Is National Credit Systems, Inc. Calling You?

Debt collectors don’t have the best track record when it comes to obeying the law. They prefer to increase their chances of success by threatening lawsuits, using obscene language, and contacting your friends and family.

All of these tactics are designed to humiliate or scare you into paying. Such conduct is illegal, so if you are subjected to such treatment, you can call a consumer lawyer and fight back.

Is National Credit Systems legit?

National Credit Systems is a legitimate business, and any attempt they have made to collect on alleged debt should be taken seriously. Moreover, National Credit Systems was incorporated in 1991 and created their Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile in 1998. National Credit System has not been accredited by the BBB and has received a B rating from the business. Though the company has not received a standard rating, it is still a legitimate business, and its collection practices should be taken seriously. Additionally, according to its website, National Credit System is “a specialized collection firm helping apartment owners and managers recover money that is rightfully owed to them by former residents who have not fulfilled their lease obligations.” The BBB notes that National Credit Systems is managed by key principal Mr. Joel Lackey, President. Buzzfile also estimates an annual revenue of $51 million with an employee base of 97. NCS “has grown to provide collection services to more apartment owners and managers than any other company in the country.”

National Credit Systems claims to be “committed to conducting [them]selves with P.R.I.D.E. – Professionalism, Results, Integrity, Determination and Excellence,” although their website does not provide specific information about regulatory compliance or consumer resources. Nonetheless, the collections company is a legitimate business and their attempts to contact you should be taken seriously.

Who does National Credit Systems collect for?

National Credit Systems collects debts exclusively for the “apartment industry.” However, the company provides a multitude of services including, “pre-collect programs on a flat-rate or contingency-fee basis”; standard third-party collection services; “in-house garnishment of existing judgments”; and full and pre-legal services. NCS explains that they are “the only agency that provides a fully comprehensive solution to include:

• True industry specialization with over 99% of clients from the multifamily industry
• A full spectrum of customizable services from pre-collect to account purchase options
• Local service from eleven NCS service representatives located throughout the country
• A suite of online services and reporting for convenience and transparency
• Collections Dashboard with valuable trends, statistics, and recovery analysis
• A report scheduler for automatic monthly delivery
• Online account submission with document upload feature
• Former Resident Quick Search
• Customizable account placement reminder emails
• Integration with your property management software for quick and efficient submission of accounts
• Advanced analytics and models to analyze your accounts and provide client feedback for improving results
• National licensing so we can pursue recovery throughout the country
• Technologies such as advanced telephony systems, document imaging, customized multi family-centric software, multiple payment channels, full-time call recording, sophisticated skip tracing software, local number caller ID, live call monitoring and coaching
• Ability to conduct Collections 101 courses for your managers.”

National Credit Systems cites affiliation with dozens of professional organizations, including the Alabama Apartment Association; the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association; and the American Collectors Association (ACA). Their Resources page provides links to a variety of resources, including Ask Doctor Debt, the Annual Credit Report site, Easy Financial Tips, The Salvation Army, the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and Money Management International.

How many complaints are there against National Credit Systems?

The BBB notes that National Credit Systems has 631 posted complaints closed in the last 3 years, 245 of which were closed in the last 12 months. NCS also has 42 posted customer reviews, with an average 1.38/5 star review. The majority of the complaints posted on National Credit Systems’ BBB page allege that the employees use rude, harmful collections practices and that the company falsely reports large amounts of debt to credit bureaus. Additionally, National Credit Systems has 586 posted Google reviews, averaging a 2.1 star review, and the Georgia Department of Law has posted an Alert on NCS’s profile page, advising site visitors of their rights under consumer protection laws.

National Credit Systems Contact information

Address: 1775 The Exchange Ste 300 Marietta, GA 30339
Telephone: (404) 629-9595
Website: http://www.nationalcreditsystems.com

Can National Credit Systems sue me or garnish my wages?

It is illegal for a debt collector to make empty threats to sue you or garnish your wages. It is also unlikely that National Credit Systems would sue you for a debt you may not owe or they cannot validate. However, debt collection agencies are known to have summoned debtors to court and garnish wages after a default judgment. Given the risk, the wisest decision as a consumer or alleged debtor would be to acquire legal help to assist with resolving your case.

Can I sue National Credit Systems for harassment?

Yes you can sue and you should sue in order to enforce your rights and protect your assets if you are being harassed by National Credit Systems. Suing awards consumers hurt by harmful collections practices to recover money as compensation. Moreover, the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers like you, awarding damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and court costs to victims of wrongful collections practices. These laws are meant to protect consumers like you, take action and utilize the FDCPA by contacting an attorney if you are at risk.

How often can National Credit Systems Call?

National Credit Systems cannot call or pester you outside of the allotted federal guidelines. In fact, NCS is prevented from utilizing repetitive phone calls and can be sued for taking these actions. Moreover, in November 2021, the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule clarified that a debt collector is presumed to have violated the law if they place a telephone call to you about a particular debt

• More than seven times within a seven-day period, or
• Within seven days after engaging in a telephone conversation with you about the particular debt.

If NCS’ alleged violation does not fall into this category, remember that a collector can also violate federal law by utilizing phone calls to harass, oppress, or abuse consumers.

The requisite federal law is the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), which regulates the behavior of collection agencies by prohibiting actions such as the use of abusive or threatening language; harassment; or the use of false or misleading information to collect a debt. Additionally, the FCRA regulates how collection agencies and creditors report delinquent debts to credit reporting agencies. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA) also provide consumers with legal protection. Call an attorney to take advantage of the laws that protect you from harmful collection practices.

How to stop National Credit Systems calls?

You can stop National Credit Systems calls through two essential steps: filing a complaint and obtaining assistance from an attorney. Make sure to utilize the federal laws that provide individuals like you with a means to seek relief from wrongful collections practices. You may have a case if..

• You are receiving multiple calls per week from third party collection agencies.
• You are receiving early morning or late night calls from debt collectors
• You are receiving calls at work from a debt collection agency
• Debt collectors are calling your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers
• Collectors are threatening you with violence, lawsuit, or arrest
• A debt collector attempts to collect more than you owe
• You are being threatened with negative credit reporting
• A debt collector attempts to intimidate you
• Criminal accusations are being made towards you
• Use of obscene language during an attempt to collect
• Automated robocalls are being made to your phone in an attempt to collect

Does National Credit Systems hurt my credit score?

Arguably yes, this collections company can hurt your credit score, but it doesn’t have to. Even if National Credit Systems has contacted you regarding an alleged outstanding debt and has already reported the alleged debt to a credit bureau, you can still remove the credit report made. If you would like to remove the reported debt, or prevent said debt from being reported, you should obtain assistance from an attorney. Act soon and call an attorney as soon as you can.

*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against National Credit Systems, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.