Consumer complaint received 2025-04-07 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Communication tactics — You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/year>, I sent Midland Credit Management ( MCM ) a certified letter formally requesting they cease all phone communications, validate the alleged debts under federal law, and engage only through written communication due to accessibility needs. Despite this formal written cease and desist request, MCM continued repeated and harassing telephone contact, including calls placed at improper hours and unlawful third-party contact with my mother. These actions constitute repeated and knowing violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. ). 

MCM representatives engaged in communication practices that are coercive, deceptive, and intentionally evasive. My mother received multiple harassing and mocking phone calls, despite having no legal association with the alleged debt. This is a clear violation of third-party contact restrictions under FDCPA 1692c ( b ). The psychological distress caused to my mother as a result of these actions is not only morally reprehensible but constitutes additional damages under FDCPA and potentially state consumer protection laws. 

On XX/XX/year>, beginning around XXXX XXXX  ET, I initiated a chat conversation via MCMs online platform to formally request a written contact method ( e.g., email or secure submission portal ) for their Legal, Compliance, or Consumer Resolution department. This was to submit a documented settlement proposal and ADA-related complaint regarding communication accessibility barriers. 

Despite multiple accessibility disclosures and my documented XXXX which prevents phone use, MCM representatives, particularly XXXX XXXX, refused to provide a written contact method. They continued to demand unnecessary identity verification for non-sensitive, non-account-specific requests and blocked escalation to a supervisor. The chat ended with the representative stating : This is going nowhere, Im closing this. This conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA, Title III, 42 U.S.C. 12182 ), Equal Access requirements, and basic federal consumer protection standards. 

My formal settlement offer, submitted via MCMs Consumer Resolution portal ( which provides no confirmation or case number ), included the following : Account ending in XXXX ( Balance : {$4400.00} ) : Offered {$200.00} as full settlement. 
Account ending in XXXX ( Balance : {$1100.00}, with {$75.00} already paid ) : Offered {$100.00} as full settlement. 
Account ending in XXXX ( Balance : {$330.00} ) : Offered {$50.00} as full settlement. 

These offers reflect multiple mitigating factors : I have already made payments toward the second account, indicating good faith and willingness to resolve. 
The age and market value of the debts in secondary collection are significantly diminishedoften below XXXX cents on the dollar. 
The emotional and XXXX  harm caused by MCMs illegal calls to both me and my mother constitutes aggravating factors warranting a reduction. 
MCMs internal systems failed to document or confirm my communications and settlement submission, adding to the procedural unfairness. 

These offers are more than reasonable given the circumstances, and they are being extended as a good faith effort to resolve the matter without further escalation or legal proceedings. 

This pattern of obstructive behavior, refusal to honor cease communication requests, third-party harassment, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation for disability violates both FDCPA provisions and ADA civil rights protections. Their internal complaint portal lacks transparency, offers no confirmation, and appears deliberately structured to limit accountability and consumer access to complaint resolution. 

I am requesting immediate regulatory intervention. Specifically, I ask that : MCM be compelled to cease all phone and third-party communications in violation of FDCPA. 
MCM be required to respond to settlement offers in writing, using accessible communication methods. 
MCM acknowledge and address the ADA violations and document corrective measures. 
The CFPB and appropriate regulatory authorities initiate a formal investigation into MCMs complaint handling and consumer communication practices. 

Please confirm receipt of this complaint and all related documentation via email. I reserve the right to pursue further legal action if these violations are not promptly addressed.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief