Consumer complaint received 2025-04-24 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Request for Immediate Removal of Inaccurate and Potentially Fraudulent Credit Reporting Identity Compromise & Violations by XXXX  and XXXX  Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Midland Credit Management, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint and urgent request for the immediate removal of all negative and potentially fraudulent information currently appearing on my consumer credit reports, including but not limited to student loans and any delinquent accounts. 
Basis of Dispute : My personal and financial data has been compromised in recent, well-documented cyberattacks reportedly carried out by XXXX state-sponsored hackers. These incidents, confirmed by multiple federal agencies and media outlets, have exposed sensitive personal informationincluding my full Social Security numbercreating a significant risk of identity theft and fraudulent activity on my credit profile. 
I have already filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). 
National Cybersecurity Breaches : In XX/XX/year>, it was reported that advanced persistent threat groups, including the XXXX-affiliated group XXXX XXXX, infiltrated U.S. government agencies, private corporations, and telecommunications networks. The breaches, including those affecting the U.S. Treasury Department and third-party vendors like XXXX, gave hackers access to unclassified documents and geolocation data of millions of Americansdata that can be exploited to create false accounts, initiate fraudulent charges, or otherwise damage a victims credit. 
Given this context, I assert that negative entries on my credit reports may stem from fraudulent activity beyond my control.

Legal Justification : Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., consumer reporting agencies are legally required to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information they report. Furthermore, they must promptly correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information. 
Additionally, I bring to your attention the CFPBs current legal actions against both XXXX  and XXXX  which highlight ongoing systemic failures by these credit bureaus in ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal consumer protection laws. These actions demonstrate a disturbing pattern of negligence and consumer harm that reinforces my request for immediate relief.

Further, under 15 U.S.C. 1692c of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), I am also notifying all parties that I refuse to pay the disputed debts due to unresolved identity theft concerns, and I hereby request that all debt collectors cease any further communication with me regarding the accounts in question.

Request for Relief : I respectfully demand that the CFPB : 1. Investigate Experian and Equifax for their role in reporting inaccurate and potentially fraudulent data on my credit file. 2. Direct the immediate removal of all negative and
disputed information, including any student loans or collections that may be linked to identity theft.

3. Confirm with me in writing once these negative entries have been removed or corrected. 
Documentation : FTC Complaint I am exercising my rights as a consumer to dispute and correct inaccuracies stemming from unauthorized access to my personal information. Any delay in action may result in further harm to my financial reputation, housing eligibility, or employment opportunities.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent matter.

Accounts for immediate removal from all consumer reports : Original Creditor ( as listed on credit report ) : XXXX XXXX. 
Account name Midland Credit Management Account number XXXX Contact info Phone number ( XXXX ) XXXX Address XXXX XXXX XXXX Account type Debt Buyer Original creditor ( as listed on credit report ) : XXXXXXXX XXXX Account name Midland Credit Management Account number XXXX Contact info Phone number ( XXXX ) XXXX Address XXXX XXXX XXXX Account type Debt Buyer Please confirm receipt of this request and inform me of the steps you will take to address this matter. I am available to provide any additional information or documentation as needed. 
Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious issue. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief