Quick Answer: Northstar Location Services, LLC is a debt collection agency based in Cheektowaga, New York (near Buffalo) with over 50 years of operation. They collect a broad range of consumer debt including credit cards, medical bills, auto deficiencies, and utilities. Their primary known phone numbers are 716-817-6770 and 877-630-6700. With 105 CFPB complaints, the most common issue is attempting to collect debts consumers say aren’t theirs.
If Northstar Location Services is in your call log: Their name may suggest a new company, but Northstar has been operating for decades. A call from them is a business communication — they believe you owe money on a past-due account. Your legal rights under the FDCPA apply regardless of whether the debt is valid. This page gives you what you need to respond from a position of knowledge, not alarm.
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Northstar Location Services, LLC |
| Type | Third-party debt collector and debt buyer |
| Headquartered | 4285 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 |
| Primary Creditors | Banks, credit card companies, medical providers, auto lenders, utilities, telecom |
| Primary Phone | 716-817-6770 |
| CFPB Complaints | 105 filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau |
| Federal Court Cases | 1 published opinion (Felix v. Northstar Location Services, LLC, W.D.N.Y. 2013); 333+ FDCPA dockets nationwide |
| Governed By | Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) |
Northstar Location Services is a debt collection agency — if they’re calling, they believe you owe money on a credit card, medical bill, auto loan deficiency, utility, or other past-due consumer account.
The most notable pattern in Northstar’s CFPB complaint record is that the largest complaint category — nearly 30% of all complaints — involves consumers alleging the debt isn’t theirs. That may indicate identity errors, purchased portfolios with stale data, or accounts forwarded in error. Always verify in writing before paying anything.
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Who Is Northstar Location Services?
Northstar Location Services, LLC is a debt collection agency based in Cheektowaga, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. With over 50 years in the collections industry, Northstar operates both as a third-party collector (acting on behalf of original creditors) and as a debt buyer (purchasing charged-off accounts for cents on the dollar and collecting the face value for themselves). Because they sometimes own the debt outright, they have a direct financial interest in collection — which affects your negotiating position if the debt is valid and you want to settle.
Northstar Location Services Phone Numbers
Northstar Location Services uses multiple phone numbers when contacting consumers. If you received a call from any of the numbers below, it was Northstar — and the same legal rights apply regardless of which number appeared on your caller ID.
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| Phone Number | Reported Use | Consumer Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 716-817-6770 | Primary collections / main office | Company contact information — confirmed Northstar |
| 877-630-6700 | Toll-free collections line | Consumer reports — confirmed Northstar |
| 866-224-9825 | Collections outbound | 800notes.com — multiple Northstar reports |
| 866-677-2844 | Collections outbound | 800notes.com — Northstar Location Services |
| 866-664-1941 | Collections outbound | 800notes.com — confirmed reports |
| 866-320-5854 | Collections outbound | 800notes.com — Northstar reports |
Why Is Northstar Location Services Calling You?
- Credit card debt — the most common type they collect. Northstar collects for banks and credit card issuers. Charged-off credit card balances are frequently sold to or placed with collectors like Northstar.
- Medical bills or auto loan deficiencies. Their portfolio spans healthcare, auto finance, utilities, and telecom — a broad range that means the specific account type may vary widely.
- A debt you believe you don’t owe. Nearly 30% of all CFPB complaints against Northstar allege they’re contacting the wrong person or attempting to collect a debt that doesn’t belong to the consumer. This is the highest-proportion complaint category they have.
- A discharged debt. At least one CFPB complaint describes a consumer whose debt was discharged in bankruptcy — but Northstar continued collection attempts. If your debt was discharged in bankruptcy, collection attempts violate federal law.
Northstar’s 50-year history means they’ve handled many portfolio types. Don’t assume a contact from them means the debt is valid — confirm in writing first.
What CFPB Complaints Reveal About Northstar Location Services
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s complaint database contains 105 consumer complaints referencing Northstar Location Services. The most common categories:
Read Consumer Complaint Narratives (6 published accounts)
“I do not owe a debt to Northstar Location Services, LLC. Northstar Location Services, LLC is NOT registered to transact business and/or collect debts in my state under NRS 649.075.”
“Northstar Location Services recently began contacting the consumer after ‘purchasing an alleged debt’ that consumer allegedly owed to [original creditor]. The debt collection agency was informed to cease and desist contacting consumer. Northstar Location Services received notice to cease and desist on [date] via certified USPS mail. Once the previous contract with [creditor] was severed — which is the consumer’s personal non-public information — any alleged contract or debt transfers would require consumer’s consent.”
“I am writing to formally file a dispute and complaint regarding an alleged debt collection by Northstar Location Services, LLC, as referenced in their letter dated [date]. This letter claims that I owe a balance of $7,100.00 to [original creditor] with account number [redacted]. I do not owe this debt, nor have I been provided with adequate proof that it is mine. [Original creditor] has already removed this account from my credit report, indicating that they do not consider this debt valid — yet Northstar continues to pursue collection.”
“Northstar Location Services, LLC has sent me a letter in the mail stating that they are a debt collector and that I owe a debt to [original creditor]. I do not owe [creditor] nor Northstar Location Services, LLC the alleged debt amount of $1,000.00.”
“My name is [redacted] and I am writing to file a complaint against Northstar Location Services concerning a recent soft inquiry on my credit report. I noticed that Northstar Location Services conducted an inquiry on my credit report without my explicit authorization. Given that I do not recall initiating any transaction or agreement with this company, I am concerned about the legitimacy of this inquiry and the potential implications it may have on my credit profile.”
“I believe the account is invalid. Northstar Location Services, LLC needs to verify under oath that this claim is valid, free from any claims and defenses including but not limited to any breach of agreement, failure of consideration, or material alterations, and that the original lender provided value. Further, the alleged account was transferred in good faith and with the consent of all parties involved. If they are unable to provide the previously listed item under oath, I require the account be removed from my credit report.”
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Narratives published only when the consumer provides consent. Personal information redacted by the CFPB.
Northstar Location Services in Federal Court
Northstar Location Services has been named in federal FDCPA litigation. One published opinion documents a specific voicemail disclosure violation — and the class action process itself produced a notable outcome for consumers.
Felix v. Northstar Location Services, LLC (W.D.N.Y., 2013): A consolidated FDCPA class action in the Western District of New York alleged that Northstar left voicemail messages that failed to identify Northstar as the caller and failed to disclose that the communication was from a debt collector — a direct violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(11). The court denied the proposed class settlement and ordered the plaintiffs’ attorneys to show cause why they should not be sanctioned under Rule 11 for failing to disclose controlling precedent that directly governed the case.
What this means for you: If Northstar left you a voicemail that didn’t clearly identify them as a debt collector, that may be an independent FDCPA violation. Document every voicemail — date received, which number called, and whether the caller identified themselves and the purpose of the call. Each documented FDCPA violation can be worth up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees in federal court.
Court records sourced from CourtListener, maintained by the Free Law Project.
What To Do If Northstar Location Services Is Calling You
- First, confirm whether the debt is actually yours. Nearly 30% of CFPB complaints against Northstar allege the debt doesn’t belong to the consumer. With a large, diverse portfolio spanning credit cards, medical, auto, and utility debt, wrong-person contacts are documented. Before anything else, ask them in writing to identify the original creditor, account number, and amount — and verify that against your own records.
- Check whether this debt has already been discharged or paid. Northstar’s complaint record includes accounts of collecting discharged bankruptcy debts and debts consumers say were already paid. If your debt was discharged in bankruptcy, collection attempts violate the automatic stay and discharge injunction — contact a bankruptcy attorney if this applies to you.
- Request a debt validation notice in writing. Northstar is legally required to send you a written notice within 5 days of first contact. If they haven’t, demand one. You then have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing.
- Check your state’s statute of limitations. If the debt is old enough, they can no longer sue you to collect — though they can still ask you to pay. Check your state here.
- Send a cease-and-desist if you want calls to stop. A written request by certified mail legally requires them to stop contacting you (except to confirm receipt or advise of legal action).
- Document everything. Date, time, what they said, which number called. If they violate the FDCPA, each violation can be worth up to $1,000 plus attorney fees in federal court.
For the complete guide: Your Rights When a Debt Collector Calls.
Your FDCPA rights in brief: Northstar Location Services must stop collection if you send a written cease request by certified mail. You can demand written debt verification within 30 days of first contact. FDCPA violations can be sued in federal court for up to $1,000 plus attorney fees. Full rights breakdown here.
Key Takeaways
- Northstar Location Services is a third-party collector and debt buyer based in Cheektowaga, NY
- Their primary known phone numbers are 716-817-6770 and 877-630-6700; also calls from 866-224-9825 and 866-677-2844
- They collect across credit cards, medical, auto, utility, and telecom debt categories
- 105 CFPB complaints — nearly 30% allege the debt doesn’t belong to the consumer
- As a debt buyer, they purchase accounts and have a direct financial stake in collection — which may create room to negotiate if the debt is valid
- Named in Felix v. Northstar (W.D.N.Y. 2013) — federal FDCPA case over voicemails that failed to disclose they were from a debt collector
- Verify the debt in writing and confirm it isn’t discharged or already paid before responding
Free Tool — Debt Collector Rights Lookup: Being contacted by a debt collector? The free Debt Collector Rights Lookup shows your state-specific protections — statute of limitations, garnishment limits, and what collectors are legally prohibited from doing. Look Up Your Rights →
Frequently Asked Questions About Northstar Location Services
Free Tool — Statute of Limitations Checker: Dealing with old debt? The free Statute of Limitations Checker tells you if the collection clock has expired in your state — including the zombie debt and clock-restarting traps collectors use. Check My Status →
Who is Northstar Location Services?
Northstar Location Services, LLC is a debt collection agency based in Cheektowaga, New York — a suburb of Buffalo — with over 50 years in the industry. They operate both as a third-party collector (collecting on behalf of original creditors) and as a debt buyer (purchasing charged-off accounts and collecting the balance themselves). They collect across a broad range of debt types including credit cards, medical bills, auto deficiencies, utilities, and telecom. They have 105 complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Is Northstar Location Services a scam?
Northstar Location Services is a legitimate, licensed debt collection agency with over five decades in business — not a scam. However, nearly 30% of their 105 CFPB complaints allege the debt being collected doesn’t belong to the consumer, and at least one complaint describes continued collection attempts on a debt discharged in bankruptcy. Legitimate doesn’t mean error-free. Always request written validation of any debt they contact you about before taking any action.
Why is Northstar Location Services calling me if I don’t recognize the debt?
Northstar’s highest complaint category — 30 out of 105 CFPB complaints — involves consumers who say the debt isn’t theirs. As a collector that handles diverse portfolios across many creditor types, wrong-person contacts and data errors can occur. They may be contacting you because they purchased a portfolio with an incorrect address or phone number, because of a name similarity, or because of an identity mix-up. Request the full account details in writing — original creditor, account number, balance, and date of default — and verify before engaging.
What types of debt does Northstar Location Services handle?
Northstar’s portfolio spans credit card debt, medical bills, auto loan deficiencies, utility accounts, telecommunications debt, and more. Because they operate as both a third-party collector and a debt buyer, the nature of their relationship to your specific account can vary — they may be collecting on behalf of an original creditor, or they may have purchased your account outright. Ask them directly which applies, as it affects your negotiating options if the debt turns out to be valid.
How do I stop Northstar Location Services from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter by certified mail to Northstar Location Services, LLC, 4285 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Under the FDCPA, once they receive that letter, they must stop all collection communications except to confirm receipt or notify you of a specific legal action. Keep your certified mail tracking number as proof of delivery.
Can Northstar Location Services sue me?
Yes — as a debt buyer, Northstar may have standing to sue in their own name if they purchased your account. They can only do so if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations, which varies by state and debt type (typically 3–6 years for credit cards). If you are served with a summons from Northstar or an affiliated law firm, respond within your state’s required deadline — typically 20–30 days — or a default judgment can be entered against you even if the debt is disputed.
Should I pay Northstar Location Services or negotiate?
If you’ve confirmed the debt is valid, is within your state’s statute of limitations, and you can afford to resolve it, negotiating is often possible. As a debt buyer, Northstar purchased your account for less than face value — which typically creates more room to settle for less than the full balance compared to a third-party collector acting as an agent. Get any settlement offer in writing before paying, request a “pay for delete” agreement if the account appears on your credit report, and pay by check so you have a clear paper trail.
Know Your Rights: If a debt collector is contacting you, you have legal protections. See the complete list of FDCPA violations collectors commit most often. Use the free Debt Validation Letter Generator to demand proof of the debt, or check this collector’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Dealing With Debt? Before you pay a collector, understand all your debt relief options — including ones the collector won’t tell you about. If the debt feels unmanageable, take the 2-minute bankruptcy quiz to see if the math favors a fresh start. Federal Reserve research shows filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
