Tampa, FLA debt collection agency accused of hounding consumers for repayment of debts not even owed is facing a class-action lawsuit stemming from litigation originally filed May 3, 2007. The allegations contained in the lawsuit are eerily similar to previous complaints archived in the defendant’s file with The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of New York.
According to PRNewswire (5/3/13), Casey Joy of Tampa, Florida, filed her action against North Shore Agency Inc. (North Shore), a subsidiary of Outsourcing Solutions Inc. The plaintiff alleges that North Shore attempted to collect debts, together with the issuance of collection letters, with regard to accounts and services the plaintiff did not have, or want.
The class-action lawsuit further alleges that North Shore mailed, en masse, threatening debt collection letters through the mail in an attempt to harass and intimidate consumers into paying non-existent debts.
This allegation is mirrored in the archived complaint reports of North Shore Agency Inc. by the BBB. While allowing the firm an “A+” rating nonetheless, the BBB file as reflected online states, “Complaints sent to the Better Business Bureau of New York state that a collection agency called North Shore sends consumers collection bill statements regarding money owed to companies that consumers allege they are unaware of. Some consumers’ (sic) stated that they received bills regarding subscription Magazines (sic) and books from the collection agency and were told to pay the full amount owed, however, according to consumers they never subscribed to such companies.
“Consumers allege that when trying to contact North Shore to resolve the issue, the company states that they owe the money and must pay what’s due on the account. According to complaints, this company is falsely accusing consumers of owing money to various companies when in fact the information in their system is incorrect, from name typos to accounts being wrong.
“Some consumer’s (sic) allege that the company contacts them by phone in an improper manner to explain the balance on their accounts. After consumers get no where (sic) with the company, they then contact the BBB to rectify the situation in which the company then corrects the error and cancels consumers’ subscriptions.”
In her class-action lawsuit, plaintiff Casey Joy alleges the collection practices carried out by the defendant are illegal and violate the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, together with Florida’s Consumer Collection Practices Act.
According to the PRNewswire report, a common complaint amongst consumers supports the BBB findings and surrounds the receipt of collection letters for unwanted magazine subscriptions that have not been duly initiated. Thus, the money is not legally owed. The lawsuit also states that collection letters fail to notify customers as to the proper avenues to challenge the debt and the collection effort, as required by law.
The report notes that the Better Business Bureau of New York identified North Shore as having “a pattern of complaints” and as having failed to correct the underlying causes for such complaints.
The class-action lawsuit is Casey Joy, On Behalf of herself and All Others Similarly Situated, vs. North Shore Agency, Inc. Case No. 8:CV-00769-T-17EAJ.
If you or a loved one have suffered losses in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a financial lawyer who may evaluate your DEBT COLLECTION HARASSMENT claim at no cost or obligation.
Calls 24/7 .. very harshly they repeated over I said give me your address I want to know this is u .. I recieved countless letters on things were not ourchased ..very harsh person block one of there numbers
Posted by Larry Doyle
on
Just received a notice from North Shore Agency in Old Bethpage, NY 11804 , phone number 631.574-4660 wanting me to pay $56.96 for People Magazine. I would never order people nor pay that type of money for a magazine. Retired and careful with each dollar.
Posted by John
on
I just received a similar attempt to collect, also for an un-ordered magazine subscription. As of Janurary 4th 2017 this is still happening and I would like to join any class actions against this fraudulent organization.
Posted by Jack Savage
on
Received three letters from North Shore Agency for a mag. subscription that was already paid direct to the magazine. Contacted the mag. and they have sent two letters to say I paid them a renewal through A/M 2018 and stop the collection letters..
The number plastered all over the web 866-486-2121 is their number, but they say it isn't. Typical collection agency - won't discuss on the phone. There are ways to get around that though.
Posted by Pat
on
Have received 2 letters about a magazine subscription that was not renewed, also it was a PO Box in NY.
Posted by Allen
on
I have just received a letter from NSA demanding payment of $56.02 for phone company services cancelled many months ago.
Their website implies I can handle this matter via email however the email given is only to accept money not dispute the validity of the charge. The phone number given is only a long phone tree of does n dont's and is entirely unhelpful.
NSA appears to have numerous complaints for shoddy practices and harassment.
I am forced to respond them via snail mail.
Posted by Melissa
on
I cancelled a magazine subscription twice, and they kept sending magazines. Today I received a notice from NSA demanding payment.
Posted by Phil
on
I just received a similar attempt to collect, also for an un-ordered magazine subscription. As of March 20th 2016 this is still happening and I would like to join any class actions against this fraudulent organization.
Posted by Penny Bevelacqua
on
They called me and left a voice message while I was working. And, then I get a note from our Senior Vice President, saying they were trying to find my location.
And, had filed something in another county. My Boss, said they hung up before he was able to take the call.
I called them back and they were so very rude. They don't me it is now a civil matter and will send me a letter. Tried to give them my address and they said, oh don't worry we have that.
and, hung up.. This is a pay day loan which I did year's ago.
Posted by Mike
on
Was getting two sets of letters regarding magazines from Intermedia. Contacted Intermedia and was told that I last renewed those magazines online. Supposedly, included in the terms of that online renewal, was future automatic renewals.
Intermedia cleared the amounts owed without question.
Since I had taken no steps to renew the magazines, I also initially believed it to be a scam.
Posted by David Hill
on
North Shore attempting to collect money for magazine subscription and book that was not ordered or received by me, thus no money is owed. Also, between the envelope and letter the are 4 different addresses noted with payment to go to a PO Box.
Posted by Ashley
on
The same thing is happening to me. It is 2014. I have cleared this issue with the company (Hamilton Collections) but I continue to get hassled by North Shore. The collection notices I received and continue to receive sometimes have different payment addresses. A JAG attorney informed me any collection agency with a P.O address is definitely a scam as legitimate companies have proper address locations. My only concern, because I can't afford a lawyer, is I hope this isn't actually effecting my credit score.
Add Your Comment on This Story
Request Legal Help
Please complete this form to request a review of your complaint by an attorney.
There is absolutely no cost to you to submit this form. Doing so places you under no obligations and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
According to PRNewswire (5/3/13), Casey Joy of Tampa, Florida, filed her action against North Shore Agency Inc. (North Shore), a subsidiary of Outsourcing Solutions Inc. The plaintiff alleges that North Shore attempted to collect debts, together with the issuance of collection letters, with regard to accounts and services the plaintiff did not have, or want.
