
Midland Credit Management is a debt collector that uses various tactics to collect debts, including sending letters, making phone calls, and filing lawsuits.
They typically buy debts from original creditors for a fraction of the original amount, which can be a red flag for consumers.
Midland Credit Management has been known to report negative information to the credit bureaus, which can harm your credit score.
You can dispute the debt and request validation from Midland Credit Management, but be prepared to provide proof of payment or account closure.
If you're unable to pay the debt, Midland Credit Management may offer settlement options, but be aware that these can have tax implications.
Company Background
Midland Credit Management is a debt buyer company that files lawsuits against consumers. They pay pennies on the dollar for these debts and sue consumers for the full amount of the debt.
Midland Credit Management is a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group, Inc., a publicly-traded company based out of California. Encore Capital Group, Inc. is the nation's largest debt buyer and collector.
The "servicer" of the debt is Midland Credit Management (Kansas), which is often the legal entity from which you'll see credit reporting entries, collection letters, and lawsuit affidavits.
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Debt Collection Process
The debt collection process can be intimidating, but it's essential to understand how it works. Midland Credit Management is a well-established company that specializes in debt collection.
They typically start by sending a series of letters and phone calls to the debtor, attempting to collect the debt. This process can be automated, with the use of software to track and manage the debt collection process.
If the debtor doesn't respond or make a payment, Midland Credit Management may escalate the matter to a collection agency. They have a team of experienced collectors who will contact the debtor to negotiate a payment plan or settlement.
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Serving the U.S. Market
Midland Credit Management, Inc. (MCM) is a market leader in portfolio purchasing and recovery in the United States, established in 1953. The company purchases portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables and manages them by partnering with consumers as they repay their obligations.
MCM provides debt recovery solutions for consumers across a broad range of assets. Its consumer-centric practices drive results and lead the industry.
In 2011, MCM introduced the industry's first Consumer Bill of Rights, codifying its commitment to working with consumers through mutual engagement, understanding, collaboration, and respect.
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Collecting on Unowed Debts
Consumers have reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and consumer review websites that debt collectors, including MCM, are attempting to collect on debts that consumers either do not recognize or have already paid.
If you believe you do not owe a debt, you should dispute the account immediately. Unfortunately, some collectors may continue to try to collect debts even after a dispute is filed.
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Potential Lawsuits and Consequences
If you don't work out a lump sum settlement or monthly payment plan with Midland Credit Management, they will likely sue you, which could result in wage garnishment, liens on property, or seizure of assets. This can have long-lasting consequences, as judgments remain valid for years depending on the state you live in.
Midland Credit Management may try to take money from your checking account, but they can't do so without first going through the legal system to get a judgment against you. Collection agencies must follow due process of law, which means they can't garnish your wages or take your money without a court-ordered judgment.
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In the past, Midland Credit Management has faced lawsuits and controversies over their practices. In 2015, they entered into a consent order with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding violations of several consumer protection laws. They were later sued again in 2020, resulting in a $15 million civil money penalty.
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Potential Lawsuit
If you receive a "pre-legal" notification letter from Midland Credit Management, they're likely not bluffing. It's their way of letting you know you have one final opportunity to work something out voluntarily before they start legal proceedings against you.
Midland Credit Management can take money from your checking account if they receive a judgment against you, but not without first going through the legal system.
Collection agencies like Midland Credit Management must follow due process of law, which means they can't garnish your wages or take your money without a court judgment.
A judgment against you can remain valid for years, depending on the state you live in, so it's essential to resolve matters before they get to court.
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Here are some common questions about Midland Credit Management's lawsuit process:
Midland Credit Management may settle out of court, but there are no guarantees. It's always better to reach a voluntary workout plan before a creditor or collection agency takes legal action against you.
Lawsuits in Georgia
Between 2020 and April 2023, Midland Credit Management and Midland Funding filed more than 20,000 new lawsuits against consumers in Georgia. Most people who are sued by debt collectors and served with the lawsuit do not file an answer, leading to default judgments and potential financial consequences.
If you're being sued by debt collectors, it's essential to take action. A default judgment can result in bank account garnishments, wage garnishments, and liens on your property, which can last forever and accrue interest over time.
Midland files some of its lawsuits in Georgia through its own in-house attorneys, but the majority are filed by debt collection law firms such as Aldridge Pite & Haan, Law Office of Emmett L. Goodman, Jr., and Cooling & Winter LLC.

Here are some of the institutions from which Midland purchases debts and files lawsuits:
- Capital One Bank
- Credit One Bank (Many accounts purchased from Sherman, an LVNV Funding debt buyer affiliate)
- Comenity Bank
- Citibank
- Synchrony Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- Department Stores National Bank
- Bank of Missouri
- WebBank
- and others!
When debt buyers like Midland purchase debts, they often do so for a fraction of the original amount. For example, if you owe $1,000 on a credit card debt, the debt buyer might purchase it for $130, and then try to collect the full $1,000 from you.
Debt Collection Strategies
Midland Credit Management employs a variety of debt collection strategies to help consumers pay off their debts.
The company's approach is often described as "aggressive" and "persistent", with collectors making repeated phone calls to debtors until the debt is paid.
Midland Credit Management also offers debt settlement options, allowing consumers to pay a lump sum to settle their debt for less than the original amount owed.
This approach can be beneficial for consumers who are struggling to make monthly payments, but it's essential to understand the potential impact on credit scores.
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Verify the Debt
Verifying the debt is a crucial step in responding to a debt collection lawsuit. You have the right to request verification under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Debt buyers like Midland Credit Management often purchase old debts, but they may not have all the documentation to prove the debt is valid. This can include the original agreement, transaction history, or other documentation.
You can ask Midland Credit Management to provide proof that you owe the debt and that they have the right to collect on it. If they're unable to provide this verification, they may be required to stop pursuing the debt.
Requesting verification promptly is essential if you have doubts about the debt's validity. Failing to ask for verification could weaken your case if the debt is disputed in court.
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Consider Settlement
Negotiating a settlement with Midland Credit Management can be a viable option if you owe the debt but can't afford to pay the full amount. In some cases, they may be open to accepting less than the full amount owed.
Before entering into any settlement agreement, make sure you understand the terms and that the agreement is in writing. It's a good idea to work with an attorney to ensure the settlement is fair and legally binding.
To negotiate a settlement on your own, remember to remain calm and don't let the debt collector bully you. Acknowledge that you owe the money and express a desire to work things out voluntarily with your limited funds.
When making a settlement offer, aim for a reasonable amount that's within your means. A good starting point is to offer between $0.30 to $0.50 on the dollar. For example, if you owe $1,000, a reasonable offer might be $300 to $500.
Always get the settlement agreement in writing, as this is standard practice in the industry. The settlement letter should clearly state the settlement amount and that the matter will be considered settled once the funds are received.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when negotiating a settlement with Midland Credit Management:
- Don't let them bully you.
- Remain humble.
- Make a reasonable offer (e.g., $0.30-$0.50 on the dollar).
- Get it in writing.
How to Get People to Pay
Midland uses a combination of letters, phone calls, and lawsuits to get people to pay debts they may not even owe. They have a reputation for continuing to try to collect debts even after a consumer creates a dispute.
About half of Midland's collections are through the "legal" channel, which means they file lots of lawsuits and garnishments against people in courts across the United States. This approach is very effective for them, as they make a lot of money doing it.
If you're being sued, don't panic and try to work out a payment plan with Midland over the phone. This won't immediately resolve the lawsuit, and they'll likely try to get you to sign a consent judgment that can have serious financial consequences if you default.
During 2018, the Midland family bought portfolios of debt for a purchase price of 13.3% of face value, which is a staggering $8.5 billion dollars.
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Credit Management
Midland Credit Management is one of the largest debt collection agencies in the United States, collecting past due debts ranging from medical bills to credit card debts. They work with big clients like Capital One, Discover, Chase, and Walmart.
If you believe you don't 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.
Midland Funding is a financial company that purchases delinquent accounts for pennies on the dollar, then Midland Credit Management services those accounts attempting to collect the outstanding balances. This is how they make money.
Midland Credit Management and Midland Funding sound synonymous, but they are two different companies. They are both subsidiaries of Encore Capital Group.
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Responding to Debt Collection
Responding to debt collection can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. You have the right to request verification of the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Verifying the debt is crucial, as debt buyers like Midland Credit Management may not have all the documentation to prove the debt is valid. In many cases, they may not have the original agreement, transaction history, or other documentation to back up their claims.
If you have doubts about the debt's validity, request verification promptly, as failing to do so could weaken your case if the debt is disputed in court.
Frequent Complaints
People have been complaining online about Midland Credit Management's practices, saying they are breaking consumer laws.
Some common complaints include frequent calls at all hours of the day, which can be annoying and harassing.
Others have complained about letters sent by Midland Credit Management that are difficult to understand.
Debtors have accused the company of being unfair and unprofessional.
Complaints and reviews online are often negative, reflecting the adversarial relationship people may have with collection agencies.
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What to Do Upon Receiving a Call or Letter
If you receive a call or letter from Midland Credit Management, don't ignore it. Whether you owe the debt or not, you want to respond to avoid making matters worse.
Don't request validation of a debt if you know it's valid, as there's a 99% chance Midland Credit Management will be able to produce documentation to validate the debt.
Responding in writing within 30 days of receiving their collection letter is key if you want to dispute the debt. This is especially important if you don't recognize the debt or have already paid it.
If you're unsure about the debt's legitimacy, consider disputing it. You can request Midland Credit Management to close their file and cease further collection activity against you if they don't validate the debt.
If they do provide proof that you owe the money, you need to start thinking about how to resolve that debt. You can try to negotiate a lump sum settlement for a reduced amount if you have access to immediate funds.
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If you don't have enough funds to offer a lump sum settlement, propose a monthly payment plan you can afford. Delaying only adds to your stress, not to mention interest and late fees will continue to accrue.
Here are some steps to take if you receive a call or letter from Midland Credit Management:
- Respond to the call or letter
- Dispute the debt if you don't recognize it or have already paid it
- Request validation of the debt if you're unsure about its legitimacy
- Negotiate a lump sum settlement or monthly payment plan if you owe the debt
Reporting and Reviews
Midland Credit Management takes consumer complaints seriously and has a dedicated process for handling them. You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online or by calling 1-855-411-2372.
The CFPB will review your complaint and forward it to Midland Credit Management for response. You can also submit a complaint to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but the CFPB is the most effective route for resolving issues with Midland Credit Management.
Midland Credit Management's response to complaints is typically within 15 days, but this timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the issue.
Reporting Inaccurate Information
Reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus is a serious issue, as it can make or break many opportunities in life.
Having a collections account on your credit report can lower your credit score and make obtaining loans or credit cards more difficult.
Midland has been accused of reporting inaccurate data to Equifax, Transunion, and Experian.
Reporting out of date collections records or even debt that never existed in the first place can have a significant impact on your credit score.
This can lead to financial difficulties and make it harder to achieve your financial goals.
Complaints and Reviews
People have a lot of complaints about Midland Credit Management, and it's not hard to see why. Most people have a negative relationship with collection agencies in general.
Some folks have accused Midland Credit Management of being unfair, harassing debtors, and being unprofessional. Others have complained about the company's tactics for trying to collect debts.
Complaints about Midland Credit Management's practices are common online, with some people alleging the company is breaking consumer laws. In fact, these complaints are some of the most common ones.
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Midland Credit Management has been accused of calling debtors at all hours of the day, which can be really frustrating. Sending letters that are difficult to understand is another tactic that's gotten people upset.
Online reviews and complaints about Midland Credit Management are numerous, with many people sharing their negative experiences with the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Midland Credit Management collect for?
Midland Credit Management collects debts on behalf of major financial institutions, including credit cards, loans, and lease-to-own financing. They manage consumer finance accounts from some of the nation's largest lenders.
What happens if I don't pay Midland Credit Management?
If you don't pay Midland Credit Management, they may file a lawsuit against you. Ignoring their requests or refusing to pay can lead to serious consequences, including court action
How do I get Midland off my credit report?
To remove Midland from your credit report, follow a 5-step process that includes requesting written communication, validating the debt, negotiating a pay-for-delete agreement, and hiring a professional to remove the debt. Start by demanding written communication and requesting validation of the debt to begin the process.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midland_Credit_Management
- https://www.wmtxlaw.com/what-to-do-if-facing-a-midland-credit-management-lawsuit-in-texas/
- https://www.sandtlawllc.com/midland-the-biggest-debt-buyer-in-the-u-s/
- https://www.encorecapital.com/midland-credit-management/
- https://www.carolinalaw.com/2024/09/3-important-complaints-about-midland-credit-management/
- https://www.donaldsonwilliams.com/midland-credit-management
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