Don't fall for this - MCM is asking YOU for the documentation they are required by law to provide.  Double click on graphic for full size.

August 2008   Found these jokers on my CRA. To fight them you have to bring out the kitchen sink, and a few other things from your home. I went through every thing in the trade line. and disputed one by one. I asked them to prove each and everyone. Told the CRA's the same thing. I am still waiting.

August 2008   My mother started recieving letters for me at her house from Midland Credit Management. So I looked up my credit report wich I haven't done in years. Good thing too! MCM had 2 different accounts on all 3 burueaus! Today I wrote this letter :

Re: Midland Credit Management; xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being sent to you in response to a notice sent to me 06/2008. Be advised that this is a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) that your claim is disputed and validation is requested. This is NOT a request for “verification” or proof of my mailing address, but a request for FULL MEDIA VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named Title and Section. I respectfully request that your offices provide me with competent evidence that (a) the account is valid, (b) the amount allegedly owed is accurate, and (c) I have a contractual obligation to pay Midland Credit Management for this alleged debt.
All of the following MUST be provided to adequately validate the authenticity of the alleged debt AND provide proof of my contractual obligation to Midland Credit Management for this alleged debt:
• Signed credit application between myself and the original creditor
• Copies of all signed vouchers from the date account was opened until default
• Copies of all statements from the date account opened until default
• Proof of the statute of limitations
• Proof of agreement that you were hired by the Original creditor (creditor as defined by the FDCPA) or
• A copy of the contract Midland Credit Management purchased the alleged debt.
• If the alleged debt was purchased, provide a copy of an agreement between Midland Credit Management and myself, signed by me, stating that I have a contractual responsibility to Midland Credit Management for the alleged debt
• Provide proof that Midland Credit Management is bonded/Licensed for debt collecting in the State of Massachusetts
Be advised that failing to provide ALL of the media requested to validate the alleged debt will invalidate any and all claims Midland Credit Management is asserting regarding this alleged debt. If Midland Credit Management can NOT provide all of the validation media requested above, ALL collection efforts MUST be stopped and the account MUST be DELETED from the Midland Credit Management. If you can NOT validate your claim, you can NOT, by law, collect on it, or SELL it to another collection agency. Also, reporting a debt to the credit reporting agencies that can not be validated is a violation of the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act), and carries a $2500 fine to be paid to me. I have two years to decide if I want to pursue this matter. PLEASE GIVE THIS MATTER THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES.
If your offices are able to provide all of the validating media as requested, I will require at least 30 days to investigate this information, and during such time, all collection activity must cease and desist.

I am also stating, in writing, that no telephone contact be made by your offices. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties, it will be considered harassment, and I will have no choice but to file suit. All future communications with me MUST be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter by United States Postal Service.

Now I'm not a lawyer but I think I did my homework right.

August 2008   Just wanted to send you another address in which these people work from:  P.O. Box 603 Oaks, PA 19456

August 2008   Well, I'm writing back.... We WON! MCM just cant get around that "pesky" statute of limitations (even though the whole lawsuit was a frivolous). Their lawyer probably saw that pending bar complaint and decided to take the lawful ethical approach.

Special thanks to Bud and his staff for keeping this site and the "fight" going. This site gave me all the insight I needed to fight and win this.  now, its time for me to be the plaintiff!... to be continued... THANKS AGAIN, BUD!!!!

August 2008   I began receiving letters demanding payment of a Verizon Wireless acct in 12/07. I advised MCM repeatedly that I have never had Verizon service. I disputed this on my credit reports as far back as 2005/2006. The "rep" at MCM said it was valid and I had no choice but pay it. I advised them I am not paying it! I advised them that Verizon refused to give any info on the acct and how it was set up. Apparently it was an Identification Theft issue. MCM said that was too bad, I have to pay it.

I finally received notice of intent to send to AAA. Of course AAA is MCM's arbitrators. I finally got a decent rep at MCM to tell me what they require for an ID Theft situation. They require a ID Theft Affidavit and Police Report, I also included my lease agreements at the time the acct was supposedly opened. I live at the same address as the people that opened this acct just at a different apartment number. They state they still will not pull it back from Arbitration. I advised that under FCRA they have to pull it back. I am in the process of filing a complaint in TN and CA to the BBB and Attorney General for each state. This company is a nightmare to deal with. I cannot imagine really owing them money. Their collectors are the most horrendous and RUDE people I have ever spoken with. This is still an ongoing matter. THEIR arbitrators want me to submit paperwork to them to decide the case and with that submission they want $50. HA HA I am not paying a penny for this acct. But in the Arbitration paperwork, it states MCM cannot knowingly send a fraudulent acct to arbitration. And essentially they have, by not telling me their requirements for a ID Theft issue. This is still an ongoing issue and I am sure it will be for some time.

