Consumer complaint received 2025-07-31 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company: Markoff Law LLC
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding Markoff Law, who is attempting to collect an alleged debt in the amount of {$3200.00}. The firm has engaged in aggressive, deceptive, and mathematically inaccurate practices in violation of consumer protection standards and likely the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Details of the Complaint : On XX/XX/year> at XXXXXXXX XXXX EST, I spoke with a representative from Markoff Law regarding the alleged debt. During this call, the following issues occurred : 1. Coercive Settlement Offer : I was told I could receive a 75 % discount off the {$3200.00} balance, which would result in a payment of {$2400.00}. This is mathematically false ( 75 % of {$3200.00} is {$800.00}, not {$2400.00} ), suggesting either intentional deception or a fundamental lack of transparency in their settlement process. 
2. Denial of Payment Plan Options : I was told I could not negotiate any payment plan unless I agreed to pay the full inflated balance, which is unfair and contradicts standard practices in debt collection resolution.

3. Dismissal of Previous Agreements : I referenced earlier payment offers made by a previous collection agency including a balance closer to {$1900.00} and flexible payment plans. The Markoff Law representative dismissed these agreements entirely and discouraged me from bringing them up. This raises concerns over continuity, debt inflation, and manipulation across debt buyers.

4. Aggressive and Intimidating Tone : The overall communication style felt pressuring, hostile, and intentionally misleading. I was discouraged from asking clarifying questions and was instead pushed toward accepting inflated, unclear terms. 
5. Threat of Legal Action Without Proper Validation : During the conversation, the representative explicitly threatened me with legal action if I did not agree to pay. He stated that if I chose not to pay the debt, they would take me to court, and I would not only owe the alleged balance but also be liable for legal fees and court costs. This was said despite no validation of the debt being provided, no lawsuit having been filed, and no formal intent to sue being documented in writing. These verbal threats were clearly intended to intimidate and pressure me into immediate payment behavior that appears to violate the FDCPAs rules on false or misleading representations of legal consequences. 
6. Failure to Provide Documentation : I have not received any formal documentation itemizing the alleged charges, nor have they validated their legal right to collect the debt under the FDCPA. Despite my request, they have not sent verification or details of how the balance rose from {$1900.00} to {$3200.00}.

Attempt to Resolve in Good Faith : Despite not being provided any proof that this
is my debt. I sent a formal letter to Markoff Law after the call, outlining two good-faith resolution options : A lump-sum settlement of {$1000.00}, payable in three monthly installments.

OR A payment plan of $ XXXX on the original {$1900.00} balance, with all interest and collection paused. 

They have not provided written acknowledgment or made a reasonable counter-offer. 

Requested Action from CFPB : I request the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to : Investigate Markoff Laws misleading settlement offers, failure to validate the debt, improper threats of legal action, and use of coercive tactics. 
Require a full breakdown and itemization of the debt. 
Review whether this agency has violated FDCPA guidelines regarding fair communication, mathematical accuracy, and consumer rights.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation