Midland Credit Management (MCM) aka/Midland Funding collection debt desperation
Filed Under: Collections
Filed Under: Collections
As of late, they are getting cozy with Citibank and buying VERY old charged off debt. If the consumer has a letter and/or phone call from MCM, CHECK THOSE DATES on the alleged debt. Then check your state codes for the statute of limitations. This is for you – THE CONSUMER – to take advantage of see if the date to collect has expired. If is has expired then you need to write an SOL letter and send CM/RR to document the mailing. If the date to collect has not expired, write your VOD letter immediately.
Midland Credit Management is using an arbitration company to take the consumer to court. Arbitration is messy and ugly. This website has yet to write about arbitration and judgments in more detail. We have dealt with both scenarios and it is not pleasant. The only reason the collection debt would reach that stage is because you ignored the debt collector letters AND you did not learn your rights on how to fight it. If you have received an arbitration claim from Midland Credit Management, contact us and we can ONLY advise you over the phone (inotherwords, we do not offer a service to assist you with this critical collection stage) and to seek legal counsel. There is a right way to do that and a wrong way to do that.
At Next Level Credit, we stick to the basics of giving important information so that you can take action. We want you to be aware of the arbitration and judgments (more than basic) that MCM are using to collect and that this could happen to you. We strongly encourage you to seek legal counsel for the “more than basic” fight.
Also, MCM is hiring overseas in India to collect debt from Americans! Desperate perhaps?
Consumer (September 2008): “How desperate are the fools at MCM? Started receiving calls from India, collector spoke as though he was sucking marbles. Trying to collect on a debt more than ten years old. Went on about how he was “Certified by MCM” on the FDCPA. Almost impossible to understand. Why do junk debt collectors like MCM collect on such old debts and why go to India?”
Reply from Bud Hibbs:
Wall Street appears to be dissatisfied with many bottom feeders and they are feeling that impact. MCM thinks it has the right to place anything it chooses on a consumer credit report and never respond to validation requests. Consumers are warned that it is illegal for them to report accounts that cannot be validated and they still have the ability to payoff on FCRA lawsuits. I urge anyone being scammed by MCM to contact the consumer law professionals at www.myfaircredit.com. The law allows that you and your attorney may be paid for their greed, stupidity and attempts at extorting monies they are not entitled to. MCM cares only about making money at the expense of the American consumer, they are a disgusting, slimy organization that lies, cheats and puts us at high risk in a foreign country.”
Comments RSS 
These scumbags called me at 8:10 AM on New Years Day. The caller sounded foreign, possibly an Indian accent. I asked him if he realized it’s a holiday and he sounded surprised. This was an old debt from probably around six or seven years ago and it’s probably about to expire, a few hundred dollars from a long distance company that continued to add charges after I canceled the account, then had slapped extra late fees.
They have called every other hour for the past three days, each starting at 8:10 in the morning. Today is the first time I picked up since caller ID said it was an 800 number. Today it was was unlisted. I didn’t realize they were allowed to call on holidays, but this Midland company doesn’t seem to care much about laws anyway.
Midland is outsourcing their collectors. An agency making millions that has cheap labor overseas – unbelievable! Thanks for this heads up for holiday calls. ~Next Level Credit~
They keep mailing us letters asking us to settle for a credit card we settled on over a year ago. They said we need to send them documentaion to prove that we paid this. The other creditor never sent us a letter, but our bank statement shows that the other company took out an odd amount, which was the amount we settled for. I don’t know if I should send them the statement as it has account info on it. Any suggestions?
Shellica, Thank you for your comment and question.
It sounds that you settled for an amount with the credit card company but the ccd company did not send you final docs on it. I suggest two things. #1 Contact the credit card company and tell them to send you proof of payment. Also a copy of the check from the bank.
#2 DO NOT send Midland anything about your personal account. Midland has to prove this “alleged” account for one thing and for another thing you do not owe Midland at all. Also, since you paid it to the ccd company – you DEFINITELY are clear about that.
You can send Midland a proof of payment letter with the copy of the check and a letter from the creditor that you paid.
~Next Level Credit~
I entered a payment plan with MCM Credit San Diego, CA on 09-07-2005 to pay off a debt from British Petroleum. The monthly payment was $54.37. The settlement amount was $1,304.94. Payments commenced on 09/30/05.
In 2006, we moved to a new home and advised MCM on several payments of the new address. In July 2008, I sat down and was reviewing bills and realized that I was still paying MCM and it was paid. I immediately called them and their representative in July 2008 who advised me that yes, it was paid and that there was a credit on the account. She verified the mailing address, and advised me that a check would be arriving in 90 days along with a “Paid in Full” letter. In January 2009, still no check, no “Paid in Full” letter. I call MCM again and this time I speak to another representative who said the manager will not approve the check or the letter. I ask to speak to the manager who gave me the name of Kami Rangeloff. She advised me that payments were missed on the account. I said “Which payments and I will send you a copy of the checks!” She furnished the dates, I made copies sent them to her certified mail on January 14, 2009 and asked that she send the check and letter. To date, I have not received any correspondence from Kami Rangeloff. She furnished an address as MCM Credit, 4302 East Broadway, Phoenix, AZ 85044. I double checked MCM Credit addresses and I do not find a Phoenix, AZ address listed for them in the main directories.
I am ready to hire an attorney, notify the state attorney general from AZ, CA and PA. It appears to be a scam. I am concerned because copies of checks from my checking account were enclosed and I did receive notification that this was received at the address furnished by Kami Rangeloff.
As stated before, MCM has no regard for the law. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Gregory, Thanks for writing. MCM has at least 4 addresses. The one in Arizona is active but we will send you another one to use. It is time to take legal action and report this to the attorney general.
~Next Level Credit~
I’m glad you’ve written this, as this is EXACTLY what’s happened to my wife.
She had an account over 8 yrs ago, which closed in June of 2001 with Citibank/Zales. She is sure she paid it off, and yet just 2 months ago we get MCM sending us a bill for almost $1000! Certainly 8 yrs is too long? We have NO records of anything, and the banks don’t keep records that long either.
What can we do?
Eric, Thanks for writing. MCM is known for buying very old worthless accounts. Check the SOL for your state. Then write an SOL letter to them and that should take care of it. There is a sample here on this site that you can use. Report them to the attorney general too.
~Next Level Credit~
Midland has just started harrassing me on something that is at least 13-14 years old. They are trying to collect on Fingerhut which doesn’t even exist anymore! I have disputed this with 1 of the 3 bureaus and it was removed for lack of proof that I owe this debt.
Now, they are asking me about my daughter, who is a toddler. This is extremely upsetting. What can I do??? Please help me.
We received a letter from a in state lawyer telling us the were collecting on behalf of Midland, for a credit card debt we were unsure that we owed, we sent out the dispute and vod letter registered mail, the “law firm” signed for it so we know it was received. Guess what despite the fact that they have not validated the debt but are still reporting it on our credit! We are sending a second letter letting them know they are in violation of fedral law by trying to actively collect on a unvalidated debt that’s in disbute. Update to follow!
Michele,
An SOL letter needs to be sent to Midland as soon as possible. MCM cannot touch your daughter and what madness that is! Please report Midland to your attorney general and FTC.
~Next Level Credit~
Cami,
Thank you for your comment. Good for you in fighting back. You will have to write to the credit bureaus to get the item removed. Yes, write to Midland as well to demand removal of the items on your reports. And yes, let us know when you get the items removed.
~Next Level Credit~
Well MCM contacted me a year or so ago about a verizon wireless account from 2003. For 1000.00 or so. I was harrassed and threatened so many times for this cell phone bill. They DEMANDED full payment and called me continuously until I changed my phone #. They finally sent an arbitration and got judgement against me. I couldn’t do anything and I had no money and this arbitration was done in 11/08. Yesterday on 7/6 I realized my bank was overdrawn so I went to the bank and lo and behold mcm garnished my bank account for 1287.00 and took all my money. I am THANKFUL to have all this behind me but how do I prevent it from happening again? I have another collection with mcm and now i’m afraid they will do this again. I am trying to repair my life and fix my debt and I don’t want the scum bags of the earth after me anymore.
Heather,
Thank you for your comment and inquiry.
Even though MCM got the money and this pays the “alleged” debt, it is very possible that they will garnish again. How did they get your banking information? So what you need to do is talk to an atty on the phone – where are you because I have a list of attys that could help (I just started compiling contacts). You may have to get an atty to do a motion to dismiss the garnishment now that it is paid. Or you can do it yourself without a lawyer. MCM CAN do this again even though it is paid in full.
As far as your other collection with them – you may be an easy target. Write to MCM with a VOD letter asking for validation. You can get one off this site or we can do this for you. You have to write to them ASAP and be one step ahead of them. MCM is one of the worst of all.
~Next Level Credit~
Useful info, nice blog, thanks.
I am lost here..
Heres whats happening…
I got a letter from Midland Credit, My 5,000 bucks has been garnished.. Have to go to court..
So I went to court to talk to them about what happens and why my account has been garnished and who I owe. The court people didnt have or refuse to give me information on who, when and why…
So I Called the midland people and all they said was I was being sued by discover card card and if I want more information I must call the law office that they forward my info to.
So I called the law office Javtch,Block & Rathbone LLP,and all they could tell me was that they were suing me for that amount and would see me in court.. They either refused or couldn’t give me anymore detailed information besides that my so called credit card debit was filed in 2000 and they are seeking my money in court this month Aug 2009..
So I called discover credit card company and spoke with a manager there who was about to loose it.. All he said was that I had opened an account in 1986 which I really dont recall and my account got closed in 1997, there were no payments made in between and he was unable to prove that I made any payments or anything. All they got is my ss number and my mailing address.. I never once received a letter in the mail for billing nor anything else. So therefor I have no records on my behalf stating that I applied for discover credit card nor owe that amount of money at least not with discover card. But I have dealt with that midland company once before for almost the same amount the one I did I paid it in full..
So I dont know if I am being charged for the same bill or something or am I being robbed in some id theft or they made up something?! Because I have no record of me doing this none what so over..
So do you have any suggestions AND advice because not only this is an oooooooolllld debit that I am dealing with, I also have no proof or history of using discover and also no one will give me more information to help me understand this case better..
Please help!!
Lizzy,
Thank you for your comment. Often you will find that the courts do not have the information for you. Every state is different. You are being sued by Midland Credit with a collection attorney in your state of residence. (JBR LLP) It is not usual to be garnished without a judgment but I heard that is possible and illegal. I am assuming there is no judgment. Did you ask the clerk if there is a judgment against you? Can you look this possibility online in your state court? Some states have public records access.
It is unusual that the CA would not give you information on your case. From what you write, this is time barred. It is too old to any debt collector to collect. The collectors CAN attempt and often do.
You have stated that you may have paid Midland before possibly on this account. Do you have any documents of paid in full?
I would suggest a great consumer attorney, please contact us so that we can find out what state you reside in and let you know who can assist you.
~Next Level Credit~
Hello again thanks for responding…
There is indeed an judgment against me. They did all of this through court.. I am located in Shaker Ohio (Cleveland)… I haven’t been able to get a lawyer or any support.. The legal aid refuse to help saying that I make too much money,I make less than 30g a year so money is tight. so I tried the district atterony and they cannot help me since judgment has already been made. Everything has happen all so quickly,they garnished our account in Aug 9th, got a letter on the 11th now I have a court case tues Aug 18th. No time to react or do much.. Been on phones and computers calling people.. I even called the FTC and a few offices but no response or anything… I am struggling to get more information regarding garnishment, because like you said my case is quite old and also when I spoke with the credit card company they claimed that I owed them 1,555 and I was wondering how did it get to 5,600 bucks…
I will check back online soon to see if you guys put in a new response..
Thanks for the response
Lizzy
Ps.. They said its from another account…I paid one and now they are saying that I owe them from a credit card company I never used.. At first I thought they were confusing it with the other because prices are almost the same just a 20 dollar difference! and which I paid that one in early 200’s and yes I have papers stating that..
The one for this judgment was originally was 2,434.00 so then they doubled the fee 5,600.00 after the judgment was made…
My situation is slightly different…. I just received a check in the mail for 58.91 from Midland Credit Management, as much as I could use this money I was slightly leary to cash it! So I went on-line and thanks to websites such as yours I had some ammo, and I was able to call the number on the check and question it. Several years back I used a debt managemet company to assit me NOT Midland Credit Management another company and when I called Midland Credit Management they claimed this is a refund from one of the debtors that has long since been paid off. After reading they are junk debt collectors and they do not have such a great reputation, I explained to them How I really feel, this is what I told them: You can bet I will not be cashing this check since I do not want you to have my checking account number, and no offense but the company you work for is shady and thanks but no thanks! Sorry I would not trust this company!
Dear Next Level Credit,
I see that you have very valuable answers for people with questions regarding Midland Credit Management. My situation seems to be very similar to Lizzy’s, but I have let it lapse and it has snowballed into a mess…
I have had a few credit cards over the years and did let one get delinquent. The credit card that I neglected was a B of A Visa with a credit limit of 5000. Over the past year I have been receiving notices from Midland stating that I owe 6800 on a credit card that they have collected. I assumed that this collection was on the B of A card.
Midland has since gotten an attorney and has been garnishing my wages for the past 5 months. I called the law office that is issuing the garnish, Jerold Kaplan Law Office, and they informed me that it was for an ASPIRE Visa. I am worried that this debt is in fact not mine, but I have been paying on it for months now via the garnish… Do you have any advice on how I can verify that this debt is in fact mine? Kaplan Law Office has offered no assistance, and I have no contact information for Midland. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated…
Thank you,
–dave
Alecia,
Thank you for your comment. Good for you!!!
And great for you to know that something was not right with that check. You are very brave to talk to one of the top 100 worst agencies in this country.
We are glad to hear that this site was helpful in educating you.
~Next Level Credit~
Dave,
Thanks you for your comment. The letters from Midland should state which account they are attempting to collect. Were you aware that you have a judgment? There has to be a judgment rendered in order for the court to garnish the wages/bank account. If you were not served a summons, that is another issue you have to question.
If you have never had an aspire visa, this may be a case of id theft. This happens often to consumers and they have been sued.
There are a few issues here: the account, the judgment (when) and the garnishment. You should consult with a very knowledgeable consumer attorney who is well versed in collection issues.
~Next Level Credit~
I need help bad.
Yesterday I got my paycheck and realized that I was being garnished. BTW I live in Virginia. I immediately called my job and they gave me Midland as the place the debt is being paid to.
I called the attorney on my garnishment letter from my “employer”
Okay so here is the problem they state this is for a Gateway Computer. I have never owned a gateway computer. I never ever got a letter from the company. I never recieved notice of a judgement being placed. This was done in a county I no longer even live in and have not lived for quite a long period of time. The lawyer of theirs advised me that I owe the debt. How do I owe this debt. I have reported this to the BBB but, what can I do to stop a garnishment I know nothing about nor have I any clue this was happening any help would be greatly appreciated.
Angel,
Thanks for your comment.
Close your bank acct today also – asap. Until this is resolved. It is hard to stop Midland from taking paycheck right now because your employer has to comply. But you are going to need a great consumer atty who understands the corruption of jdbs and how Midland operates.
Sounds like two issues: id theft possibly? And improper service (you never were served a summons). Can get dismissed.
Look online for the judgment in that county. Find out more details WHEN WHO WHAT WHERE, ETC.
You will need an atty because of these issues unless you want to do this on your own. You can go to debtorboards.com and get assistance on how to vacate this judgment due to improper service and have all monies returned to you.
~Next Level Credit~
This may be the more conservative approach to this system but a good rule of thumb is to simply only get credit cards from companies backed by a bank you’ve heard of. Chase, Citi, BofA, etc…
These banks have too much to lose to try and employ these kinds of deceptive practices on a regular basis. If you can’t get approved for a card at one of these places then it is likely that you should not have a credit card right now.
Recv’d a summons today for an old Goodyear store card that was charged off years ago. The summons states Midland is sueing me via an attorney in my home state (MO), have a court date in Oct. I’m really concerned about what I’ve read about peoples bank accts being garnished as I make less than 15k per year & am on food stamps. Have never heard of Midland Credit Management or gotten any correspondance from them. Am I just screwed???
TL,
Thanks for your comment. No you are not screwed. There are actions you need to take immediately.
Two issues: no other letters prior to receiving the summons? and this account most likely is expired. See the SOL for your state (link on our blogroll). Also where do you reside? MO or did you move?
You will need to answer the summons/complaint within the time frame on the complaint guidelines regardless of how old the account is. Goodyear has nothing to do with this account and Midland wants to collect. If there is a judgment rendered, then there is a possibility of garnishment but you can take steps to prevent this from that result.
We suggest defending yourself – pro se – with the Defendants Package. See “beat a lawsuit” tab on this site. The other choice is to have a great consumer atty (MO) who understands Midland and the corruption and have them take care of this for you. Contact our office if you have more questions.
~Next Level Credit~
Thanks for the response. Actually I checked my last years income tax, I made less than $9800 gross! I’ve already answered the complaint even though in my state only showing up to court is req’d, I opted to answer. I am debating filing a motion to strike their bogus affidavit, not sure if now is the time though??? I have no choice but to fight this pro se, I know they can’t legally garnish my wages because I don’t make the weekly minimum for garnishment ability but I’m sure they’ll try anyway or worse yet try to freeze my bank account. It seems like the status quo in this country today is to kick people when they’re down and I am so tired of it!
TL,
Thanks for your comment. Some states set up a hearing and that gives the defendant an opportunity to go in front of the judge. Usually when the answer is sent to the court, the hearing is scheduled. Your state is required. Yes, you should do the motion to strike affidavit of debt. If there is an affidavit of debt in the complaint – send in a motion to stike to the court now. Did you send in Affirmative Defenses? Even though this is SOL, you still need to move forward as if it is not SOL. SOL will be one of your defenses.
Collection attys garnish bank accounts first. It is difficult to garnish wages. If the CAtty has the banking information, it is easy for them to garnish the bank account. The defendant is not notified before that happens. It looks like you have educated yourself alot in regards to this matter. Good for you!!! We want to know about your results when this case gets dismissed.
~Next Level Credit~
Hi — issue and resolution/Maryland.
In mid August, I got a notice from the court of a wage garnishment being served to my employer. Since this was a piece of forwarded mail, it was about two weeks old. Immediately I started to contact the plaintiff (Midland) and the listed attorney and learned she didn’t work for the company. So, on a Friday, I hear of a judgment/garnishment that apparently had started. After finally speaking with someone at Midland, the only alternative they offered to stop the wage attachment was payment in full, for a debt I had no knowledge of, and a collection efforts that didn’t include me.
None-the-less, the monies started coming out, 25% of my salary to this company. I went to the court and filed a motion to vacate. This was a two week process to get started and then an additional two weeks or so to get a court date. Finally, 3 wage attachments later, I present to court and my case is heard. My issues: never being served, not aware of debt, no notice sent for the court hearings, incorrect address etc. (all bull that this company uses to do this), helped me to defend against this. My judgment was vacated, the wage attachment released and now the fight begins to recieve the refund.
Now is a great time to fight this company, there are legal actions against midland and a cease and dissist order exists on their business.
Good Luck!
W Lanair C,
Thank you for your comment. THIS IS FABULOUS!!! THANKS FOR SHARING.
We just posted an article about MCM in Maryland…
http://nextlevelunlimited.net/blog/midland-funding-midland-credit-management-midland-porfolio-services-encore-capital-group-new-developments-in-maryland/
Congrats on your case – we love to read about these victories.
~Next Level Credit~
I just dealt with this agency again, it is the 2nd time I paid the same bill. I feared them, and should have checked on line first but we paid it. It was 207 $. I know I didnt owe it but there was nothing I could do about it. I should have not paid, but I was worried about our credit report. I will have proof from them this time, (lost the last proof in a tornado), and will not pay it again. We were abused over and over on the phone by them, the woman hung up on us twice, put my husband on hold and told him to “calm down” accused us of calling her names which we didnt do, interrupted us repeatedly during the calls. Her name was raquelle, which we all know is a made up name. I dont think its a common indian name… This is a terrible, crooked agency that is designed to steal money from people.
I have had similiar experiences with Midland Credit Management; although I can’t say they have been as bad as some of the others stories happening to posters here. I received the same form letter from Midland asking to supply documentation, etc while they notify the CRA’s that the item should be updated to in dispute. As a note, I filed 2 seperate disputes (one to Equifax and the other to Trans Union via online services). Ironically, I believe these 2 letters I received are directly related to the disputes filed with the CRA’s. So I am awaiting the dispute results from the CRA’s before proceeding any further.
Interesting enough, I submitted a debt validation letter to Midland Credit Management in San Diego, CA. Within 10 days, I received a form letter again from them informing me that based on the information they were able to gather…..they were notifying the CRA’s to delete this account from my credit report. 2 months later, the account has not re-surfaced nor has it been trasnferred or sold to another agency.
I will continue to use the format letter and if additional sucess is received…will post to the website for tohers to use.
Steve
We also have a suit against us from Midland. Bought the defendant’s package and has helped some but we filed an motion to strike their affidavit and they responded that the “affidavit was attached to the petition in the event the defendant defaulted. Defendant appeared for first answer and did not default therefore their motion to strike the affidavit is moot.” They also go on to say that they “respectfully move the court to overrule defendants motion to strike affidavit as moot, for reasonable atty fees for defending this action, etc.” What does that mean? Have no idea what to do now.
Carrie,
Thank you for your comment. When a consumer uses the defendant’s package, there will be difference guidelines in each state/county. Check your procedures.
We are not a legal office therefore we cannot tell you what this means and what to do next.
Feel free to contact our office so that we may point you to more legal resources that may assist you.
~Next Level Credit~
In January, 2009 I sent a debt validation request to Midland via Mann Bracken LLC who were hired my Midland to collect on a defaulted credit card debt. However, I never heard from them again. But it was reported to the three credit reporting agencies as “disputed”. ( I’m not sure if this is relevant, but Mann Bracken filed for bankruptcy this month).
Early this week I received a letter from Midland asking me to assist them with their investigation into the disputed account. Midland asked me to provide them with any evidence (statements, cancelled checks, police reports, etc.) to support my claim that I did not owe the debt. I’m assuming that they do not have any record of said debt and they are hoping that I will give furnish them with evidence to confirm the debt.
What should I do at this point?
Anne,
Thanks for your comment on my website.
Yes you are correct in your assumption. It is up to Midland to PROVE that you owe to them. Which you do not owe them. Do not send any information at all. They are really slick this way.
Midland is getting back to you in writing 11 months later? Write a nice calm short letter to them that you already requested validation and send them a copy of the RR and CM to prove it and that Midland time to respond has passed. Write that this matter is closed.
Right now the BK with Mann Bracken will not weigh on this much. The BK will not be official until 2010. But you will be able to remove from credit report soon enough. Give it a few months and then you can get the items removed.
If you would like us to do this for you…contact our office.
~Next Level Credit~
I keep getting phone calls from MCM about a $3000 bill for CitiBank which I have never had an account with CitiBank! These people want me to make a police report disputing the debt. MCM tells me that they will contact a local attorney to collect this debt from me. I do not owe CitiBank any money! What is a SOL and VOL. Do I need to send those sol and vol letters too? What should I do here to protect myself from MCM?
Amanda,
Thanks for your comment. This seems like ID theft. You will still need to write to MCM for validation of debt. MCM will threaten to sue regardless of ID theft. SOL is statute of limitations. Each state has a SOL to which a collector can attempt to collect. VOL – VOD? Stands for validation of debt. Yes you will need to send a VOD letter immediately. Contact our office for your options.
~Next Level Credit~
Hi there – I have just received maybe my third letter from MCM, this time it just looks like a bill. I haven’t had any calls or agressive letters from them. This current letter just has “special offers” – different offers for options of payment. I also just got a letter from NCO Financial Systems. I haven’t had credit cards since my terrible days of youth back in the late 90’s – this is when I lived in California, which I believe has a SOL of 4 years. These are charged off accounts (terrible, I know). Would this be the point where I would send a letter for proof or verification of debt? Could you possibly send me a copy of a letter that would do the job? I am reading around about this and am very scared about the possibility of renewing this debt or making it ‘live’ again. Sorry I’m very ignorant about this! How would I also be able to identify if either of these are reported on my credit report and can I demand that they be removed?
One last question, once I send a letter for verification of debt, should I wait for a reply if they cannot verify? If I no longer get requests should I let it go?
Thank you,
Elki
Elki,
Thanks for your comment. You need to send a VOD letter to MCM and to NCO. There is an SOL letter depending on how old the account. Any payment would restart the SOL and make it “live”.
You will need to check your credit report and you can have these items removed.
Go to our home page, fill out your name and phone number today and we can give you an analysis of what you need to do next. This is time sensitive.
~Next Level Credit~
Hello,
My situation is similar to Elki i just received a “special offers” from MCM stating three payment options from a Chase credit card that im sure i owe on. I was considering just paying off the debt and moving on with my life but after reading all of this im kind of scared to put my money into there hands what should i do??
S Martin,
Thanks for your comment. Chase has nothing to do with this alleged collection. You definitely should be apprehensive about paying MCM. Have you read our home page where it states you may not have to pay?