July 2008   I am right in the middle of a case dealing with MCM. they served me a summons and 28 days to answer. I'm meeting up with my lawyer days to fight them. They will be surprised that I will show up. They are suing me on a 8year old cc debt that was taken care of over 6 years ago. So I am hoping the courts dismiss this case. I have no assets in my name  so I'm  judgment proof. I will keep you all updated on how this all goes with. We need to take these type of bottom feeders down!!!!

July 2008   Just like another posting, Midland is attempting to collect on a Fingerhut account over eight years in dispute. Basically, ordered items that were never delivered. Ironically, my supposed validation ALSO says 2003 as well, very ironic! We didn't use it after 2000. My suspicion is that the 2003 date may be when they bought it.

Our answer and motion to dismiss was filed and eventually delivered to their attorney (his number and address were incorrect on the complaint). I'm sure the preservation of separate bar complaint in our answer raised an eyebrow. I'll get back to everyone on that.

After litigation, I plan on reporting them to the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (they regulate collections in Arizona). They have already sanctioned Midland once.

PEOPLE HAVE TO FIGHT THEM, THEY'RE GETTING TOO MANY DEFAULTS! READERS IN ARIZONA THAT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MIDLAND SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO AZDFI, THEY SEEM VERY RECEPTIVE.

July 2008   Law Offices of Sprechman & Assoc., PA 2755 Sunny Isles Blvd., Ste. 100, Miami, FL 33160-4007
Apparently working for (grrr) Midland Funding LLC as successor in interest to Maryland National Bank, N.A.

July 2008   This is the 4th letter I have received from the 4th collection agency over the last 2 1/2 years on an account that I don't have. The first collection agency was Michael Dendy out of Texas, 6 months later I received a letter from Hollis price Jr., also out of Texas. In fact, they both had the same return address. hummm! In August of 2007 I started to receive voicemails from Cheryl Basey and Gabe Hoffman from Laurence heckers office. When I called them back I got voicemail that directed me to enter the first three letters of the party to whom I wished to speak. Neither one of these names was recognized by their system. I sent your letter to the address listed, (certified, of course) They sent me a second demand. I sent them a second letter along with a copy of the signature of the person who accepted the letter. I then got a 3rd letter. I sent another letter along with copies of both signatures. (same person, both times) At this point I told them they needed to organize their files. Never herd another word......until today. Now I have Midland Funding (aka MCM) sending me a letter stating they are considering sending my account to an attorney. The return address on the letter is Oak, PA., yet the address they tell you to send correspondence to is San Diego, CA.

July 2008   Bud, I want to thank your web site for posting information about MCM. I wish to share my experience.

I had received a settlement offer for a debt that had been time barred in my state. I knew this and I immediately sent a validation letter. They then proceeded to report this debt on my credit report. Furious, as I believe they committed a FDCPA violation, I sent a second validation letter along with a letter to the bureaus disputing the claim. The bureaus did nothing but verified it and I then got the popular letter asking for help in furnishing the documentation about 30-40 days later. I not only responded that I would give them no such thing and that the onus was on them to provide proof, I sent an intent to sue letter as well. I then proceeded to hire an attorney to file on my behalf (www.naca.net  folks...the good ones will do it with no out-of-your-pocket costs if they feel that you have a case). I was able to settle and made sure that I not only had this gone from my report but that they could not sell the debt to someone else.  Long story short, SUE THEM!!! If enough people do this, they will go out of business.

July 2008  As I was walking my granddaughter out to my daughter's car this evening, after 9:00 PM, a process server handed me a summons from Midland Funding, aka Midland Cerdit Management, aka MCM. The debt is allegedly from Sep 2003. I read the comments on Midland here and have received the identical "You won't want to miss this offer" letter several months ago, when I asked for validation. Of course, now I have been served with a questionable affidavit with more blank spaces than information on it. They are apparently represented in Tennessee by a Nicholas H. Adler, Mann-Bracken, LLC of Nashville, TN with amazingly a 1-877-275-8878 TOLL FREE number. Wow, what great guys! You can call them toll free as they try to BS their way into your finances. Beware. I am informed and represented, and will no longer just stand idly by as these kind of leeches attempt to bully their way around.

July 2008    These people must think I'm some special kinda stupid since they sent me a CREDIT CARD OFFER??!!

yeah they sent a pre-approved credit offer for an EMBLEM MASTER CARD but get this, the debt balance will go on the card, PLUS 330 IN EXTRA FEES.

but they also fail to mention should you accept this offer (YOU WOULD SERIOUSLY HAVE TO HAVE RIDE THE SHORT SHORT BUS TO SCHOOL, AND BE A WINDOW LICKER TOO FOR THAT TO HAPPEN) it would re-activate the time line for the debt collector, starting the whole nightmare over again..

just thought all consumers should be aware of the backhanded and deceitful tactics MCM is using to screw people out of their money.

this really proves that MCM must not have a leg to stand on!!!

July 2008  James W. Kwon , ESQ. aka/Midland Funding 2300 W. Sahara Av. Suite 800 Las Vegas, Nevada 89102

July 2008  We had been disputing a Fingerhut account for approximately eight years. After eight years of harassment, Midland Funding filed a lawsuit on us, even though the account is over eight years old and way out of statute of limitations. They made up a false validation that said the account was closed in 2003, (still out of statute of limitations). Basically, we haven’t used the account since 2000. I sent you an email asking for advice, you sent me to a NACA lawyer in AZ. I just want you and your readers to know we not only beat them in court, they paid us $2700 PLUS our attorney fees. Please tell everyone to keep fighting this scum and thank you for being the best consumer advocate in America we could not have done this without your help.

July 2008  Hey Bud, just an update to my story. I was the one with the wrong SSN being attacked by MCM on my credit report with an acct that's duh! not mine.. BTW-thanks for setting me up with the news paper article about MCM too. i greatly appreciate it.

so here's the update- after much arguing back and forth MCM finally said the acct wasn't mine, and that the would stop all collection activity, wrote my acct as do not call/mail, and that they would not sell (yeah right) the acct. but NO WHERE did they agree to update my credit report with the correct info. i was furious! so, i called robin pruitt.. and spoke my mind. she sent me to A.. and put this one on the records, ANGELIQUE- 1-800-825-8131 XT 5169

she is apparently the cust. relations manager.  she did a skip trace on my name and social, and these retards not only merged 2 (yes 2!) accts with my name together, they also pulled my personal info from Experian and merged my credit report with some person I've NEVER heard of.. nice right.

so while they have been harassing me, a person i have never heard of (and who I'm sure doesn't exist) gets off scott free. I don't think so!

ANGELIQUE has said she will be deleting the 2 accts, and sending a letter to the credit bureaus, and a copy to myself to update all info and delete the accts off of all 3 reports.  we will see...she said the letter will be there NLT Wednesday. if not, you can GUARANTEE they will be hearing from me again REAL SOON. i even threatened to drive down there and pound on a desk or two. Vegas to san Diego isn't too far. and it would be WELL WORTH the cost in gas :)

June 2008  I just had a run in with Midland. Out of the blue I got a letter from a local attorney about a debt owed to Midland. I had no idea what the debt even was. The letter plainly stated that the debt was defaulted on in 2003. I had only had credit cards and the statute in my state is three years. I sent two certified letters requesting a debt validation. One went to the lawyer and one went to Midland. I haven't heard a peep from either. I checked my credit report and it was a Citibank card defaulted on in 2003 and bought by Midland. It states that the debt has been contested. I thought that if they didn't validate in thirty days a debt had to be removed entirely from your credit report. Perhaps someone has some advice about this?

May 2008  As a former employee I want your readers to know that MCM has no proof on any of these debts they claim are valid. They churn out the paperwork as fast as possible then file arb claims and lawsuits. They rarely respond to validation notices because they have nothing to send. Anyone who is contacted by MCM or finds their name on consumer credit reports should send them a validation notice, then immediately file a lawsuit for that amount in their local courts. Most secretary of states allow service and you can take judgments against the owners who are listed on the Bud Hibbs site. If enough consumers were to take default judgments against the owners they would be forced to stop the lies and phony claims on consumers. Look up on your secretary of state website to see how you can have MCM management sued from your state. They will only continue to lie and scam at the expense of consumers who are vulnerable. MCM is nothing but lies, phony paperwork and executives with big egos who think they can get away with almost anything. Consumers should strike back and make them pay.

May 2008   After filing bankruptcy in 2001 due to a failed business, Midland Credit Management purchased a debt that was discharged in May of 2001 and put it on my credit report with the re-aged date of December of 2007. Not once did I receive a letter from them, so I sent them several certified letters threatening to contact the FTC. The only phone number I could find was to an answering machine where they asked that you leave your social security number. NO WAY. I found this site and called the CEO himself. Of course after speaking with his secretary, she transferred me to (and you might want to add this to the list) ANGELIQUE PURVIS, CONSUMER RELATIONS MANAGER. She asked for the bankruptcy chapter and docket number and said she would take care of it and gave me her phone number. 800-825-8131 X 5169. Without your help, I would have been fighting these people for who knows how long.

May 2008   Great news,  TransUnion deleted Midland after I disputed with them (TU). I think this means that they were caught changing dates and other FDCPA errors. Chalk one up for the little girl!

April 2008   I have just received a Summons in Ohio for a old Providian card it went delinquent and we made an agreement with Providian to pay it off years ago and did so. Now out of the blue we get summons to and are expected to answer this summons. I guess we will be looking for old cancelled checks and bank statements and looking for a consumer Lawyer. How do these companies keep getting away with this stuff. I will respond to the complaint and see if they decide to keep going.

April 2008   Try going straight to the top. I sent the CEO a letter and told him that I had sent a complaint to the BBB and was considering legal action. A week later, they sent me a notice that the item would be removed from my credit reports. My so-called 'debt' was an old phone bill from 5 years ago - that was actually paid in full. So I don't know if this will work in all cases, but it's worth a try. Hope this helps someone out there.

March 2008   Today we won in AL small claims against Midland Credit Management, pro se. Their attorney had no documentation or verification of anything, only assertions. Their own bad credit reporting and (purposeful?) attempt to serve me at an old address worked in our favor, as the date of last activity they gave to the attorney didn't match the date they themselves had reported to the credit agencies, which nullified their claim that the action wasn't time-barred, and the supposed address "mix up" with service made their assertion that they mailed me a detailed statement of account highly questionable.

Do your research, show up, and it is possible to win. The attorney flat out stated to the judge that Midland was known fro providing their attorneys with "incomplete documentation".

And for the record, the case wasn't dismissed, a judgment was entered for us, the defendants.

March 2008   I had been contemplating whether I should even go to court because I was nervous and didn't have an attorney. But thanks to your urging, I went on to court on Friday. Midland Funding had brought suit against 8 other people who were on the docket. I was the only one to show up. The other seven got a default judgment and mine was dismissed because no one showed up from Midland! I'm sure I'll be hearing from them again soon but it's a victory for me for now!  PLEASE tell your readers NOT to ignore the court summons, they may not all be as lucky as I was, however seven people took judgments they could easily have avoided. You are right about Midland, they are dirty, disgusting people.

March 2008    I recently requested a debt validation from Midland Credit Management.  I received a letter from them with a copy of a bill as their validation. I sent them a second validation letter and filed a complaint with their local BBB.

Today I received a letter from them requesting my assistance in reaching a quick resolution to my dispute! Since they did not furnish what I asked for the first time, they are asking me to send them the following:

1. A copy of any documentation that supports my dispute.
2. Cancelled Checks
3. Paid letters
4. Police reports?
5. Any other documentation to support my claim.

Isn’t it their responsibility to validate the debt and not me furnish them any information? This is the information I requested from them. It is my opinion that this is the information that they should be able to come up with if they can validate my request. It appears they cannot validate the debt and are trying to trick me into helping them.

Response: You are correct! They cannot validate the debt, which is typical of the garbage that Midland Credit handles. They purchase old, mostly worthless portfolios that contain very little documentation because they only want to pay Wal Mart prices for them. The fact that it took four months to respond to your initial claim should serve as a notice to anyone that Midland Credit does not have the ability to handle its business properly. Contact their attorney and shareholder, tell her to come up with the documents or delete it from your credit files:
Midland Credit Management, Inc. /Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Robin Ross Pruitt, House Attorney, x4651
8875 Aero Drive Suite 200  San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 560-2600   Toll Free: (877) 445-4581 Fax: 800-306-4443

Be advised that if they fail to validate a debt, yet place it on your credit files that you may have a legal claim against them. Midland should be sued by a lot more consumers for their apparent lack of competency and their stupidity in not being able to handle validation. They have the money to pay off lawsuits; I suggest you seek legal assistance at www.myfaircredit.com

March 2008   Why does not all of the comments I've read not surprise me? The first time I heard of Midland Funding LLC was through a letter I received from the Mohave County Kingman Justice Court here in Kingman, Arizona. A few days later my brother was at my home and a process server handed him a summons that was intended for me. I did serve an answer on the court within the time allowed by law. Since Midland Funding LLC was an unknown entity to me, my answer to the court was to grant me an extension of forty five days without penalty pending discovery of any and all documentation in this matter. The attorneys for Midland Funding LLC on this same day sent me a letter offering me half off the balance if paid in full by March 15, 2008 or 40% off if paid in two installments. Not ten days later i get a notice from their attorneys that they are moving forward with a default on the account in that I did not answer within the time allowed by law. Their Attorneys are The Jerold Kaplan law office at 330 S. first avenue, Phoenix Arizona. I have a strong hunch that this law office is owned and operated by Midland Credit Management of which I am checking into. I sent them a registered return receipt letter asking them for all documentation proving that I was notified thirty days in advance of any and all legal action, proving transference of ownership of the debt with original signatures and dates, and original debtor, what was purchased, dates of delivery. I fully plan to fast forward this into court. Hope they are ready.

2007    After reading all the comments, i am so upset that i tried to do the right thing. i entered into a "settlement" agreement with Midland. i recently received a notice stating that i was paid in full with a zero balance. a few days later, i received a second notice stating that the payment would be debited from my account again, on the scheduled date. confused, i called  my account manager was off for the day, but i spoke to someone who said that the situation was odd, and that i WOULD NOT be charged if the account was settled as agreed. well, today, 11/15, i noticed that there was a hold on my bank account in the amount of $104. which was the scheduled payment amount. i called up and the same gentleman who i spoke with on the 9th first said, "didn't you call once before?" then transferred me to my account manager who then tried claiming that i did owe the money and she didn't know why the letter i received stated there was a zero balance since i still owed a payment. i told her that didn't make any sense and why did ray then tell me when i called that i wouldn't be charged? she said she has no record of me calling other than today. i pulled up my phone record and confirmed the time, date, and length of the call. she, Colleen, then said she would speak to her manager and call me back. i gave her the best number to reach me at and that call was placed at 11:34 am today. i have still not heard back from her. is it legal for them to try and collect on an account that was settled?  What's legal got to do with anything?  You're dealing with debt collectors.

2007   Midland Funding, LLC, a division of Midland Credit Management Inc. I recently defeated them in a collection action file in court. My investigation revealed Midland Funding, LLC is NOT legally registered within the State of New York and does not have authorization to conduct business therein. In a Motion to Dismiss, I raised the allegation Plaintiff lacked standing to bring suit against me as a non-registered business entity in New York State. I provided the Court with information that indicated that Midland Funding, LLC, is not a registered business entity in New York State, and if correct, Midland Funding, LLC would not have the capacity to sue in New York. The judge agreed, however, he made an Order, that allowed the Plaintiff to provide written proof within thirty (30) days that Midland Funding, LLC, is registered within the State of New York. I knew that Midland could not provide that, because the legal name, Midland Funding, LLC COULD NOT be registered in the state of New York because the name was not available for use. Or course, Midland Funding, LLC was not able to provide such proof and the judge dismissed the case for lack of capacity to sue in New York State pursuant to Business Corporation Law Section 1312

If any readers from New York State should stumble upon this website, I hope you can include this comment and get the word out. Everyone should investigate whether or not an out of state debt collector has the right to even collect or file suit within your home state.

Today I had my day in court against Midland Funding LLC, Blatt, Hasenmiller, Leibsker, and Moore, LLC, and also a local attorney from Lanark Illinois named Edward Mitchell. The case was filed in Carroll County Illinois of which I have not been a resident of for 9 years. I never had any credit cards while I lived in that county, let alone an Emerge MasterCard which Midland said I had a balance owing on. Long story short, I sent certified letters to each of the principals against me in this case, and did not receive on shred of validation of this debt from anyone. I was also successful in getting the entry for Midland Funding deleted from all three of the credit reporting bureaus as they could not validate the debt either. I had all my T's crossed, and my I's dotted as I spoke to the opposing attorney before the trial today. After I outlined my defense to him, he stated that he would ask for a dismissal of the case. Of course that was after he asked me several times and different ways if I had ever had this credit card, or knew of this debt. Naturally, I denied it each time he asked. I found it amusing that the only information that Mr. Mitchell had about this debt was the original summons and affidavit that came from Midland Funding stated and signed by an Amy Berscheit. The notary that signed the affidavit also works for Midland Funding and her name is Judy Ann Richter. There were blank spaces on the affidavit, so I contacted Minnesota's Department of Commerce and they did a little investigating also. Anyway, when we got in front of the judge, Mr. Mitchell held true to his word and asked for a dismissal of the case. I didn't have to say a single word. The judge dismissed it With Prejudice. TAKE THAT MIDLAND FUNDING! If you come up against me again, you better have your ducks in a row!

2007   BE CAREFUL WITH THIS COMPANY!!! THEY OFFERED TO GET ME AN UNSECURED CREDIT CARD TO TRANSFER OVER $12,000 DEBT THEY SAY I OWE. THERE WAS A PARAGRAPH ON THE BACK DEALING WITH THE statute
S OF LIMITATIONS AND BASICALLY HOW THIS CARD WOULD BE A NEW DEBT--IF DEFAULTED ON THE WHOLE CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN!!!

2007   Received a summons yesterday, 10/11/07 from Blatt, Hasenmiller, Leibsker & Moore, LLC in Illinois on behalf of Midland Funding LLC. Never heard of Midland or the law firm of BHLM. Never received a letter saying that I now owe them for a Fleet account that was paid off but was still sold to Frederick J Hanna and Associates two years ago. I was given the opportunity to dispute the debt with Hanna and Associates and they were never able to validate the debt, but they were most nasty and, well I don't speak that way, group of people I have ever came in contact with. Anyway, they threatened and harassed me and other family members and finally gave up since it could not be validated. Now I receive a summons for this same inon validated debt. So, do I contact BHLM and inform them that their client violated the law by not notifying me of this debt they claim I owe and giving me the opportunity to demand validation, or do I just contact Midland Funding and demand validation now, or do I just go to court and let the judge know that they failed to contact me in anyway to inform me they had this and decided to sue me without notice? I need to know they first step that I need in order to get this thing settled once and for all. I have filed a complaint with the FTC and I filed a dispute on my credit report.

2007   I called a different 800 number today that was on Midland's web site I found last night. It was a number that I had not called in the past. It says to call this number to “discuss a dispute regarding your account". I called the 800 number with my mother on three-way with me. (My mother was the owner of a collection agency in Jackson until she retired about 2 years ago. I figured she could help me because she knows the collection laws and has experience in this area.) When asked, I dialed the extension. I didn't even get a hold of a real person. It was automated telling the address and fax number of where to send proof of the dispute. I called back. Some lady with the last name "Mack" answered the phone, and I immediately informed her  I was recording our phone conversation. She then told me, "Okay. That's fine. Even though I don't agree with it." Although, while you are waiting to get a hold of someone, the automation says, "You're call may be recorded or monitored for quality control purposes." Anyway, she wanted my account number so I told her that I would give her "the" account number that was on the statement they sent me, but that it was not "my" account number. She looked it up and said she would transfer me to the correct department. (I thought I was at the correct department already!) The number she transferred me to rang at least 15 times. Nobody ever answered.

We contacted Judy at the Collection Service Board in Nashville and told her my dilemma. She sent me a complaint form to fill out and send back in to them.  I have to get it notarized and send it out.

I read all the complaints everyone has made here. They are shocking! It just makes me sick to think this place is messing around with people and screwing up their credit and their lives. I told my mother I understand now why people always think that collection agencies are bad. Even the good, reputable collection agencies (like my mother's) most consumers think badly about because of the reputation of all the bad agencies. I guess it's just a case of one bad apple. My question is how do we, as consumers, take action and shut down these non-reputable agencies? They are making life miserable for so many people.

I'm also wondering....whenever (if ever) I get this matter settled, could Midland or Verizon come back years later and start all this over again? If so, what then? Also, if they do not have my social security number, can they attach this to my credit report? And how?

2007   I received a letter in the mail from my bank, who has informed me that Midland Funding has served them with a restraining order against my account for a debt they are collecting for Aspire Visa. Aspire Visa was sued by the Attorney General of New York for unethical business practices (fraud and deception), and in June 2006, settled the case with an assurance of discontinuance. I have in hand the settlement document, dated June 30th and as "Restitution" have agreed to "credit to every New York consumer, who opened an Aspire account and whose account has been closed, the account opening fee and initial annual fee charged to the consumer and not previously credited, and refund ANY RESULTING CREDIT BALANCE."

My account with Aspire Visa was closed, and I refused to pay because they sent offered me a credit card with a $2000 limit and when I received it I had a $300 limit, with $179 owing in fees, for a card that I never used. This was the basis of Elliot Sptizer's lawsuit against them. When my account closed they attached on late fees and penalties and was first reported to me as having a $400 balance. My credit report is reflecting a balance owed of $1040 to Midland. Ironically Wachovia has reported to me that Midland has attached a restraining order for almost $2000 on my account. The subpoena I received in the mail is for the stated amount on my credit report, $1040. I cannot believe these guys but I will start with the NY Attorney General's office.

2007   My last posting was 09/05/2007 ...Since that posting, I've received a letter from MCM stating that "based on the information provided to us, we have instructed the three major credit reporting agencies to delete the above referenced MCM account from your credit file." I'm not convinced that the battle has been won. However, just goes to show that, with a little perseverance and information, we as consumers can fight these bottom feeders!

I wish all of you the best of luck in your future "wars" on MCM!!

2007   I recently I had a full run in with Midland Funding, -- they tried to collect on a old Visa account, I sent a letter asking for validation, they never sent one. I then got a summons to go to court. I answered the summons, requested a jury trial. Which was today sept.13 and like most people stated they didn't show up. They hope that you will ignore the summons so they can get a default judgment. If you be sure and answer the summons on time then request a jury trial and be sure to send a request for validation of the debt, they will never respond. Then show up to court. And they wont. CASED DISMISSED!!!!!

2007   Got a call from these guys and they asked to collect on a debt that was over 5 years old...they admitted the time frame...( I record all my calls from collection agencies)...they lady said she needed to verify the last 4 numbers of my social and when I told her I didn't have too...she blew up and hung up on me.

2007   Much to my surprise, I received a "Settlement Opportunity" letter,  from Midland Credit Management. The letter states that Midland Funding LLC recently purchased my Citibank USA account and Midland Credit Management (MCM) is the servicor of this account.

As I have a stellar credit score and credit history, I found this letter alarming. I immediately contacted Citibank (whom I currently have a credit card with) and confirmed that 1.) My 6 yr. payment history was flawless and 2.) they had not reported the account to a collection agency.

I then called MCM and received a "Clara" that stated she could not provide any information as MCM had sold this account and I would need to call back in 1 week. "Clara" would neither confirm the phone number I was to call back nor her own phone number! This was an obvious red flag to me.

I waited 8 minutes and called back MCM. I then spoke to Michael Halford who advised me that the account in question dated back to August 1986 and reported as delinquent in November 1991. Ironically, he advised me that he currently has an account which dates back to 1969!!

I advised him that I've never had any account go delinquent and I completely disputed the validity of this letter/claim by MCM. However, as a conscientious consumer, I keep records dating back to the '70's and would contact him within a week.

I contacted MCM, as promised, 1 week later and spoke again to Michael Halford. I re-confirmed the invalidity of this debt and assured him I would send a dispute letter to the "800" fax number he provided. I faxed the letter yesterday (retaining the transmission confirmation report.

After reading the history and comments from other consumers on this site, regarding this company, I anticipate a battle to the end! But am adamant that they will not succeed in attempting to collect a dime from me through intimidation or inability to show proof that this debt is legitimate. Let them continue to bottom-feed!!

2007   About 3 weeks ago, I received a phone call from a gentleman stating he was with Midland Credit. He managed to obtain my cell phone number in order to contact me. While we were on the phone, he stated a judgment was entered against me and he was now contacting me on behalf of the credit card company in order to collect on the debt. I stated to him I had no idea what he was talking about, and that I had never received any documentation regarding a judgment. He then proceeded to read of the address which he claimed I had been "served", which I told him was not an address I currently lived or had ever resided at. He said, "well, it's on your credit report, so that is where we sent it." I argued with him for about 15 minutes, and he finally stated he would send me a dispute resolution letter in order to clear up the matter.

2007   Have my own story to tell about the bottom feeders at MCM. Involved in litigation right now with them. Same story: MCM sends letter, I dispute, they file, I answer they come back looking for summary judgment. Think this mystery debt might be beyond the statute of limitation. Unfortunately for them, they have not provided me with any information about the debt due (even though I requested it first by letter and then by my Answer to their filing). They are using the firm of Trauner, Cohen & Thomas, and are trying to get a summary judgment. There are significant material facts at issue, so I will get to bring this to trial and file a bar complaint.

2007   Midland Credit Management has sent me 3 letters demanding payment for a debt not mine. On the first occasion I called them to let them know there was a mistake. They gave me the last 4 numbers of the ss# of the person they were looking for (same name as mine) and I told them that it was not my #. They said they would remove me from their base and I believed they would. Since then, I have received 2 more letters offering a pre-approved credit card in order to pay the debt. I called again today to remind them they have the wrong person and the person (wouldn't give her name) got into a terrible shouting match with me because she was so rude. I have written a letter to them that I intend to send registered mail. I realize they cannot do anything to me or my credit, legally, but it unnerves me to be harassed like this.  Also, I filed a complaint with the FTC online.

2007   I am a former employee of Midland and after reading these messages from debtors, I must say I am not the least bit surprise but frankly, embarrassed that I work for a poor company as Midland. It is no wonder, Chris P****, Shawn G*****, Ron E*** and many others are leaving this place. not only do they treat their debtors like pieces of crap by falsely adding on interest, threatening to sue and don't (I worked in the Recovery Department for years, along with working in the Medical Department also a bunch of crap!) We were collecting on older than dirt accounts knowingwe should not have even purchased them! I hope they crumble and get exactly what they have coming.

2007   I sent a debt validation letter, certified/return receipt, to Midland Credit Management on March 29th and on April 18th they sent me a settlement opportunity offer letter for 10% off the current balance. See letter below.

Dear XXX,

You won’t want to miss this settlement opportunity offered to you by Midland Credit Management, Inc., service of the above referenced account.

Recognizing that you may have gone through some financial difficulty and have been unable to satisfy your account we would like to offer you a positive and flexible option to resolve your account for 10% off the Current Balance.

If we receive payment by 0518/2007 in the amount of $XXX, we will consider the account balance paid in full!

CALL NOW! To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact us TOLL-FREE at (800) 282-2644 and any of our Account Mangers will be able to assist you.

MAIL! You may prefer to settle your Current Balance by using the Acceptance Certificate below. Simply detach the form and enclose it with you $XXX payment in the envelope provided. In order to receive payment by 05/18/2007, please mail no later than 05/13/2007.

PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.   Sincerely,   A.Syran
Senior Vice President, Operations & Marketing

 2007    (Now here's a Consumer that does his homework...)

Here's one right up your alley. Literally. I live in Ohio but it has *definite* Dallas, Texas, connection:

My mother received an unsolicited check from an "MLC Funding" in Las Vegas in February. It was for $6.21. She'd never heard of the company. It had a little yellow sticky note on top of it: "Thanks."

As you well know, I figured a collector wanted her to cash it to obtain her bank account information. (I've preserved the check, envelope, etc. Copies available on request.)  (Send them over - we'll publish 'em.)

But it gets better than that.

I've been researching "MLC Funding" through some databases, on the internet, etc. MLC Funding does not exist -- it comes back to a mail drop in Las Vegas. However, the letter was *mailed from* 75043 -- Garland, Texas.

And on that envelope was a mailing permit number. It took some calling around, but the Dallas Post Office gave me the registered address:

Nighthawk Investigations     330 Oaks Trail Suite 104    Garland, TX 75043    972-222-4295

Ok, so a collector has hired a P.I. in Texas to gin up her bank account info. But which one?

Funny. That exact address comes back to "Buena Vida Home & Community Services," which is receiving state funds as an "HCS Provider" in Texas.  So which of the two of them is lying to the government? The above address is in the same building as "T.L. Thompson & Assoc.," (they're in Suite 200) a collection agency I don't recognize from my mother's creditors list.

Nighthawk Investigations has at least one other P.O. Box -- and they've listed a different address that the Oaks Trail address, above. Which USPS application did they fill out legally?

Further, the check is drawn on "Guaranty Federal Bank." The only Guaranty Federal Bank I can find at the federal level is not licensed to do business in Nevada -- but it is licensed in Arizona and Texas.  However, there it is right there on the check -- with a Nevada area code and phone number. These people aren't a bank. Yet, if you call the number (I called from a different line -- curiously) there is a Michelle (there's a Michelle listed as a junior investigator with Nighthawk or whatnot in Texas DPS records) who claims to be a "branch manager" in voicemail. And she *called me back* (tried to, anyway) the next day. Ha.

There are so many laws being broken by these people I'm not sure I could count them.

I've been a fan of yours for awhile, even though I live in Ohio. But given that this is going on down the street from you I thought I'd bounce it off you.   But I'm not done!

Apparently there's been some discussion about this scheme on the internet -- it's been going on *at least* since mid-2006, and it appears to me this is systematic. And in this case, there's obviously a great paper trail. I glanced at the statutes on mail fraud, and this appears (to my non-attorney eyes) to fit the definition. It also appears to meet Justice Department guidelines for prosecution, since the act is clearly intentional *and* systematic.

There's probably thousands of these letters already out, with more going out of the Garland P.O. now.

I'm interested in pursuing this, Bud. I also wanted to let you know about this because I thought it might be of interest to you and your listeners -- don't cash surprise checks for piddling amounts!

2007   I have been dealing with these guys since last year. I have sent many debt validation letters and they have failed to provide it, yet they are still collecting and reporting to the credit reporting agencies. Now I got a call from Hosto & Buchan. I did a little research and found out that they work with Midland. I have not received any paper work from Hosto, but I am expecting something.

2007   Hello Bud, I merely wanted to add to your statement that Midland has been concentrating their business on arbitration to include that they have now streamlined the process of "collecting debts" to include almost immediate referral on accounts that are very near SOL to such wonderful collection attorneys as Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Simpson, LLP (slime balls to an extreme) and other such wonders as Mapother & Mapother and a few others I'll leave off for now with strict instructions to almost immediately proceed with filing judgment proceedings if they aren't able to resolve the accounts above their specified non-negotiable limits of upwards of 70% and more - more often than not they now say the limits are set at 75% - and no act of god can get those reduced if it has been sent to these attorneys. A word of warning to those unfortunate to have liablities that this company has purchased - take heed that if they hear an "I'm not paying it" or you hang up - be prepared - particularly if it's getting towards the statute in your state - these guys have become the nastiest, most unreasonable - and completely unfair players around recently - I deal in negotiating collection debts and I've never seen anything like these guys - and it's only recently they've begun to do this but is quickly becoming standard operating procedure. Given the loose statutes governing judgments in almost every state and inexpensive costs associated with filing suit - going in the route of a judgment is fast becoming the new way to collect for this company. If you are unfortunate enough to have a debt that truly is disputed and it gets to these attorneys - be prepared for a nock-down drag out battle as getting verification from these guys is like breaking through a brick wall. Don't get me wrong - I have several contacts in this company that are very good people, will try to work with circumstances in exceptional cases if there are hardship issues, but once it gets to an attorney, they will not take it back to resolve the account

 2007   I have been having a lot of fun reading the comments here, and just couldn't help the urge to drop a note.
This past Saturday, my friendly neighborhood process server stopped by with a pet ion filed by your old friend Melvin Thathiah representing Midland Funding informing me that I have been sued for an old and dated Emerge MasterCard account. (another group of hoods and thieves, but that's another story.) My lawyer laughed, and told me to not worry about it, they are counting on the complaint going unanswered so they can get a default judgment. That ain't gonna happen. Anyway...should anyone find themselves in a similar situation, be sure to answer the suit on time and don't forget to drop a line to the state bar association just to let them know that old Melvin KNOWINGLY dated that account and thereby filed a frivolous lawsuit. ..Mr. Hibbs, thanks and keep up the good work!

2007   MCM popped up on my credit report last summer, they never sent me any letters and after checking all my files, I have no knowledge of this account. I have disputed it 3 times with Experian and they say that MCM verified the account as being mine. I know I haven't opened any account with the original creditor they listed and I think they re-aged the account...typical. I think it is a load of crap, they recently sent a letter to my home saying they want to settle my dispute and that they need specifics into my situation. (shouldn't they already have all that seeing as how I disputed an account on my credit report???) I'd like to get with a lawyer so that I can draft a letter asking them for explicit proof that this account is mine, in WRITING and within 30 days or I'm going to file suit. I'm not sure if I can do that yet but with these scabies its worth a shot.

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