Receiving constant calls from First National Collection Bureau can feel overwhelming and stressful. You may be worried about your rights, unsure whether the debt is even yours, or confused about what to do next. These feelings are completely normal, and you’re not alone. Thousands of consumers face similar situations every year, and federal law provides protections to help you.
If First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) is calling you repeatedly, using threatening language, or contacting your family members, these actions may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Understanding your rights is the first step toward stopping the harassment and regaining your peace of mind. Speaking with an attorney does not restart your debt, and you do not need to owe the debt to have legal protections.
Who Is First National Collection Bureau?

First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) is a third-party debt collection agency based in Reno, Nevada, operating for over 35 years. Unlike agencies that collect recently delinquent accounts, First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) specializes in purchasing and collecting older, “uncollectable” consumer debts that original creditors have written off.
- Address: Reno, Nevada
- Years in Operation: 35+ years
- Specialization: Aged credit card debt, medical bills, auto loans, retail accounts
- Industries Served: Retail (Sears, Best Buy), telecommunications (Verizon), financial institutions
First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) buys these debts at a fraction of their original value, which creates a strong financial incentive to collect as much as possible. This business model may explain why consumer complaints frequently mention aggressive tactics and debt collection harassment.
First National Collection Bureau Phone Numbers
| Phone Number | Format Variations |
|---|---|
| 800-824-6191 | (800) 824-6191, 8008246191 |
| 775-322-0444 | (775) 322-0444, 7753220444 |
| 888-307-4407 | (888) 307-4407, 8883074407 |
| 775-412-4499 | (775) 412-4499, 7754124499 |
| 203-649-1212 | (203) 649-1212, 2036491212 |
| 256-261-7792 | (256) 261-7792, 2562617792 |
| 775-829-3790 | (775) 829-3790, 7758293790 |
Is First National Collection Bureau a Scam?
First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) is a legitimate debt collection agency, not a scam. They’ve operated for over 35 years and work with major retailers and financial institutions. However, legitimacy doesn’t mean their collection practices are always legal or ethical.
With over 420 federal lawsuits and 100+ BBB complaints, many consumers report experiences that may cross legal boundaries. The 2019 CFPB enforcement action alleged that First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) failed to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy in credit reporting and didn’t properly investigate consumer disputes, particularly regarding identity theft.
This doesn’t mean every interaction violates the law, but it demonstrates why understanding your rights is important.
When Debt Collection Crosses the Legal Line

It’s normal to feel confused about whether First National Collection Bureau (FNCB)’s behavior is acceptable. Here are clear signs that may indicate they’re violating federal law:
- Calling More Than Once Daily: While no exact limit exists, courts have found that multiple calls per day designed to harass may violate the FDCPA.
- Calling Before 8 AM or After 9 PM: The FDCPA specifically prohibits calls outside these hours in your time zone.
- Threatening Arrest or Jail: Debt collectors cannot threaten criminal action for unpaid consumer debts. These threats are designed to scare you and are illegal.
- Using Profanity or Abusive Language: Any offensive language during collection calls violates the FDCPA.
- Discussing Your Debt with Others: First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) cannot tell your family, neighbors, or coworkers about your debt except in very limited circumstances.
Failing to Verify the Debt: If you request validation, they must provide proof before continuing collection efforts.
If you’ve experienced any of these behaviors, speaking with a consumer protection attorney may help you understand your options. Requesting validation does not admit liability, and exercising your rights cannot be used against you.
First National Collection Bureau Lawsuits
First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) has faced over 420 federal lawsuits alleging violations of consumer protection laws. Understanding these cases helps show you’re not alone in experiencing problems:
- CFPB vs. First National Collection Bureau (2019): The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau alleged First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) violated federal law by failing to maintain reasonable procedures for credit reporting accuracy and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, especially regarding identity theft. CFPB Settlement Details
- Gancio v. FNCB (2017): Class action lawsuit alleging improper debt collection practices regarding the validation of debts. Case Details
- Bodine v. First National Collection Bureau (2010): Alleged violations of debt collection practices. Case Summary
- Diana v. First National Collection Bureau: Additional case alleging improper collection practices. Case Documentation
These lawsuits don’t mean every action First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) takes is illegal, but they demonstrate systematic issues that federal agencies and courts have recognized.
How to Stop First National Collection Bureau Harassment
Taking action to stop harassment doesn’t mean you’re admitting you owe the debt. These steps protect your rights regardless of whether the debt is valid:
Request Debt Validation
You have the right to request that First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) prove you owe the debt. Send a written validation request via certified mail within 30 days of their first contact, asking for:
- Name of the original creditor
- Original account number
- Amount claimed to be owed
- Proof they own or are authorized to collect this specific debt
- Documentation showing the debt hasn’t passed your state’s statute of limitations
First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) must stop collection efforts until providing this validation. This is your legal right, and requesting it does not restart the debt or admit you owe it.
Send a Cease Communication Letter
If you want First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) to stop contacting you, send a written cease communication letter via certified mail. After receiving this letter, they can only contact you to:
- Confirm they’ll stop communication
- Notify you of specific legal action they’re taking
Important: This stops the calls but doesn’t eliminate a valid debt. First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) could still pursue legal action if the debt is within the statute of limitations.
Verify the Statute of Limitations
Many debts First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) collects are old. Each state has time limits (typically 3-6 years) for debt collection lawsuits. If your debt is beyond this timeframe, it’s “time-barred,” meaning First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) cannot legally sue you, though they may still attempt collection.
Paying even a small amount on a time-barred debt might restart the clock in some states. Before making any payment, verify the debt’s age and your state’s statute of limitations.
Document Every Interaction
Keep detailed records to protect yourself:
- Date and time of each call
- Caller’s name (if provided)
- Phone number displayed on the caller ID
- What was said, including any threats or abusive language
- Any letters or written communication
- Voicemails saved as evidence
This documentation becomes critical if you need to prove FDCPA violations.
File Official Complaints
Government agencies track consumer complaints and can investigate patterns of illegal behavior:
- FTC: File a complaint
- Nevada Attorney General: Consumer Protection Bureau
- Better Business Bureau: Document patterns with other consumers
Contact The Wood Law Firm
If First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) continues harassing you after you’ve requested validation or sent a cease letter, or if they’ve violated the FDCPA, you may have legal claims. Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation.
We understand this situation is stressful, and we’re here to help without judgment. You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus compensation for emotional distress and attorney fees. First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) must pay. We work on pure contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA

Understanding your legal protections can reduce fear and help you take appropriate action:
- Right to Dispute: You can challenge any debt within 30 days of first contact. Disputing doesn’t mean you admit owing it.
- The Right to Validation: First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) must prove the debt is yours, they own it, and the amount is correct.
- Right to Stop Contact: After sending a written request, they must stop most communication.
- The Right to Freedom from Harassment: They cannot use abusive language, make excessive calls, or threaten illegal actions.
- Right to Privacy: They cannot discuss your debt with unauthorized third parties.
- The Right to Sue for Violations: If they break these rules, you can pursue legal action for damages.
How The Wood Law Firm Protects You from First National Collection Bureau

The Wood Law Firm has helped hundreds of consumers stop First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) and other aggressive debt collectors. We understand the stress and confusion that come with constant collection calls, and we’re here to provide clarity and protection.
When you work with us, we handle everything from cease and desist letters to federal lawsuits if necessary. We’ve successfully stopped harassment from companies like National Debt Collection and Professional Bureau of Collections, securing compensation for our clients while ensuring the harassment stops immediately.
We work on pure contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our focus is on holding First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) accountable for illegal practices while protecting your rights and peace of mind.
Attorney Jeff Wood Fights for Consumer Protection
Attorney Jeff Wood founded The Wood Law Firm after witnessing how debt collectors exploit consumers facing financial difficulties. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and extensive experience in FDCPA litigation, Jeff has developed proven strategies to stop harassment and secure damages for violations.
Jeff understands that debt collection harassment affects your daily life, your family, and your mental health. His approach combines aggressive legal action against collectors who break the law with compassionate support for clients navigating difficult situations.
When First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) claims compliance but faces 420+ lawsuits, Jeff knows how to hold them accountable.
What Our Clients Say About Us
- “First National Collection Bureau called me about a debt from 8 years ago. I was terrified they’d sue me. The Wood Law Firm explained the statute of limitations, stopped the calls, and recovered compensation for the harassment.”
- “They were calling my mother and telling her about my debt. I didn’t know that was illegal. The Wood Law Firm stopped it immediately and got me $1,000 for the privacy violation.”
- “I almost paid a debt I didn’t owe because I was so stressed. The Wood Law Firm requested validation, and FNCB couldn’t prove I owed anything. The calls stopped completely.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) a scam?
No, First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) is a legitimate debt collector operating for 35+ years, but over 420 federal lawsuits and 100+ BBB complaints suggest their practices may violate consumer protection laws.
2. Can First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) sue me for old debt?
Only if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years). If time-barred, they cannot legally sue, though they may still attempt collection.
3. What should I do if I receive a call from First National Collection Bureau (FNCB)?
Don’t provide personal information or payment immediately. Request debt validation in writing, document the call, and verify the debt’s validity and age before taking action.
4. Will requesting debt validation restart the statute of limitations?
No. Requesting validation is your legal right and does not restart the clock on time-barred debts. Only making a payment or written acknowledgment might restart it in some states.
5. Can First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) call my workplace or family?
They can contact employers only to verify employment, not to discuss your debt. Contacting family members about your debt violates the FDCPA except in very limited circumstances.
6. What damages can I recover if First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) violates the FDCPA?
You may recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus actual damages for emotional distress, and First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) must pay your attorney fees if you win.
7. Does First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) report to credit bureaus?
Yes, but the 2019 CFPB action alleged they failed to maintain reasonable accuracy procedures. If they report incorrect information, you can dispute it with credit bureaus and may have legal claims.
8. How do I know if my debt is too old to collect?
Check your state’s statute of limitations for the debt type. Most states set 3-6 years for credit card debt. Contact a consumer attorney for verification before making any payment.
9. Can speaking with The Wood Law Firm make my situation worse?
No. Speaking with an attorney does not restart your debt, admit liability, or give First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) more power. Consultations are confidential and help you understand your options.
10. What if I actually owe the debt?
Even if the debt is valid, First National Collection Bureau (FNCB) must follow federal law. Harassment, threats, and illegal tactics are still violations regardless of whether you owe the money.
We’ve also helped clients stop United Collection Bureau, United Credit Recovery Bureau, and Diversified Recovery Bureau.
Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for a free, confidential consultation. You deserve peace of mind, and we’re here to help you get it.


