Consumer complaint received 2025-07-24 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I filing a complaint regarding the unethical and predatory lending and collection practices initiated by XXXX and continued through Midland Credit Management and then XXXX XXXX XXXX. These actions have caused significant financial harm, emotional distress, and appear to violate both consumer protection and fair debt collection laws. 
XXXX XXXX by XXXX : XXXX approved me for multiple high-interest loans despite clear indications that I was financially incapable of affording them. These approvals were made without any responsible underwriting or consideration of my creditworthiness, which was severely impaired at the time. It is evident that XXXX sole intent was to close the sale, regardless of the long-term financial consequences to the consumer. They took advantage of my financial vulnerability, encouraging loans I could not afford, and then promptly sold the debt. 
Unfair Debt Collection by Midland Credit Management : After XXXX  sold the debt, it was transferred to Midland Credit Management, who failed to validate the legitimacy of the debt amount. I was never provided with a proper breakdown of the debt, nor was I given the opportunity to settle it. Despite numerous efforts to seek clarity and resolution, Midland never offered or negotiated a fair settlement, choosing instead to escalate the matter to legal action without proper transparency or communication. 
Abusive Legal Practices by XXXX XXXX XXXX : Subsequently, the account was handed over to XXXX XXXX XXXX, who engaged in aggressive and deceptive legal tactics. I received a letter indicating wage garnishment had already been enactedwithout ever being given an opportunity to establish affordability or set up payment arrangements. Over {$1000.00} was garnished from a previous employer without prior court discussion or a reasonable opportunity to contest or negotiate the amount. 
After this, XXXX XXXX XXXX proceeded to issue a new garnishment order to my current employer, for a judgment amount that was higher than the original balance, despite the {$1000.00} already taken. This appears not only unethical, but potentially unlawful, as it disregards the payments already made and inflates the balance unjustly. 
When I contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX by phone, the paralegal explicitly stated they had no obligation to offer a settlement or payment plan, and falsely claimed I had no legal right to stop the garnishment in court. I was told my only option was to make a XXXXtime lump sum payment of nearly {$4000.00}, or risk further court actions and increased fees. These intimidation tactics were misleading, coercive, and in violation of fair debt collection practices. 
Summary In summary, I believe the following violations and abuses have occurred : Predatory lending practices by XXXX toward financially vulnerable consumers. 
Failure to validate debt and offer settlement by Midland Credit Management. 
Deceptive, coercive legal threats and wage garnishment without due process by XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
Double garnishment and inflated judgment balance after partial repayment. 
I respectfully request that this matter be investigated, and that all parties involvedXXXX, Midland Credit Management, and XXXX XXXX XXXXbe held accountable for their actions. 
I am seeking : XXXX. A full accounting and validation of the original debt, including interest and payment history. 
XXXX. A review and potential reversal of unjust garnishment actions. 
XXXX. Sanctions against the parties involved for deceptive and unlawful practices. 
XXXX. Assistance in negotiating a fair and affordable resolution. 
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation