February 12, 2010

By: Michelle Grinberg, Esq.

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) will be dispersing $1.6 million to consumers who were threatened, harassed and scammed by National Check Control, a New Jersey collection agency, and its principals.  The FTC filed a complaint in 2003, alleging various violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) including, but not limited to, threatening consumers with criminal prosecution, collecting money which was not due and owing, and communicating with third parties.  The operations of National Check Control and its principals were permanently shut down pursuant to court order.  However, the FTC was able to recover $1.6 million to remedy the injuries which consumers sustained as a result of the actions of National Check Control and the other defendants named in the 2003 complaint.  Consumers who incurred a loss of $100 or more will begin receiving checks this month.