Consumer complaint received 2025-02-24 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
Below is an updated version of the CFPB complaint explanation, now including harassing phone calls from Midland Credit Management Inc. alongside the original issues with the {$610.00} debt. It continues to reference relevant U.S. Code ( USC ) laws from the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) to strengthen your case. You can submit this via the CFPBs online portal at consumerfinance.gov. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Submitted via : [ consumerfinance.gov/complaint ] Date : XX/XX/year> Subject : Request for CFPB Assistance Removal of Inaccurate {$610.00} Debt and Cessation of Harassing Phone Calls from Midland Credit Management Inc .

Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am filing this complaint to seek your assistance in addressing XXXX serious issues with Midland Credit Management Inc. : ( 1 ) the removal of an inaccurate and unverified {$610.00} debt from my credit reports with XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX, and ( XXXX ) the cessation of harassing phone calls I have received from them regarding this alleged debt. Despite my attempts to resolve these matters directly with Midland, they have failed to validate the debt, cooperate, or stop their aggressive collection tactics, violating federal laws under Title 15 of the U.S. Code. I urgently request your intervention to protect my consumer rights.

Details of the Issues : Company : Midland Credit Management I
nc.

Amount : {$610.00} ( open balance ) Issues : This debt appears on my credit reports, but I am not aware of it, and Midland has not provided proof of its validity despite my efforts to obtain clarification.

Midland has subjected me to repeated, harassing phone calls about this alleged debt, causing me significant distress, even after I requested they stop and validate the debt. 
I first noticed this {$610.00} open balance when reviewing my credit reports, listed under Midland Credit Management Inc. I contacted them to request validation and clarification, but they failed to provide any documentationsuch as a signed contract, original creditor details, or proof of their right to collect. Concurrently, I began receiving frequent phone calls from Midland, often multiple times a day, which continued even after I asked them to stop and provide proof of the debt. These calls have been relentless and intimidating, adding to the harm caused by their inaccurate reporting.

Legal Violations : Midlands actions violate multiple federal laws : Debt Validation Failure : Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809 ), Midland must validate the debt upon my request, including the amoun
t owed and the original creditors identity. They have not done so, despite my attempts to resolve this matter.

Inaccurate Reporting : Per 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ) ( Fair Credit Reporting Act ), Midland, as a furnisher, must investigate disputes and correct or delete inaccurate data after notification. Their failure to substantiate this {$610.00} balance breaches this duty, and under 15 U.S.C. 1681i, I am entitled to a reasonable investigation of disputed credit items, which they have obstructed.

Harassing Phone Calls : The repeated calls violate 15 U.S.C. 1692d, which prohibits debt collectors from engaging in conduct that harasses, oppresses, or abuses consumers. Their persistence, even after my requests to stop and validate the debt, constitutes harassment.

False Representations : Reporting an unverified debt and using harassing tactics to collect it may also breach 15 U.S.C. 1692e, which prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading practices in debt collection.

My Actions : I have attempted to address this with Midland by requesting debt validation and asking them to stop the harassing calls, but they have neither provided documentation nor ceased contact. I am also disputing the debt with the credit bureaus ( XXXX, XXXX, XXXX ) and have demanded that Midland investigate and remove it under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ). However, their noncompliance persists, and I need your help to resolve this.

Requested Resolution : I respectfully request that the CFPB : Investigate Midland Credit Management Inc.s failure to validate the {$610.00} debt and its improper reporting to the credit bureaus, compelling its removal from my credit reports with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX due to violations of 15 U.S.C . 1692g and 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ).

Order Midland to immediately stop all harassing phone calls, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1692d, and cease further collection attempts until they validate the debt.

Hold Midland accountable for any damages to my credit and emotional distress, as permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1681n ( willful noncompliance ) or 15 U.S.C. 1681o ( negligent noncompliance ) for the FCRA violations, and 15 U.S.C. 1692k for FDCPA violations.

The inaccurate reporting is damaging my credit score and financial opportunities, while the harassing calls are causing me significant stress. I have attached copies of my correspondence with Midland ( if applicable ), call logs or screenshots ( if available ), and identification to support this complaint. Please contact me at [ your phone number ] or [ your email ] if you need further details.

Thank you for your assistance in enforcing my rights and resolving these issues with Midland Credit Management Inc.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief