move forward."

A call to Capital Management Services was referred to Larry Costa, executive vice president of business development, who said he was "very busy" and unable to comment.

All three companies face penalties and fines for any future violations.