Complaint Review: Midland Credit Management/Encore Capital Group/J. Brandon Black

These bottom feeders bought up old Verizon Wireless accounts and try to collect on them after SOL has expired and change report information so your reports make it seem like a newly added account which hurts your score.

I noticed MCM on my credit reports and decided to look into what they were reporting a little to find that they are trying to collect on old Verizon Wireless accounts. Seeing as I don't remember these I decided to send out certified validation letters requesting proof of these accounts belonging to me and providing proof that the SOL has not expired.

Requested as follows:

What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account
Provide proof that you own or are assigned to collect this debt
Provide proof of payment history on this account and proof of first date of delinquency
Provide a signed contract with my signature


I then filed dispute with all 3 CRA's and awaited MCM documentation.
MCM received and signed for the letter on 08/13/2008.
I received a photocopy of a Verizon bill from 2003 along with a demand for payment on 08/20/2008 dated 08/18/2008. CRA investigations still had yet to be completed. The 30 days were not up and MCM was not verified by either CRA yet.

I guess this was their form of validation of everything I had asked for. Not satisfied with this I sent a second certified validation letter along with a letter to the CRA's containing copies of the validation letter I had sent and MCM's response. MCM received second letter on 09/04/2008.

On 09/08/2008 my Equifax monitoring service popped up 2 alerts showing 2 new MCM accounts. Upon further investigation I had noticed that the amount owed was made 1 dollar less and the opening date had changed from 08/2007 to 2007/08. This resulted in my score monitor to show a decline in score and the new collection accounts as why it declined by 48 points.

09/09/2008 checked dispute results and found that TU deleted but EXP and EQU had verified. How the hell can they verifiy if MCM could not validate with me?

Pissed, I then filed complaints with the FTC, Pennsylvania AG, California AG and the San Diego BBB. Awaiting replies.

I know there are many violations by MCM of the FDCPA and possibly the FCRA. I believe that EXP and EQU are in violations of the FCRA but unsure as what all to sue to. If this matter isn't resolved then that is the next step.

I have also noticed that the accounts report as Open, Installment and have a balance even though the SOL has expired in PA. The state I reside. Their bill shows 2003 and SOL in PA is 4 years.

I have updated my EQU report almost daily just to keep a record of their nasty little changes.

Any input on what all to file suit for wil be greatly welcomed.

Pissed in PA

Wrath of mcm
Altoona, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.