Consumer complaint received 2025-07-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Complaint Subject : Disputed Collection Account Alleged Identity Theft and Incarceration Defense Company : Midland Credit Management , Inc . 
Account Number ( Partial ) : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
Balance Reported : {$650.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Collection Account Company Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Phone : ( XXXX ) XXXX Nature of Complaint I am filing this formal complaint pursuant to the protections afforded under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. This complaint pertains to the unlawful and inaccurate reporting of a collection account allegedly held by Midland Credit Management , Inc. ( hereinafter " MCM '' ), as a debt buyer of XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 

The account at issue was purportedly opened on XX/XX/XXXX, in the amount of {$650.00}. As of XX/XX/XXXX, this account remains reported as past due and in active collections. I categorically deny ownership of this account and allege that it is the result of fraud and identity theft, further compounded by the fact that I was XXXX  at the time the account was allegedly established. 

Statement of Facts I did not apply for, authorize, or open an account with XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX. 

I was XXXX  during the time period in question, rendering it impossible for me to have initiated or participated in any credit application or usage. 

I have obtained and am prepared to submit documentary evidence of my XXXX  from the appropriate local jurisdiction as verification.

The reporting by MCM was previously disputed with the credit reporting agencies, and the item remains inaccurately listed following a so-called reinvestigation in XX/XX/XXXX, in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ), which requires a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information.

To date, MCM has failed to provide competent evidence of my liability for this alleged debt, such as a signed contract, application, or authorization linking me to this account, as required under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ).

Violations Alleged FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ) ) : Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation into the disputed item, and continued furnishing of inaccurate information to credit reporting agencies.

FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) : Failure to maintain reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information reported.

FDCPA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e and 1692f ) : Use of false, deceptive, and unfair means in the attempt to collect a debt not owed.

FDCPA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ) : Failure to cease collection activities until the debt is validated and documented.

Requested Relief That Midland Credit Management , Inc. immediately cease all collection activity associated with this account.

That MCM delete all references to this account from the credit files it has furnished to XXXX XXXX and XXXX. 

That the CFPB conduct a full investigation into MCMs reporting and dispute resolution practices,

specifically regarding this account. That MCM be required to provide full documentation, including the original signed application or contract, to support its claim of indebtedness. That the CFPB consider taking enforcement action for continued violations of federal consumer protection laws.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief