Commercial-Debt Collection Statutes for Nevada:
NEVADA-Definitions
“Claim” means any obligation for the payment of money or its equivalent that is past due. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 649.010 (West, WESTLAW through the 2004 21st Spec. Sess. of the 72nd Leg. and the 2004 Revisions by the Legislative Counsel Bureau). 1. “Collection agency” means all persons engaging, directly or indirectly, and as a primary or a secondary object, business or pursuit, in the collection of or in soliciting or obtaining in any manner the payment of a claim owed or due or asserted to be owed or due to another. 3. “Collection agency”: (a) Includes a community manager while engaged in the management of a common-interest community or the management of an association of a condominium hotel if the community manager, or any employee, agent or affiliate of the community manager, performs or offers to perform any act associated with the foreclosure of a lien pursuant to NRS 116.31162 to 116.31168, inclusive; (b) Does not include any other community manager while engaged in the management of a common-interest community or the management of an association of a condominium hotel. 4. As used in this section: (a) “Community manager” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 116.023 or section 11 of this act. (b) “Unit-owners’ association” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 116.011 or section 7 of this act. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 649.020(1), (3)-(4) (West, WESTLAW current with 2007 Nevada Laws Ch. 441).NEVADA-Exemptions
2. “Collection agency” does not include any of the following unless they are conducting collection agencies: (a) Individuals regularly employed on a regular wage or salary, in the capacity of credit men or in other similar capacity upon the staff of employees of any person not engaged in the business of a collection agency or making or attempting to make collections as an incident to the usual practices of their primary business or profession. (b) Banks. (c) Nonprofit cooperative associations. (d) Unit-owners’ associations and the board members, officers, employees and units’ owners of those associations when acting under the authority of and in accordance with chapter 116 of NRS. (e) Abstract companies doing an escrow business. (f) Duly licensed real estate agents except for those real estate agents who are community managers included within the term “collection agency” pursuant to subsection 3. (g) Attorneys and counselors at law licensed to practice in this State.Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 649.020(2) (West, WESTLAW current with 2007 Nevada Laws Ch. 441).
What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The U.S. Congress enacted the FDCPA in 1977 and added it to the Consumer Credit Protection Act in 1978. Its purpose is to eliminate abusive practices of third-party debt collectors. To that end, the Act establishes guidelines for the conduct of debt collectors, defines the rights of consumers, and prescribes penalties for violations. The FDCPA defines “debt collectors” as “any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any debt … asserted to be owed or due another.” “Consumers” and “debt” covered under the FDCPA are defined as specifically referring to personal, family or household transactions. Therefore, debts owed by businesses or by individuals for business purposes (commercial debts) are not subject to the FDCPA.So, if the FDCPA does not apply to commercial debt collection by third parties, how are commercial collectors regulated?
There are no U.S. federal laws, similar to the FDCPA, that regulate third-party commercial (business-to-business) debt collection or provide guidelines for the conduct of commercial debt collectors.Who is protecting the rights of commercial creditors and debtors?
Commercial Collection Agency Association The premier body governing the activities of commercial debt collectors is the Commercial Collection Agency Association (CCAA), an arm of the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA). These organizations are not government bodies, nor do they have any jurisdiction over non-members. However, both require high standards of practice and ethics in order for a commercial collection agency to become a certified member. The Commercial Collection Agency Association was established in 1972 to “improve the quality and reputation of the commercial collection industry.” It currently has more than 200 members. Approximately 100 core members represent the most prestigious commercial collection agencies in the United States. The CCAA is an arm of the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), the oldest creditor’s rights organization in the country established in 1895.Membership in the CCAA
- The agency must have been in business at least four years prior to application for membership.
- 80% of the agency’s business must be commercial (business-to-business).
- The agency must maintain a separate Trust Account into which all monies belonging to creditors are placed. This Trust Account is reviewed twice annually by the Executive Director of the CCAA.
- The agency must agree to abide by the CCAA Code of Ethics, which sets ethical standards for dealing with creditors, debtors and attorneys.
- Executives of the agency must meet continuing educational requirements and attend regular CCAA meetings. The member agency must complete sixty continuing educational credits annually.
- The agency must post a surety bond of at least $300,000 for the protection of the creditors it serves.
- One person in the agency must also be a member of the Commercial Law League of America.
- The agency must agree to random periodic site visits from the CCAA Executive Director.
- The agency must be in compliance with all local and state licensing requirements and regulations governing commercial collection firms.
