Consumer complaint received 2018-06-23
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: NC
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not yours

Complaint:
On XX/XX/XXXX I mailed a debt validation letter to the three credit bureaus ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX ) requesting they validate my owing Midland Credit Management for a debt they purchased from XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. On Tuesday, XX/XX/XXXX I received a phone call from a representative at XXXX XXXX XXXX who stated he was an account manager, wanting to discuss the alleged debt. At which time I expressed to him, I would not be discussing anything pertaining to the alleged debt over the phone and I request that he mail me validation of the alleged debt. The rep then placed me on hold so he could speak with his superior. A few short moments later another person got on the phone and identified himself as a XXXX XXXX XXXX Supervisor. He too wanted to discuss the debt, but again I refused and reiterated, I needed in writing, validation of the debt. He asked me to be specific about what I was requesting of him and I went on to list : signature agreement of my taking ownership of the debt, the bill and all other documentation they have that proves my indebtedness to their company. He stated, XXXX XXXX XXXX has already mailed me information about the debt. At which point, I respond by telling him I have no knowledge of the information or paperwork he was speaking of. He assured me XXXX XXXX XXXX could provide all of the validation I was requesting. However, he could not understand why we couldn't discuss the debt at that moment over the phone? Again, I told him I would not be discussing anything with anyone at XXXX XXXX XXXX pertaining to any debt until I have received in writing complete validation of the alleged debt. He remained persistent and consistent in his approach. He stated, " He could not understand why I wanted to wait? And, he guessed we'd have to wait another 10 days to handle the matter. '' I remained adamant about my request and the call ended. 

I have been checking the mail daily as I waited to see what would be sent to me as validation. Today XX/XX/XXXX I received a double enveloped bill. The date listed as the mailed date is XX/XX/XXXX which means it has taken exactly one month for the bill to reach me by mail. I find this hard to believe! Also, the bill  quotes a settlement and tells me in order to benefit I would have to respond by XX/XX/XXXX which is less than one week from today. I find this to be suspicious, erroneous and XXXX XXXX XXXX way of trying to cover ground they have failed already cover. 

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act U.S.C. section 1681g, I have the right to demand XXXX XXXX XXXX furnish me documents they have recorded and retained in there files concerning accounts they are reporting in my credit reports. At this point, XXXX XXXX XXXX has received several request for validation of the debt and have demonstrated by way of failing to furnish the requested validation that they are not able to validate. Thus, by law, they must delete.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief