Consumer complaint received 2026-01-01 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Electronic communications — Frequent or repeated messages
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
Midland Credit Management Is Currently Using Illegal Email Subject Lines That Reveal Debt Information ( FDCPA XXXX ( b ) Violation ) Summary of the Issue : Midland Credit Management has repeatedly contacted me by email using subject lines that reveal or strongly imply the existence of a debt. These subject lines are visible in email previews, lockscreen notifications, shared inboxes, and workplace email systems. This creates a serious risk of thirdparty disclosure, which is strictly prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Email subject lines sent by Midland Credit include : - XXXX, we're here to help : Explore Flexible Payment Options- XXXX, Please Address Your Financial Commitment - XXXX, Accept Your Low Payment Option - XXXX, youve got some unfinished business - Regain Control with Only XXXX Low Payment Screenshots of these email threads will be provided as evidence. 
These subject lines are not neutral. They clearly imply delinquency, financial distress, or the existence of a debt. Because email subject lines are visible without opening the message, these communications violate federal privacy protections. 

Why This Is a Violation of Federal Law XXXX. FDCPA XXXX ( b ) ThirdParty Disclosure Debt collectors may not reveal directly or indirectly any information about a debt to third parties. 

These subject lines : - Imply I owe money - Suggest I am behind on payments - Indicate the sender is attempting to collect a debt - Expose debtrelated information to anyone who can see my email notifications This is a direct violation of XXXX ( b ). 

XXXX. FDCPA XXXX Harassment or Abuse Communications that could embarrass or shame a consumer are prohibited. 
Phrases like unfinished business, financial commitment, and regain control imply financial instability and are coercive in nature. 

XXXX. FDCPA XXXX False, Deceptive, or Misleading Representations Subject lines designed to manipulate a consumer into opening an email by implying financial distress or offering low payment options are misleading and deceptive. 

XXXX. FDCPA XXXX Civil Liability These violations expose Midland Credit Management to statutory damages, actual damages, and attorneys fees. 

Pattern of Conduct This was not a single email. It was a series of repeated communications, each using language that implies delinquency or financial hardship. This pattern demonstrates : - A disregard for FDCPA communication rules - A failure to implement compliance procedures - A systemic risk of thirdparty disclosure I am requesting that the CFPB : - Investigate Midland Credit Managements email practices - Require Midland to cease all email communication - Require Midland to delete all credit reporting associated with my social security number as they have forfeited their right to continue collection activity or furnish information about my credit history to the credit bureaus.

- Require Midland to implement compliant communication procedures - Require Midland to provide written confirmation of corrective action Desired Resolution I am requesting : - Immediate deletion of all Midland Credit Management tradelines that are reporting under my social security number to XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX Immediate cessation of all communication - Confirmation that Midland will comply with FDCPA communication rules going forward

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief