ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A New Mexico man has been awarded $96 million as part of a bankruptcy settlement stemming from a dispute with a debt collection company, KRQE news 13 reported Tuesday. Paul Cordova of Albuquerque alleged aggressive and illegal debt collection tactics by National Credit Adjusters (NCA). Cordova claimed NCA repeatedly contacted him despite being informed he was represented by an attorney and harassed him with threats of legal action.
The settlement, approved by a bankruptcy court judge, includes $96 million in damages awarded to Cordova and a court order preventing NCA from engaging in similar practices. Cordova’s attorney, Peter Stotler, told KRQE the case highlights the importance of consumer protection laws. “This is a significant victory for consumers who are facing aggressive and illegal debt collection practices,” Stotler said.
National Credit Adjusters has not publicly commented on the settlement. The company, based in Garden Grove, California, has faced numerous complaints regarding its debt collection methods. The judgment serves as a warning to debt collectors about adhering to the Fair debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive debt collection tactics. Cordova intends to use the funds to rebuild his financial life and advocate for consumer rights, according to the report.
