Communicating with a debt collection agency can be extremely frustrating. Most companies refuse to budge on the amount of money they will accept from consumers to pay off outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts. To make matters worse, far too many bill collectors cross the legal line by implementing harassing and intimidating debt collection tactics. In addition to using overly aggressive debt collection practices, many debt collection agencies trick consumers by misrepresenting themselves. Fortunately, a longstanding federal consumer protection law prohibits the implementation of deceptive debt collection tactics.
About National Commercial Services, Inc.
As a debt collection agency operating out of Van Nuys, California, National Commercial Services, Inc. has received 43 consumer complaints over the past three years that have been handled by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Because of the large number of consumer complaints, the BBB has given the debt collection agency the substandard rating of B+. The BBB has also conducted an independent review of the company, and the leading consumer advocacy organization discovered the third party debt collector is not worthy of accreditation.
![National Commercial Services, Inc. and Misrepresentation*]()
Deceptive Tactics Prohibited by a Consumer Protection Law
In response to growing consumer anger, the United States Congress wrote the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) into law. The historic 1977 federal consumer protection law makes it illegal for debt collection agencies to defraud consumers by demanding payments on debts that have already been paid. Under the FDCPA, National Commercial Services, Inc. cannot ask you to pay more money on a credit card or a personal loan balance than you actually owe. Deception also involves third party debt collectors misrepresenting themselves. For example, it is considered illegal for a bill collector to impersonate a credit reporting agency or claim to have influence over your credit score.
Deception is just one issue the FDCPA addresses. The federal consumer protection law also forbids the use of harassment and intimidation during debt collection efforts. National Commercial Services, Inc. cannot threaten you in any way. The debt collection agency cannot threaten to contact a third party regarding your debt. Threats to contact a third party is an effective way to shame you into taking care of an outstanding consumer debt. National Commercial Services, Inc. is also prohibited from threatening to garnish your wages.
Just Compensation for FDCPA Violations
Simply outlawing dozens of previously legal debt collection tactics is not enough. The FDCPA also allows consumers to file claims that seek monetary damages. Actual damages, which are not capped by the FDCPA, cover the pain and suffering caused by physical and/or emotional distress symptoms. Dealing with an overly aggressive third party debt collector can cause you to suffer physical duress symptoms, including an outbreak of skin rashes and a bleeding ulcer that lands you in the hospital. To prove the presence of physical distress symptoms, you should work with a licensed FDCPA attorney.
The Value of an FDCPA Lawyer
Experienced legal representation is a must for anyone that wants to file a lawsuit against a bill collector. An FDCPA attorney will ensure every document requested by the court is filed in a timely manner. He or she will also gather enough evidence to move your case forward in a civil court.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a highly rated FDCPA lawyer.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against National Commercial Services, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.