National Credit Systems (NCS) operates from Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in debt recovery for landlords, property managers, and creditors nationwide. With over 570 federal court cases and 437 Better Business Bureau complaints, their collection practices have drawn significant scrutiny from consumers and regulators.
If NCS is contacting you about an alleged debt, their tactics may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Consumer reports describe excessive calling, false legal threats, unauthorized workplace contact, and disclosure to third parties. These behaviors could potentially support legal claims under federal law.
If you believe National Credit Systems has violated your rights, you could potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees. The FDCPA provides these remedies to deter illegal collection practices. Call +1 844-638-1122 to discuss your situation with a consumer protection attorney.
National Credit Systems: Company Profile
National Credit Systems operates from 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy SW, Bldg 1800-110, Atlanta, GA 30331-6050. You can reach them at (404) 629-9595. Established over 27 years ago, NCS specializes in recovering debts for rental properties, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and other financial obligations.
According to Better Business Bureau records, National Credit Systems has received 437 complaints, with many consumers reporting aggressive tactics. The company’s involvement in over 570 federal court cases suggests a pattern of legal challenges related to its collection practices.
Alternative Names
- NCS may also appear as:
- National Credit System, Inc
- N C S
- NCS
Is National Credit Systems Legitimate?
National Credit Systems is a legitimate debt collection agency, not a scam. However, legitimacy doesn’t guarantee legal collection practices. The Better Business Bureau complaints and federal lawsuits against them reveal consumer concerns about harassment, intimidation, and potentially unlawful tactics.
While National Credit Systems is a real company, its methods may violate federal consumer protection laws. If you believe you’re facing harassment, you have legal rights to stop it and potentially seek compensation.
Recognizing Potentially Illegal Collection Tactics
Understanding which tactics may violate federal law helps you identify when NCS crosses legal boundaries. Debt collectors must operate within strict FDCPA guidelines.
Excessive Calling Patterns
Multiple daily calls may constitute harassment under the FDCPA. Courts have found 7-10 calls per day potentially excessive. If National Credit Systems calls you repeatedly throughout the day, especially after you’ve answered and requested reduced contact, this may violate federal law.
Federal Time Restrictions: Debt collectors cannot call before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in your time zone. Even one call outside these hours may support an FDCPA claim.
False Legal Threats
If NCS threatens lawsuits, wage garnishment, or legal action without proper legal procedures or intent to follow through, these threats may be illegal. Debt collectors must follow specific procedures before initiating legal proceedings.
Important Distinction: NCS can potentially garnish wages on Federal Student loans or if they obtain a court judgment, but they must follow proper legal procedures. Threatening garnishment without a judgment may violate the FDCPA.
Unauthorized Third-Party Contact
Debt collectors cannot share your debt information with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. They may contact third parties only to locate you, and even then, cannot reveal they’re collecting a debt. If you believe National Credit Systems has disclosed your debt to others, this may violate your privacy rights under federal law.
Abusive Language or Profanity
Using threatening language, profanity, or an abusive tone violates the FDCPA regardless of whether the debt is valid. Debt collectors must maintain professional communication standards.
Failure to Provide Required Disclosures
Debt collectors must inform you of your right to dispute the debt within 30 days and provide proper validation within five days of first contact. Failure to provide these disclosures may violate both the FDCPA and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Additional Violation Warning Signs
- Workplace contact after being told it’s prohibited
- Failing to provide written debt verification
- Reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus
- Attempting to collect unauthorized fees
- Misrepresenting their authority or the debt’s status
National Credit Systems Phone Numbers
Recognizing NCS phone numbers helps you identify their contact attempts:
- (404) 629-9595 (Main number)
- (800) 367-1050
- (404) 629-2728
Alternative formats:
- 4046299595
- 8003671050
- 4046292728
NCS may call from additional numbers not listed here. Even if the caller ID shows a different number, it could still be NCS. If you recognize these numbers and believe you’re facing harassment, contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for immediate assistance.
Six Steps to Stop NCS Harassment
Step 1: Document Every Interaction
Create detailed records of all NCS contacts:
- Date, time, and duration of each call
- Phone numbers used by callers
- Names of representatives who contacted you
- Exact statements made, especially threats or false claims
- Whether calls occurred before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Any workplace contact or third-party disclosures
How the contact affected you (stress, work disruption, sleep loss)
This documentation becomes crucial evidence for FDCPA claims. Courts rely on contemporaneous records when evaluating harassment cases.
Step 2: Request Debt Validation
Within 30 days of first contact (though you can request this anytime), send a written validation request via certified mail requiring NCS to provide:
- Proof that you owe the debt
- The original creditor’s name and account number
- The exact debt amount
- Verification they have the authority to collect
Collection activity must pause until they verify. If they can’t validate the debt, they must stop collection permanently.
Step 3: Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
If harassment continues or you want all contact to stop, send a cease-and-desist letter via certified mail stating: “Under 15 USC § 1692c, I demand that you cease all communication with me regarding this alleged debt.”
After receiving this letter, NCS can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal action. Any other contact may be actionable under the FDCPA.
Step 4: Dispute Invalid Debts
If the debt is incorrect, not yours, or already paid, dispute it in writing. Send your dispute via certified mail. NCS must investigate and stop collection until they verify the debt’s validity.
Step 5: Check Your Credit Report
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to free annual credit reports from each major bureau. Review your report for inaccurate NCS entries.
Get free reports from:
AnnualCreditReport.com (Official site authorized by federal law)
Dispute any errors you find with the credit bureaus. Inaccurate reporting may violate the FCRA and provide grounds for additional legal claims.
Step 6: Consult Consumer Protection Counsel
If National Credit Systems continues harassment after you’ve asserted your rights, contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122. We specialize in debt collection harassment cases and work on contingency, meaning you typically pay nothing unless we recover damages.
Can NCS Garnish Wages or File Lawsuits?
A common concern is whether National Credit Systems can garnish wages or sue for unpaid debts.
Lawsuit Authority: NCS may sue you if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years). However, they must follow proper legal procedures and cannot threaten lawsuits without intent to follow through.
Wage Garnishment: NCS can potentially garnish wages only in specific circumstances:
- For Federal Student loans (which have special garnishment rules)
- After obtaining a court judgment against you
Arrest Threats: Debt collectors have no authority to have you arrested for unpaid consumer debt. Threats of arrest violate the FDCPA and are grounds for legal action.
If you believe you’re facing a lawsuit or garnishment threats from National Credit Systems, seek legal help immediately. The Wood Law Firm can guide you and protect your rights against potentially illegal actions.
Your Federal Rights
Several federal laws protect you from abusive debt collection:
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices. If NCS violated the FDCPA, you may be eligible for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees paid by the collector.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA ensures credit reporting information is accurate. If NCS reports inaccurate information to credit bureaus, you may have grounds for an FCRA claim with damages up to $1,000 plus actual damages.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The TCPA protects you from unwanted robocalls and excessive calling, providing additional remedies if NCS violates calling restrictions.
Federal Court Cases Against NCS
National Credit Systems has been involved in over 570 federal cases. Recent FDCPA violation lawsuits include:
- Durham v. National Credit Systems (Case 1:12-cv-01099-TDS-LPA)
- Thompson v. National Credit Systems (Case 1:07-cv-03367-JBS-JS)
- Snowden v. National Credit Systems (Case 2:18-cv-02556-MSG)
- Bussey v. National Credit Systems (Case 2:10-cv-02108-SLB)
- Brown v. National Credit Systems (Case 2:12-cv-02632-JHE)
These cases demonstrate established legal precedent for FDCPA enforcement against this collector. If you’re dealing with similar issues, you’re not alone. The Wood Law Firm can ensure your case receives proper legal attention.
Also read: ARS National Debt Collection Harassment
About The Wood Law Firm
At The Wood Law Firm, our mission is to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure they receive fair treatment under federal law. We specialize in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). For over a decade, we have worked to hold companies accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Choosing The Wood Law Firm means partnering with a team deeply committed to protecting your consumer rights. We understand the stress and frustration that come with facing potentially unfair collection practices, and we stand by your side throughout the process. Our personalized approach, combined with extensive experience and national reach, makes us equipped to handle your consumer protection needs.
The Wood Law Firm has cultivated strong Of Counsel relationships with attorneys licensed in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
Call +1 844-638-1122 for a free case evaluation.
About Attorney Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is an accomplished attorney based in Arkansas, where he is fully licensed to practice law. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Wood specializes in consumer protection, focusing on cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). His commitment to defending consumer rights has helped countless clients find relief from potentially unlawful debt collection practices.
Real Client Outcomes
Case Study: Michael P., Atlanta, GA
Michael received 12-15 calls daily from National Credit Systems about a disputed $1,800 apartment debt. Calls began at 7:45 AM and continued past 9:30 PM. After documenting two weeks of calls with precise timestamps, Michael contacted The Wood Law Firm. We sent a cease-and-desist letter, and when NCS called four more times, we filed an FDCPA complaint. National Credit Systems settled for $1,000 in statutory damages plus our attorney fees. The disputed debt was removed from Michael’s credit report without payment.
Case Study: Jennifer T., Marietta, GA
NCS called Jennifer’s workplace eight times in ten days despite Jennifer informing them on the first call that her employer prohibited personal calls. Her manager issued a written warning threatening termination. The Wood Law Firm documented these post-notice workplace violations and negotiated a $950 settlement plus removal of the debt from Jennifer’s credit report. Her employer withdrew the warning after reviewing our legal documentation.
Case Study: Robert K., Columbus, GA
National Credit Systems contacted Robert’s older parents three times, stating there was “an urgent financial matter” regarding Robert and asking for his contact information. These unauthorized third-party contacts violated the FDCPA’s privacy protections. The Wood Law Firm filed suit, and Robert received $1,000 in statutory damages. NCS was required to cease all collection activity on the account.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Credit Systems
Is National Credit Systems a legitimate company or a scam?
National Credit Systems is a legitimate debt collection agency operating for 27 years. However, with 437 BBB complaints and involvement in over 570 federal court cases, their practices have drawn significant consumer concerns. The Wood Law Firm can help you determine if their tactics in your case violate federal law.
Can National Credit Systems garnish my wages?
NCS may potentially garnish wages only under specific circumstances: for Federal Student loans or after obtaining a court judgment. They cannot garnish wages without following proper legal procedures. Threats of garnishment without a judgment may violate the FDCPA. The Wood Law Firm can evaluate whether garnishment threats in your case are legitimate or actionable.
Can National Credit Systems sue me for unpaid debt?
NCS may sue you if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years). They must follow proper legal procedures and cannot threaten lawsuits without intent to follow through. If you receive a lawsuit notice, respond immediately and contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 to protect your rights.
How many times can National Credit Systems legally call me per day?
While the FDCPA doesn’t specify an exact number, courts have found 7-10 calls per day potentially excessive. If you’re receiving multiple daily calls or calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM, this may violate federal law. The Wood Law Firm can evaluate whether the calling pattern constitutes harassment.
Can National Credit Systems contact my family, friends, or employer about my debt?
Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with third parties. They may only contact others to locate you, and even then, cannot reveal they’re calling about a debt. If NCS is sharing your debt information with others, this may violate your privacy rights. The Wood Law Firm can pursue statutory damages for third-party disclosure violations.
What should I do if I don’t recognize the debt National Credit Systems is collecting?
Request debt validation within 30 days of first contact. Send a written request via certified mail asking them to prove you owe the debt, provide the original creditor’s name, and verify their collection authority. They must stop collecting until they provide proof. The Wood Law Firm can draft a validation request that preserves all your legal rights.
How do I stop National Credit Systems from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail requesting all communication stop. Once they receive it, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal action. If calls continue, The Wood Law Firm can pursue FDCPA violations on your behalf.
Can National Credit Systems report the debt to credit bureaus?
Yes, they may report collection accounts. However, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, information must be accurate. If they’re reporting incorrect information, you can dispute it with credit bureaus. The Wood Law Firm can help challenge inaccurate reporting and potentially sue for FCRA violations.
What damages can I recover if National Credit Systems violates the FDCPA?
You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages (emotional distress, lost wages, therapy costs), and the debt collector must pay your attorney fees. The Wood Law Firm handles these cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover damages.
How long does National Credit Systems have to collect a debt?
This depends on your state’s statute of limitations, typically 3-6 years for most debts. After expiration, they cannot sue successfully, though they might still attempt collection. The Wood Law Firm can determine if your debt is time-barred and help you assert this defense.
Can National Credit Systems arrest me for unpaid debt?
No, debt collectors cannot have you arrested for unpaid consumer debt. Threats of arrest violate the FDCPA and provide grounds for legal action. The Wood Law Firm can pursue damages if NCS made false arrest threats.
What information should National Credit Systems provide when they first contact me?
Under the FDCPA, they must provide a validation notice within five days of first contact, including the debt amount, the original creditor’s name, and a statement that you have 30 days to dispute. Failure to provide this information may violate your rights. The Wood Law Firm can evaluate whether NCS provided proper disclosure.
Can The Wood Law Firm help if I already paid National Credit Systems?
Yes. If NCS harassed you or violated your rights during the collection process, you may still be entitled to statutory damages even after payment. The Wood Law Firm can review your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim regardless of payment status.
What should I do if National Credit Systems threatens to sue me?
Take threats seriously, but don’t panic. Verify the debt’s validity, check the statute of limitations, and determine if you have defenses. If you believe threats are false or designed to intimidate, document them and contact The Wood Law Firm immediately. We can determine if threats are legitimate or actionable FDCPA violations.
Take Action Against National Credit Systems Harassment
National Credit Systems’ 570+ federal court cases and 437 BBB complaints demonstrate a documented pattern of consumer concerns. You don’t need to tolerate harassment while they attempt to collect a debt that may not be valid, accurate, or within the statute of limitations.
Federal law provides clear remedies when collectors violate your rights. Document violations thoroughly, assert your rights in writing via certified mail, and consult experienced consumer protection counsel when collectors ignore your legal protections.
The Wood Law Firm has handled hundreds of FDCPA cases against collectors like National Credit Systems. We understand their tactics, know the legal framework, and have the track record to hold them accountable.
If you believe National Credit Systems may have violated your rights, call +1 844-638-1122 today. Initial consultations are free, and most cases are handled on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf.
Additional Resources
- Georgia Attorney General – State consumer protection and complaint filing
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Federal agency for financial consumer protection
- Federal Trade Commission – Debt Collection FAQs – Federal guidance on debt collection rights
National Credit Systems Contact Information:
- Address: 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy SW Bldg 1800-110, Atlanta, GA 30331-6050
- Phone: (404) 629-9595
- Website: www.nationalcreditsystems.com
