There are certain organizations that consumers have no idea even exist and usually, they’ll never know until and less the need for their services arise. The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is one of those organizations.
In 2010, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 140,036 complaints on debt collectors. That number’s up from 2009′s total of 119,609 – and for 2011, it’s expected to climb even higher. Keep in mind – this is strictly based on complaints regarding debt collection. The NACA is where many folks turn to when their backs are against the wall..
What It Is
In short, and according to its website, NACA is:
an organization of more than 1500 attorneys who represent and have represented hundreds of thousands of consumers victimized by fraudulent, abusive, and predatory business practices. As a national organization fully committed to promoting justice for consumers, NACA’s members and their clients are actively engaged in promoting a fair and open marketplace that forcefully protects the rights of consumers, particularly those of modest means.
It focuses on several “key issues” in the credit and financial sectors that include predatory lending practices, foreclosure prevention, forced arbitration, debt collection abuse, credit card debt collection abuse, auto fraud, payday lending and even identity theft. It has professionals who are knowledgeable in things like consumer rights for returning military members and even domestic violence consumer rights.
Defining NACA
The NACA is a non-profit agency that’s made up of legal services attorneys, law professors, consumer representatives and a host of other volunteers that work to ensure consumer rights are never violated or when they are, that it doesn’t occur again.
It often protects consumer interests in various courts and legislative sessions, its goal is to ensure erosion of existing rights isn’t allowed and it’s appeared in numerous cases before the Supreme Court. It works, via its various campaigns, to pass public policy on everything from credit card consumer rights to civil and employment rights.
Needless to say, it’s a powerful group that is focused, determined and available for those who need its services. And lately –many of those who’ve need its services are consumers with credit card debt. It’s a great resource to ensure your rights as a consumer aren’t violated and that your credit card company is treating you fairly and legally.
Again, this isn’t likely an association you’ve ever even heard of – but it’s reassuring to know it’s there should you ever need it.
