Consumer complaint received 2025-10-17 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
Refused reasonable {$1400.00} settlement ( 25 % of {$5200.00} ) despite unemployment proof ; closed chat .offered unsustainable installments This is the chat log MCM Concierge XXXX Thank you for contacting Midland Credit Management , a debt collection company. In order to start a conversation with one of our Account Managers, please read through and accept the following : This chat session may be monitored or recorded. This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 

Answered You XXXX Accept MCM Concierge XXXX Can you give me your first and last name please? 

Answered You XXXX XXXX XXXX MCM Concierge XXXX Thank you, XXXX XXXX We are looking for an available Account Manager to assist you. Please provide your Midland account number and begin typing your request while you wait. 

You joined the conversation XXXX XXXX joined the conversation XXXX XXXX XXXX Thank you for waiting, my name is XXXX XXXX. How can I help you? 


You XXXX # XXXX hi XXXX XXXX XXXX Hi. 


Before we continue, can you please verify your date of birth and your complete physical mailing address? 


You XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Thank you. 


For your MCM account number XXXX. This is regarding your XXXX, XXXX. that was purchased by Midland Credit Management. Your balance is {$5200.00}. 


How may I assist you? 


You XXXX I've recently been laid off due to company downsizing I have a copy of my layoff notice if needed.I 'd like to discuss settling this debt with a lump sum payment that's less than the full balance. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX I am sorry to read about your work situation and I hope it will improve. 


Please give me a moment to review your account. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX Thank you for your patience, XXXX. 


To close out your account as a one time settlement will be {$4100.00}. 


You XXXX Due to my layoff, my only available funds right now are {$1200.00} in savings that I can access immediately as a one-time payment. I'd like to settle the full debt for this amount to avoid further issues. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX To close out your account as a one time settlement will be {$4100.00}. 

The settlement will be off the table. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX I can accept the {$1200.00} as down payment and set up a new custom offer as settlement {$4700.00} with down payment of {$1200.00}. The next 36 payments will be {$73.00}. 


You XXXX I understand that's your position right now, but due to my layoff and limited funds of only {$1200.00} total, I can't pay more without risking further default. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Can you pay anything as a modified payments as {$50.00} a month? 


You XXXX I've filed for unemployment ( pending ), At my age, finding work to afford payments is unlikely XXXX XXXX XXXX I will have to delete your payment arrangement plan. 


You XXXX I risk default with minimal future payments i know. i do not want that but im preparing for the worst XXXX XXXX XXXX You are younger than me and I want for your to be positive about gaining a new employment. 


Please stay in communication with us if you want to pay {$50.00} as monthly. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX Hi XXXX, are you still there? 


You XXXX yes one moment pls XXXX XXXX XXXX I can go ahead to canceled your current payment arrangement plan? 


You one moment pls Okay. 


You XXXX I appreciate the flexibility, but with unemployment, I may not sustain payments long. What's your absolute lowest lump-sum offer for full settlement? Let 's resolve this XXXX XXXX XXXX Please give me a moment. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX Thank you for your patience, I am still reviewing your account. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX The lowest that I received from my manager to close your account as a one time settlement will be {$3900.00} without an arrangement plan. 


You XXXX Thank you for the manager 's offer.I appreciate the effort. {$1200.00} remains my absolute maximum lump sum from savings.i can possibly add {$200.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX Your offer of {$1400.00} is far below our settlement guidelines. 


XXXX, your payment arrangement plan is canceled will received this notification to your email address. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX Is there anything else I can help you with? 


You XXXX I understand {$1400.00} is below guidelines do hardship cases not allow exceptions? 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Unless you pay as a settlement {$3900.00} with a down payment of {$1400.00} today and next payment XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX and final amount of {$1200.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. 


You XXXX Future payments risk default if unemployment delays or ends. {$1400.00} cash now guarantees recovery for you vs. potential zero. What's the lowest one time settlement? 

XXXX XXXX XXXX I apologize that we will be unable to close your account out with only {$1400.00}. 


We strive to provide the best service when working with our consumers. I am sorry that I was not able to assist you further. At this time, I would like to thank you for contacting MCM. Have a good day. 


XXXX XXXX ended the conversation MCM Concierge XXXX The conversation has ended. 
If you have any further questions, please create a new conversation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation