Before September 20, 1977, many debt collection agencies treated consumers like common criminals. It was not out of character for third party debt collectors to harass consumers by using abusive language and issuing threats, such as threatening to seize private property and threatening to file lawsuits in civil courts.
In response to consumer anger, the United States Congress enacted a monumental consumer protection law that many legal scholars refer to today as the consumer Bill of Rights.
As the preeminent consumer protection law in the United States, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act includes numerous provisions that forbid the use of previously acceptable debt collection tactics.
According to the FDCPA, a bill collector like National Commercial Services, Inc. is prohibited from demanding payment on a consumer debt that has been already paid off.
In addition, debt collection agencies are not allowed to implement deceptive debt collection techniques to trick consumers into paying off outstanding credit card and personal loan balances.
Let the Government Know about Illegal Bill Collector Practices
Although the FDCPA is primarily known as a federal law that outlaws harassing and intimidating debt collection tactics, it is also a federal law that provides consumers with a blueprint on how to fight back against third party debt collector abuse.
By working with a licensed consumer protection attorney, you will let National Commercial Services, Inc. know that you are serious about protecting your federally granted rights. Your lawyer might notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the debt collection agency.
The FTC oversees everything pertaining to the FDCPA. Another effective move involves contacting your state’s Attorney General Office to let the leading law enforcement agency in your state know about the FDCPA violations committed by National Commercial Services, Inc.
Reach out to the Better Business Bureau
Consumer research often includes the uploading of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) web page devoted to a business. In the case of a debt collection agency, the BBB will compile a list of complaints filed against the third party debt collector online and in the form of formal notices to the appropriate government agencies.
The last thing National Commercial Services, Inc. wants is to have the BBB downgrade the company’s rating. BBB pages also include information concerning recent legal activities against a business.
Take National Commercial Services, Inc. to Court
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to file a lawsuit against a debt collection agency for one or more violations of the landmark consumer protection law. By filing a claim, you want a third party debt collector to be held accountable for breaking the law.
In addition to filing a claim because of FDCPA violations, you also have the right to seek monetary damages for any pain and suffering caused by the illegal actions of a bill collector.
Your FDCPA lawyer will present physical evidence confirming the existence of physical and/or emotional distress, as well as call expert medical professionals to the stand to testify on your behalf.
Never let a debt collection agency bully you into paying off a delinquent debt. Speak with an experienced consumer protection attorney to learn more about where to report a FDCPA violation by National Commercial Services, Inc.
Additional Resources
*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 Commercial Services, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.