Consumer complaint received 2016-02-04
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: KY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: I do not know
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Frequent or repeated calls

Complaint:
For years, ( XXXX ) XXXX repeatedly called me at both work, my own personal cell phone, as well as the business I worked at. After my landlord, XXXX found out I had a debt collector chasing me, he alluded to the fact when I requested a lease extension. I had to move, and ended up paying considerably more in security deposits, moving costs, and apartment pricing, directly due to the fact that it seemed now everyone knew I had a debt owed to Midland. They were relentless, calling numerous times, at all hours of the day and night. 
I transferred jobs to an area closer to where I was forced to move to, and yet, now it happens all over again. Over the past week, a postcard was delivered to my residence that clearly mentioned the fact that I once had a debt collection attempted by Midland Funding. I was away for the week, and now the other residences of my apartment house, as well as the leasee of the office below me, clearly see that Midland and I have had a negaitve previous relationship, which is NOW EFFECTING MY JOB AGAIN. I am a XXXX, and this type of publicity is horrendous in my business. No matter what I do to try and stay away from this company, they keep coming back, destroying my reputation, and costing me thousands, all in direct violation of multiple sections of the FDCPA, as listed below. 

Issue # 1 The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect any debt. 15 U.S.C. 1692f. Further, Section 1692f ( 8 ) specifically limits the language that debt collectors may place on envelopes sent to consumers : Using any language or symbol, other than the debt collectors address, on any envelope when communicating with a consumer by use of the mails or by telegram, except that a debt collector may use his business name if such name does not indicate that he is in the debt collection business. ( Emphasis added ). 

This postcard I received identified me as part of a class action settlement against a debt collection agency. Therefore, I had past due bills that I did n't pay that were subject to collection. Anyone looking at this post card can go on the Internet and find XXXX, which is just a couple clicks on a phone in this day and age. This could lead to a huge effect on my life and employment opportunities. 

Issue # 2 Called me at work repeatedly, even after being told I had been transferred to different offices, was still called repeatedly, letting everyone in my old office know. 

Issue # 3 Called asking for me at a place of business I was unrelated to, except that I lived above and my landlord owned the establishment, further telling everyone. 

Issue # 4 Telling the people at the business in qustion that " Midland is trying to collect a debt from you. '' Again, direct violation, I had no relation to this business, and this is exactly what caused me to lose the apartment. 

Issue # 5 Contacting me after I expressly wrote to them and told them to stop sending me all communication. 

This company needs to be stopped, they are committing crimes that are destroying my reputation everywhere I go. I have been denied credit cards, cars, apartments, all due to Midlands inaccurate reporting and constant disregard for the law. 

The only fair resolution is for this to be completely removed from all XXXX credit reporting agencies, as well as anywhere my information appears online. I also would like a personal letter of apology. 

In regards to the noted violations, Midland should be fined {$1000.00} for each of the XXXX violations. I also am deserving of a {$20000.00}. {$6000.00} for each violation, and {$14000.00} in damages, to pay for dragging my name through the mud, costing me more in rental costs, moving costs, headaches, stress, and constant anxiety, with no regards for the law.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation