Consumer complaint received 2025-07-11 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Communication tactics — Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
On Friday XX/XX/2025 at XXXX AZ XXXX, I contacted Midland Credit Management requesting written validation of an alleged debt, which they claimed had been mailed in XXXX, but I never received. I told them I was not comfortable verifying the debt online and asked for a mailing address or email to send a written request, as required under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Initially, I spoke with XXXX XXXX, who agreed to resend the validation ( after much pushback ) I explained I had not received it and reiterated my preference for mail. However, he repeatedly claimed that Midland had no way for consumers to contact them by mail or email except for payments. After I called back on Friday XX/XX/XXXX  at XXXX ( after being confirming that I had a right to request that verification via writing ) and spoke to another representative explaining my legal rights, I was transferred back to XXXX XXXX XXXX no explanation, who became verbally abusive, dismissive, and insisted that the only address they had was for payments and that they would not respond to any letters I sent. 

When I explained I needed an address to pause collection efforts until I could verify and acknowledge the debt, XXXX said I did not have the right to stop or request anything. His behavior was unprofessional and demeaning. I requested his manager due to his conduct. 

I then spoke with XXXX XXXX, who initially seemed understanding but soon pressured me to acknowledge the debt without verification. I clearly stated my intent was to receive proper validation before acknowledging or resolving the debt. XXXX accused me of calling to buy time and said Midland was not required to respond to my request, contradicting XXXX statement. 

After several attempts, XXXX provided me with the payments address. I also requested contact information for XXXX and others I spoke with, as I intended to file a formal complaint due to the mistreatment. I explained my background in financial technology and emphasized that respect and proper handling should be standard practice. 

XXXX acknowledged my complaint and stated she would resend the debt verification documents via mail. She also said she would escalate the matter within the company after being made aware that I was now filing a formal complaint. I offered to provide recordings of both calls for their review ; she advised I keep them for my records. 

Throughout these interactions, it was never my intent to deny or acknowledge the debt until I received proper verification, a fact I clearly communicated multiple times. I was not advised of my right to dispute the debt nor was I provided requested information respectfully or promptly. 

My complaint concerns the lack of basic respect and decency in their collection practices. Consumers have the right to request information about debts and be treated with professionalism. Abuse and intimidation are unacceptable and unnecessary for companies employ proper procedures. 

Their treatment of me when seeking basic information impacted my emotional and physical state drastically, and I am seeking other measures to remedy that. 

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. 

* Please note I contacted this agency to gain information so I could responsibly assess, verify, acknowledge the debt if I determined it to be something I owe.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief