Ohio Attorney General sues Solon company for harassment

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today filed a lawsuit against Solon-based National Enterprise Systems, Inc.  The collection agency is accused of using egregious methods in attempts to collect alleged debt from Ohio consumers.

"Everyone has the right to be treated fairly under Ohio law, regardless of possible debt owed," Attorney General Cordray said. "More than 200 consumers filed complaints with my office saying NES used threats, harassment and deception to collect debts. These practices are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

In the spring of 2008, the Ohio Attorney General's Office noticed an increase in consumer complaints against NES and launched an investigation into the company's business practices.

The investigation revealed a pattern of illegal practices, such as calling and harassing consumers' coworkers and family members, calling before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m., using abusive language, attempting to collect debts consumers did not owe, failing to verify debts and making unauthorized withdrawals from consumers' bank accounts.

Cordray encourages any Ohioan who has experienced similar strong-arm tactics from debt collectors to contact his office at (800) 282-0515 or online at Speak Out Ohio.