Northwestern Mediation Services Debt Collection Harassment?
Northwestern Mediation Services Debt Collection Harassment? Debt collection harassment refers to unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices used by debt collectors to pressure someone into paying a debt. These actions are illegal under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in the U.S.
The FDCPA, or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, is a federal law in the United States that protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by third-party debt collectors. It was enacted in 1977 and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the (CFPB).
Key Protections Under the FDCPA
1. Who It Applies To:
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Only applies to third-party debt collectors (not the original creditor).
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Covers personal, family, and household debts (e.g., credit cards, medical bills, mortgages).
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Does not cover business debts.
2. When and How Collectors Can Contact You:
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Can only call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. (your local time).
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Can’t call you at work if you tell them not to.
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Must stop contacting you if you send a written request to do so.
3. What Collectors Can’t Do:
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Harass, threaten, or use profanity.
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Lie about who they are or what they can do (e.g., claim you’ll be arrested).
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Misrepresent the amount you owe.
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Publicly shame you or tell others about your debt (except to locate you).
4. Your Rights:
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You can ask for debt validation—proof that you owe the debt.
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You can dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of being contacted.
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You can sue a collector who violates the FDCPA (within 1 year).
Who are Northwestern Mediation Services?
Northwestern Mediation Services is a third-party debt collector located in Amherst, New York.
According to the Better Business Bureau Northwestern Mediation Services has an F rating due to failure to respond to complaints made against the company.
Customer Complaints Summary
- 4 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 4 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
Address:
2001 Niagara Falls Blvd, Suite 3
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone # (877) 871-3921
What the FDCPA Says About Legal Threats
Debt collectors can only threaten legal action if all of the following are true:
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They have the legal right to sue you.
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They intend to follow through on the threat.
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The debt is within the statute of limitations (not time-barred).
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The threat is not deceptive, misleading, or harassing.
Illegal Legal Threats Include:
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“We’re going to have you arrested.”
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Unlawful: You cannot be jailed for civil debts.
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“We’ll sue you tomorrow” (but they never do).
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Unlawful: They must intend to take legal action if they say they will.
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“We’ll garnish your wages immediately” when they haven’t obtained a judgment.
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Unlawful: Garnishment usually requires a court order.
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Threatening legal action on old (time-barred) debts they can’t legally sue you over.
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Pretending to be attorneys or law enforcement if they’re not.
Your Rights If You’re Threatened Illegally
If a collector makes a false legal threat:
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Document everything (record calls if legal in your state, save texts/emails).
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Send a certified letter demanding they cease contact.
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File complaints with:
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CFPB: consumerfinance.gov
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FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
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State attorney general
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Consider suing the collector. Under the FDCPA, you can seek:
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Up to $1,000 in statutory damages
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Actual damages (e.g., emotional distress)
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Attorney’s fees and court costs
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About Us
Consumer Rights Law Firm, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing harassment from debt collectors. If you suspect that your debt collection rights are being trampled upon, contact our office to begin the process to stop the harassment you may currently be receiving from NRS. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance.
