When West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw settled a case against debt collection agency National Enterprise System (NES), the agreement included a provision that the debt collector would pay $75,000 to the state, a portion of which would be refunded to victims. The suit revolved around telephone harassment, false threats of arrest, and other illegal tactics. In addition, National Enterprise Systems was accused of adding fees to debts for school tuition, which is against state law.
Students who paid fees to NES in conjunction with National Enterprise Systems’ collection efforts can obtain claim forms at www.wvago.gov or by calling 1-800-368-8808.
West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw is second only to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo when it comes to fighting debt collectors engaged in illegal practices. McGraw recently entered into a settlement agreement with National Enterprise Systems (NES) after accusing the debt collection agency of “telephone harassment, repeated calls to consumers who stated they did not owe the debt, and false threats of lawsuits, arrest and criminal prosecution.” McGraw’s lawsuit, which was filed last year, also alleged that NES added unlawful fees to accounts.
The settlement states that NES will fork over $75,000 to West Virginia. Part of that money will be returned to consumers who paid unlawful fees, while the rest will be used for consumer protection and education.
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray recently announced a settlement with National Enterprise System (NES), in which the state will receive over $400, half of which will go to consumers who filed complaints with Cordray’s office, and the rest to Ohio’s Consumer Protection Enforcement Fund.
The lawsuit alleged that NES violated Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by calling victims’ family members and coworkers, calling early in the morning and late at night, using abusive language, trying to collect on debts people didn’t owe, and not verifying debts as required by law.
If you were an NES victim and filed a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General prior to the settlement, you will receive notification in the mail and $200 or more. This is a good reminder as to why, if you’re the victim of debt collector harassment, it’s important to file complaints with both your state Attorney General and with the Federal Trade Commission. If you live in Ohio and have been abused by another debt collection agency, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General by clicking here.
