Midland Credit Management (MCM), a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group, is an international finance company that has amassed thousands of online complaints. After 70 years in business, the company is notorious for employing unfair and allegedly illegal tactics for debt collection. It has faced many lawsuits, and consumers allege their bad behavior continues.
Frequent Midland Credit Management Complaints
While debt collectors don’t often have a positive reputation, some garner complaints that cross the line from annoying to illegal. In Midland’s case, their practices are the source of online frustrations that allege the company is breaking consumer laws. Among the complaints, the following three are some of the most common.
1. Collecting on debts not owed
Consumers have reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and consumer review websites that MCM is attempting to collect on debts that consumers either do not recognize or have already paid. If you believe you do not owe a debt to MCM or any other agency, you should dispute the account immediately. Unfortunately, Midland has a reputation for continuing to try to collect debts even after a consumer creates a dispute. In that case, you can reach out to a skilled consumer attorney to discuss your next steps.
2. Reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus
The information that makes up your credit report can make or break many opportunities in life. For that reason, it’s essential that everything reported to credit bureaus is 100% accurate. Midland has been accused of reporting inaccurate data to Equifax, Transunion, and Experian, including out of date collections records or even debt that never existed in the first place. Having a collections account on your credit report can lower your credit score and make obtaining loans or credit cards more difficult.
3. Pursuing debts past the statute of limitations.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prevents collectors from pursuing a “time-barred debt.” This means the debt is past a statute of limitations by state laws. In North Carolina, a debt collector cannot sue you for a debt after three years from the last activity on the account. For example, if the original purchase was in 2016, but your last payment was in 2018, a collector is allowed to sue until 2021. However, it’s important to note that this does not wipe out the debt. A collector can still legallly attempt to get you to pay as the debt is still owed.
Federal and State Protections
Midland Credit Management has faced decades of lawsuits under important legislation such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the FDCPA. These laws protect consumers and limit how, when, and where a collector can contact you for payment. In addition, North Carolina consumers are protected by the state’s General Statutes, which provide even more robust safeguards against illegal collections.
Contact Us
Our experienced consumer protection attorneys have helped thousands recover from harassment and unfair collection practices. If you believe Midland Credit Management has violated your rights, contact our office for a free consultation. Call us at (919) 526-0450 or message us through our contact page. We have three conveniently located offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville, representing clients across the Carolinas. While we cannot take every case, we do our best to direct consumers to the appropriate resources.
FAQ
Where is Midland Credit Management located?
Midland was founded in 1953 in Kansas and is currently headquartered at: 350 Camino de la Reina Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92108-3007. The company also has locations across the United States, including Kansas, Florida, and Minnesota.
What is the phone number they will contact me from?
Consumers online have reported getting calls from 800-296-0721, 800-265-8825, 888-640-3806, and more. If you believe MCM is harassing you for an unowed debt, contact us immediately.
What other names does Midland Credit Management have?
Other registered names for this business include Midland Funding and MCM. It is a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group.
What are the reviews saying about MCM?
Reviews on several online sources demonstrate consumer dissatisfaction with Midland. The company has received 946 complaints on the Better Business Bureau website over the last three years alone.