Consumer complaint received 2025-05-08 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Officer, I am writing to formally request immediate action regarding a fraudulent and inaccurate debt being reported on my credit file. A company claiming to be a debt collector is attempting to collect on an account purportedly originating from XXXX, which I have no knowledge of, nor have I received any legally valid documentation substantiating its legitimacy. This debt is being reported to credit bureaus with false and unverifiable information, and its presence is negatively impacting my credit profile without cause. 

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681i, I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on my credit report. This debt was never legally validated or verified in accordance with that statute, and the information being furnished is inaccurate. The reporting party has failed to provide any proof of the validity, ownership, or legal standing of this account. Furthermore, the continued reporting of this debt, despite the lack of substantiation, violates the FCRAs requirement for accurate and verifiable data.

In addition, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692e, the debt collector in question is engaging in deceptive practices by misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of the alleged debt. As per 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), once a consumer disputes a debt, the collector must cease collection and provide proper validation. I have not received any such validation, yet the debt continues to be reported. This constitutes not only a violation of the FDCPA but also suggests willful noncompliance with federal consumer protection laws.

The nature of this claim raises the possibility of identity theft or misattribution. I have no financial relationship with the alleged original creditor, and the account in question appears to have been erroneously or fraudulently associated with my identity. This is in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1, which governs the treatment of accounts involving identity theft or incorrect consumer identification.

Therefore, I demand the immediate removal of the debt collectors entry and all associated accounts from my credit reports with all consumer reporting agencies. I further demand that all collection efforts by this entity cease immediately. I request that the CFPB launch a full investigation into the legitimacy of this debt and the conduct of the reporting company, and I request written confirmation of the actions taken in response to this complaint.

If this issue is not resolved within fifteen ( 15 ) days of receipt of this letter, I will pursue further legal remedies under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1692k, including complaints to the Federal Trade Commission and my states attorney general, as well as initiating civil proceedings for damages.

Midland Credit Management has contacted me and is actively threatening to initiate legal proceedings in connection with this alleged debt. Their conduct constitutes intimidation and harassment under 15 U.S.C. 1692d of the FDCPA, particularly given that they have failed to provide any lawful debt validation as required under 15 U.S.C. 1692g. Threatening to file a lawsuit without substantiating the legitimacy and enforceability of the debt constitutes a clear violation of 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 5 ), which prohibits debt collectors from threatening legal action that is not intended to be taken or can not legally be taken. These deceptive and coercive tactics further demonstrate the need for immediate regulatory intervention and the permanent removal of this inaccurate and damaging account from my credit reports. 

I trust this issue will be handled promptly and professionally. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a summary of the resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief