It should come as no surprise that collection agencies have stepped up their activities in the pursuit of monies owed by consumers. However, with the increase of collection actions there has also been an increase of unsavory collection practices, many of which are unacceptable or even illegal. USA Today published an article that exposes just the tip of the questionable debt collection practices iceberg. That article gives a glimpse of what consumers who are delinquent in payment are facing, and what they can do about improper collections practices.

According to USA Today, "Complaints against debt collectors, after plunging in 2005, are rising again, the Council of Better Business Bureaus says. Complaints surged 20% in 2006 and 26% in 2007, according to the BBB's preliminary figures. And the Federal Trade Commission, which receives more complaints about debt collectors than about any other industry, says it's seen a steady rise in complaints against debt collectors." Debtors need to be made aware that they have specific protections that are provided by law. I'll tell you where to get started.

Since going public several months ago Vonage's stock hasn't been friendly to shareholders. The stock's high was $17.25 and the low was $6.30. And it is now trading at $7.68.

On its IPO, Vonage spread its anti-shareholder philosophy to its customers, allowing them to buy shares in the offering. In hindsight it turned out to be one of the biggest blunders in IPO history.

It was no surprise that some of these investors did not want to buy these shares.

But that's no excuse for Vonage. After all, as the old saying goes: a deal's a deal.

Now Vonage's high-paid attorneys have sent out collection letters to these customers (although, my guess is that they are now former customers). The message is simple: If you don't pay-up, you'll get served.

Now, how's that for customer service and building a brand? Yes, it should be no surpise that the stock has been a dog.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and operates InvestorOffering.com.