Consumer complaint received 2025-07-26 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Upon speaking with the manager XXXX XXXX at Midland Credit Management, I was met with hostility, aggressive and demeaning language, and threats to sue if I did not settle a balance being reported under my name. I initially spoke with XXXX XXXX who was unable to offer any options that would work within my limited budget. I kindly asked to speak to a manager ( XXXX ). Upon taking the call, his tone was hostile and unwilling to listen before repeating information I can view on their website. I explained my situation in regards to my finances and current responsibilities as a single woman household. I explained that my budget is extremely limited but I wanted to move forward responsibly. I was told I could either pay in full at a 40 % discount which I agree is generous or pay on a payment plan at a 10 % discount. I understand the company has their own policies but realistically, I am trying to get into affordable housing and pay off any and all existing debts being reported under my name while building a safety net to avoid situations like this in the future. Paying on a plan at 10 % is not a reasonable option for my budget over the timeline presented and I tried my best to negotiate 40-50 % with my highest being 65 % on a payment plan with the assurance it would be deleted upon final payment. XXXX continued to speak over me restating the same information without offering any empathy or alternative other than more time on the payment plan. When I politely declined and stated that I would be open to revisiting the discussion at a later date if they become more flexible, XXXX told me that " If I don't pay today, it is common that in the future I could be met with litigation and a lawsuit and he " '' doesnt want that for his consumers '' ''. I took this as a threat - and stated as such. He double down saying he was " just trying to warn me ''. I continued to state that " I am not confirming ownership of the account, I am simply trying to do the responsible action of making arrangement to resolve any debts being reported under my name ''. XXXX then responded ( at least 3 times ) " It doesnt matter if you acknowledge it or not, it has your name on it so it is yours ''. Furthermore, XXXX kept stating " You don't want to resolve the debt, you just want to get a big discount on it '' which is untrue. This is my first time taking action on any collections and I did an abundance of research going into it to try to help myself while being respectful. I created a budget for what I could afford and was simply trying to stay within my means. XXXX repeatedly disrespected me by saying I was " not trying to settle the debt and just trying to get a discount out of them ''. Again, untrue and incredibly intimidating along with the threat to sue. My goal was to tidy up my credit so that I can create better opportunities for myself in the future but after this encounter, it has left a lasting impression and fear of being sued over balances that are being reported under my name that I am in good faith trying to resolve responsibly.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation