If you receive harassing phone calls from North American Credit Services (NACS), you may be experiencing illegal debt collection practices. Many consumers face repeated contact through relentless calls and messages from this debt collection agency. These actions could potentially violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects you from abusive methods.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from aggressive debt collectors. If you believe collectors have violated your rights, you may be entitled to statutory damages of up to $1,000 plus attorney fees. Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 today.
Who Is North American Credit Services
North American Credit Services is a debt collection agency based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that has been operating for nearly four decades. The agency primarily handles collections for medical debts, but also collects utilities, student loans, and credit card debts. When original creditors cannot collect unpaid debt, they may hire a third-party debt collection agency such as NACS.
NACS is a legitimate business, but consumer complaints often cite aggressive and questionable practices. Understanding your rights can empower you to manage these calls and prevent harassment.
Is North American Credit Services a Scam or Legitimate
North American Credit Services is a legitimate debt collection agency, not a scam. However, being legitimate does not mean all their practices are legal or ethical.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, legitimate debt collectors must follow strict federal and state laws. NACS must comply with the FDCPA, which prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices. Many consumers have reported complaints of harassment and aggressive tactics that may violate federal law.
Common Complaints Against North American Credit Services
Common complaints against North American Credit Services include excessive calling, misrepresentation of debt amounts, threats of legal action, and failure to verify debts.
- Frequent and Aggressive Calling: If you receive calls at inconvenient times outside of the FDCPA’s allowable hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time) or calls happen multiple times per day, NACS may be engaging in harassment.
- Misrepresentation of Debt Amounts: Consumers report that NACS inflates debt amounts, adds unauthorized fees, and refuses to clarify calculations. The FDCPA mandates accurate reporting.
- Threats of Legal Action: NACS collectors allegedly threatened arrest, wage garnishment, or property seizure without legal authority. They cannot garnish wages or seize assets without a court judgment.
- Failure to Verify Debt: Many consumers report that NACS fails to provide adequate debt verification despite requests, which violates the FDCPA.
Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act include protection from harassment, the right to debt verification, the right to cease communication, and protection from false statements.
- Right to Debt Verification: Within five days of contacting you, NACS must provide written notice specifying the amount owed, the original creditor’s name, and your right to dispute it.
- Right to Cease Communication: You can request that NACS cease communication. A written cease-and-desist letter compels them to stop contacting you except to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal actions.
- Protection from Harassment: The FDCPA prohibits behavior intended to harass, annoy, or abuse, such as repeated calling, verbal abuse, or intimidation.
- Prohibition of False Statements: NACS cannot lie about the debt amount, payment consequences, or your rights under federal law.
- Limitations on Third-Party Contact: Collection agencies cannot discuss your debt with friends, family, or colleagues without permission, except to obtain contact information.
Understanding these rights empowers you to resist harassment and potentially seek damages for FDCPA violations.
How to Stop North American Credit Services Calls
To stop North American Credit Services calls, take these steps to protect your rights under federal law:
- Request Debt Validation: Demand proof of the debt within 30 days of first contact. If NACS cannot provide validation, it must cease collection efforts.
- Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: Send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Once received, they can only send one final notice regarding legal action.
- Document Every Interaction: Keep detailed records of every call, letter, or communication with dates, times, caller names, and conversation content.
- File a Complaint: File complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or Federal Trade Commission if harassment continues.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for legal representation. The Wood Law Firm specializes in protecting consumers from abusive collection tactics.
Real Cases of North American Credit Services Harassment
Real cases of North American Credit Services harassment demonstrate how consumers have successfully taken legal action against the agency for FDCPA violations.
Blanchard v. NACS: Blanchard alleged that NACS repeatedly called her at inconvenient hours and disclosed her debt to third parties, violating the FDCPA. The case resulted in a settlement.
Todd v. NACS: Todd claimed that NACS misrepresented the amount owed and failed to verify requests. The case led to a financial settlement in favor of the plaintiff.
Hossfeld v. NACS: Hossfeld alleged abusive language and threats of wage garnishment without legal standing. NACS paid damages for their violations.
The Federal Trade Commission provides resources about consumer rights. If you face similar harassment, contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 to discuss your options.
Can North American Credit Services Garnish My Wages or Sue Me
North American Credit Services can garnish your wages or sue you only with a valid court judgment, and if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations. They cannot garnish wages or seize property without obtaining a court judgment first.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, federal law limits how much can be garnished from your wages. NACS can sue if the debt is within the statute of limitations, but they cannot arrest you for unpaid debts. Debt is a civil matter, and arresting someone for unpaid debt is illegal.
How North American Credit Services Affects Your Credit Score
North American Credit Services affects your credit score when unpaid debts sent to collections appear on your credit report. A collection account can negatively impact your credit score for up to seven years.
You have the right to dispute errors under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Request your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, identify errors, file disputes with credit bureaus, and request validation from NACS. If they cannot provide proof, the account should be removed.
Why Choose The Wood Law Firm for Debt Harassment Cases
If you’re experiencing North American Credit Services debt collection harassment, you can take action. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Request a Debt Validation Letter
The FDCPA allows you to demand proof of the debt. If NACS cannot provide a debt validation letter within 30 days, they should cease their collection efforts.
Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
A written cease-and-desist letter can legally stop North American Credit Services from contacting you. Once received, they can only send one final notice regarding legal action.
File a Complaint with Regulatory Bodies
If North American Credit Services continues to harass you despite legal prohibitions, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These agencies can investigate and penalize agencies violating consumer protection laws.
Seek Legal Representation
If harassment continues or if NACS has crossed legal boundaries, reach out to The Wood Law Firm. Their experienced attorneys will help you build a case, document the harassment, and potentially file a lawsuit on your behalf.
The Wood Law Firm’s Role in Stopping Harassment
Choose The Wood Law Firm for debt harassment cases because the firm provides experienced legal representation to stop harassment and seek compensation on a contingency fee basis.
- Free Consultation: Review your case to determine if NACS has violated the FDCPA.
- Evidence Collection: Compile call logs, messages, and written notices to document harassment and build a strong case.
- Court Representation: Represent you in court, potentially securing compensation of up to $1,000 per FDCPA violation plus attorney fees.
- Legal Strategies: Advise you on effective strategies to halt further communication.
Call +1 844-638-1122 today to discuss your case with an experienced consumer protection attorney.
Meet Attorney Jeff Wood
Attorney Jeff Wood founded The Wood Law Firm to protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices. With years of experience in consumer protection law, Attorney Wood has helped hundreds of clients stop harassment and recover damages from debt collectors who violate federal law.
Attorney Wood works directly with clients to explain their rights, develop effective legal strategies, and hold collectors accountable.
Success Stories from Real Clients
The Wood Law Firm has helped numerous clients stop harassment from debt collectors and recover compensation for violations.
Client A: After months of harassment from a collection agency, this client contacted The Wood Law Firm. The firm quickly stopped the calls and recovered statutory damages for FDCPA violations.
Client B: This client faced threatening calls and misrepresentation of debt amounts. The Wood Law Firm provided professional representation, stopped the harassment immediately, and pursued legal action against the collector.
Client C: When a collection agency contacted family members about this client’s debt, The Wood Law Firm documented the violations, filed a complaint, and secured compensation. The harassment stopped within days.
Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 if you are experiencing similar harassment.
Other Debt Collectors We Help Clients Fight
Many of our clients have experienced comparable tactics from other aggressive collection agencies before finding relief with The Wood Law Firm. We have successfully stopped harassment from agencies using similar illegal methods.
Our firm helped clients stop American Debt Management’s debt collection harassment when the agency violated FDCPA protections. We have also represented clients dealing with United Credit Recovery Bureau debt collection harassment and secured compensation for violations.
The Tennessee Attorney General also provides resources for Tennessee residents facing consumer protection issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About North American Credit Services
1. What is North American Credit Services?
North American Credit Services is a Chattanooga-based debt collection agency that primarily handles medical, utility, student loan, and credit card debts.
2. Is North American Credit Services a scam?
No. NACS is a legitimate agency, but many consumers have reported harassment and aggressive tactics that may violate federal law.
3. Can North American Credit Services call me multiple times a day?
No. Repeated or excessive calls meant to pressure you are considered harassment and violate the FDCPA.
4. How can I stop calls from North American Credit Services?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail. NACS must then stop calling, except to confirm cessation or notify you about legal action.
5. Can North American Credit Services garnish my wages or seize property?
Not without a court judgment. Any threats without legal backing are unlawful under the FDCPA.
6. What if North American Credit Services refuses to verify the debt?
They must stop collecting until verification is provided. Continuing without verification violates federal law.
7. Can North American Credit Services discuss my debt with my family or employer?
No, except when trying to locate you. They cannot disclose debt details to others without your permission.
8. Does North American Credit Services affect my credit score?
Yes. Collections can negatively impact your credit if reported. You can dispute invalid debts to protect your score.
9. How can The Wood Law Firm help stop NACS harassment?
The Wood Law Firm provides free consultations, collects evidence, and represents clients with no upfront fees. Call +1 844-638-1122 for a consultation.
10. What evidence should I keep if North American Credit Services is harassing me?
Keep call logs with dates and times, voicemails, text messages, letters, and any written agreements as proof for potential legal claims.
