Consumer complaint received 2024-10-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: False statements or representation — Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official
Company: National Investigative Services
State: DE

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint regarding a voicemail I received from a representative of National Investigative Services ( NIS ) on XX/XX/scrub>/2024. The voicemail was from Agent XXXX, who portrayed themselves as an investigator and made misleading and false claims regarding an alleged debt. The actions taken by NIS through this voicemail violated multiple provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and I am requesting compensation for the violations of my consumer rights. 

Details of the Complaint : 1. Misrepresentation of Identity : The voicemail I received was from an individual identifying themselves as Agent XXXX with National Investigative Services ( NIS ). The use of the term agent implies that this individual is an investigator or law enforcement officer, which is a clear misrepresentation of their role. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from falsely representing their identity. NIS falsely portrayed themselves as legal authorities to intimidate me, in violation of 807 of the FDCPA. 
2. False and Misleading Threats : The voicemail claimed that multiple complaints have been filed against me, and that there is an investigation being conducted. The message implied that legal action or criminal investigation was underway, which is not the case. These false statements were made to coerce me into taking immediate action. Additionally, the message stated that agents would be dispatched to the locations on file, which further suggested a law enforcement action. These threats were misleading and violated 807 of the FDCPA, which prohibits debt collectors from threatening actions they do not intend or have no authority to take.

3. Failure to Disclose the Purpose of the Call : The caller did not properly disclose that the voicemail was an attempt to collect a debt, as required under 807 of the FDCPA. The voicemail lacked any statement that identified the true purpose of the call or that any information obtained would be used for debt collection. This is a violation of my rights under the FDCPA.

4. Harassment and Coercion : The voicemail used intimidating language, stating that the matter requires immediate attention and that agents would be dispatched to verify my residency. This language was clearly meant to harass and intimidate me into taking action, which is a violation of 806 of the FDCPA, which prohibits harassment and abusive tactics in debt collection.

I request that the CFPB investigate this complaint and take appropriate action against National Investigative Services for their unlawful debt collection practices.

Contact Information of the Company : National Investigative Services XXXX Here is the voicemail transcribed : This is agent XXXX with NIS calling to get a notification out to one XXXX XXXX Multiple complaints have been filed against you and there's currently an investigation being conducted. We made several attempts to contact you to verify residency for the properties located at eight. The XXXX XXXX and any other locations it is imperative for XXXX XXXX to contact the legal department in charge of the matter immediately The number is XXXX and reference case number Season XXXX XXXX. This is the time that in a matter that does require your immediate attention. If there is no contact with the address on file being corrected and agents will be dispatched to our locations on file XXXX XXXX and her attorney can contact the legal department at XXXX

Company response to consumer: Untimely response