Early January NCS placed a negative tradeline on my credit report. I immediately sent them an unknown debt letter (since they never sent me any communication, I had no idea what the tradeline was for) requesting validation pursuant to the 1692 (g).
To make a long story short, NCS continued collection activities, even after they confirmed that they had received the debt validation request. On top of that, after running a search for them on the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs website (http://www.nyc. Gov/html/dca/html/licenses/license_check. Shtml), they don't even have the required license pursuant to New York City Administrative Code Section 20-490, all debt collection agencies MUST be licensed to collect debts in NYC.
I offered them the opportunity to settle and I would have been kind enough to have signed a non-disclosure agreement. I got an email back from them within seconds telling me that since they "closed" my account, I can pretty much forget about them settling and if I choose to pursue this matter with my attorney, they don't really care?!?! Since when does closing an account change the fact that violations were committed? If it were that simple, don't you think NCO would have just "closed" all of their account and they wouldn't have been subjected to the largest fine in collection history.
Well, it's too late. I want everyone to know, if you have gotten a debt collection letter and/or any tradelines placed on your credit report and you live in New York City, file suit in your local civil court for damages. Request a demand for a Jury trial so they have to explain to your fellow NY'ers why decided to break the law. If you have other violations, all the better!
Also, if you are a resident of NYC, please don't forget to write to the BBB.org, NY Attorney General and the NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs offices as they are looking forward to hearing from you.
0 comments