You received a letter from a debt collection agency demanding payment on an outstanding personal loan account. That is strange, you think. You took care of the debt a couple of years ago, and you have the paperwork to prove it. Did the third party debt collector make an honest mistake or worse, sent you the letter in an attempt to deceive you? The most effective way to find out the answer to the question is to contact a licensed consumer protection who specializes in litigating a groundbreaking federal consumer protection law.
Enacted in 1977 by the United States Congress, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlaws a long list of previously legal debt collection tactics. One provision of the FDCPA makes it illegal for bill collectors to implement deceptive debt collection practices. The FDCPA also bars debt collection agencies such as National Recoveries, Inc. from harassing and intimidating consumers.
About National Recoveries, Inc.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) web page devoted to National Recoveries, Inc. the bill collector has not received one consumer complaint over the past three years. The stellar customer service record has earned National Recoveries, Inc. an A+ rating from the BBB, as well as receiving accreditation from the consumer advocacy organization. In business since 1991, the Ham Lake, Minnesota third party debt collector offers debt collection services for banks and credit card companies.
![Did National Recoveries, Inc. Misrepresent Themselves?*]()
What is Misrepresentation under the FDCPA?
Misrepresentation comes in several different forms for bill collectors that want to trick consumers into sending them money. The FDCPA makes it illegal for a debt collection agency to ask you to pay more money that you actually owe on an account. Third party debt collectors are also banned from trying to collect on accounts that have already been closed by the original creditor. A popular deceptive debt collection techniques involves impersonating another organization. For example it is against the law for a bill collector to impersonate the IRS or any law enforcement agency. Impersonating the IRS is a powerful deceptive debt collection tactic because of the fear consumers have for the federal government tax collection entity.
Does National Recoveries, Inc. Owe You Monetary Damages?
The FDCPA does much more than outlaw dozens of debt collection tactics. It also includes a provision that grants consumers the right to file claims seeking monetary damages. As a financial award that punishes debt collection agencies for FDCPA violations, statutory damages have a maximum payout of $1,000. The one-time financial award covers every FDCPA violation committed by a bill collector. Actual damages, which do not have any monetary limit, cover the costs of treating the physical and/or emotional distress symptoms that are associated with illegal debt collection practices. Winning an award for actual damages requires the legal counsel of a licensed consumer protection attorney who specializes in handling FDCPA cases.
Seek Legal Help from an FDCPA Lawyer
As an experienced litigator of FDCPA cases, your attorney will conduct a comprehensive review of your case to determine whether there is enough evidence to file a lawsuit. Schedule a free initial consultation today 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 Recoveries, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.