99% of the time you do not have to pay the collection agency. MCM is attempting to collect. A VOD letter needs to be sent immediately.
Your next step is to contact us for an analysis.
Go to our home page http://nextlevelunlimited.net and fill in the form and we will contact you at the time you specify.
~Next Level Credit~
Hi, I’ve just recieved a letter from MCM regardng an $800 account with HSBC, they are offering me a discount where I can pay half of what I supposedly owe.- I’ve never applied for a credit card in my life, and I’m sure I have been the victim of identity theft. I’ve read a lot about garnishment of wages and bank account freezing. I have an account with an equities broker and I’m wondering if the could come after that too, also, should I still sent the VOD letter even though I’ve been the victim of identity theft, or shuld I try to handle it with MCM as a fraud case??? thank you
Andrew,
Thanks for your comment. Sounds like you are a victim of identity theft. Garnishment only happens when there is a judgment rendered. You are way ahead of yourself. Your equity account should not be garnished.
You need to send the VOD letter regardless of the ID theft. However, the letter should indicate such. No, do not deal with MCM at all as a fraud case.
Contact our office for assistance.
~Next Level Credit~
I just wanted to point out that it is very important to know what is on your credit report. You can obtain a free copy (in most states one per year from each reporting agency, or at a low fee i.e. $8.00) at annualcreditreport.com
There are sometimes errors on it (as once I had the purchase of someone else’s house on mine).
Know which debts you owe and try to work it out before it goes into collections. You can question the validity of the debt before getting summoned to court or if it’s ID theft be able to start taking action before the collection agency gets involved.
I too have gotten a debt collection letter from MCM which kind of landed me here on this website. I realize it is my debt and I want to have my name cleared from it. My intention is to pay it off with a bank check, make copies of everything and safeguard all paperwork!!! Apparently, it seems that I might need that info later.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences with MCM.
Carmen,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, we agree that consumers need to be aware of what is on their report.
We notice that you have knowledge about the collections. Good for you. However, why would you pay MCM? Have they actually validated the alleged account? And IF you assume so and start paying MCM, do you trust that they would keep their word about the paid balance?
Contact us for an analysis.
~Next Level Credit~
I had a cc with WAMU that had a balance of around $4500 with a 7% fixed rate, never late. Chase bank bought out my WAMU account last year when WAMU was closed down. Chase intentionally(in my opinion although I cannot prove) delayed sending me my statements in order to make me be past due. They then raised my % to 29.99% and said I owed more. I asked Chase to lower my % back and I would continue payments, remember I had not missed a payment or been late on this account in 5 years, until Chase took it over early Spring 2009. When Chase refused to lower my % back to normal, I refused to pay….and have not paid since early last year!!
Well Chase finally turned it over to BCR for collections last fall. I talked with BCR and discussed a payoff. BCR offered me a 75% discount if I would pay in full. I accepted under 2 conditions….that they get me proof in writing that the debt would be paid in full and that my credit would be corrected. They refused to give me that until I made payment, so figuring they was just ripping me off, I broke off talking with them.
Well now the last week or so I have been getting restricted phone calls 20 times a day, yesterday I got a letter from MCM. They now claim I owe them around $6500 on a Chase Bank account that Midland Funding LLC is entitled to payment of on behalf of MCM.
I am self underemployed (no paychecks)but I do have checking and savings accounts.
Should I send a VOD letter?
Should I demand to see where I signed a contract with WAMU originally?
Should I try to compromise with them and offer 20-25% of what they say I owe?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank You for this site with information.
Thanks
Randy,
Thanks for your comment. We are glad to read that this is helpful for you. Please read this article again about sending a VOD letter to MCM.
In answer to your questions, YES you need to send a VOD letter. NO – do not talk to MCM. NO – do not settle “compromise”. You need to understand WHO MCM is exactly, and what they do to consumers.
Go to our home page, http://nextlevelunlimited.net – watch the 3 minute video and sign in for an analysis.
~Next Level Credit~
NLC, Thank You! I sent the VOD on 2-22 and they have yet to sign for it. They call me everyday, several times a day. Today I answered and told them I had sent VOD and was waiting response. The guy tries telling me in broken English, that I have already been sent the VOD. I told him that they have not sent it, only a collection letter. He is trying to tell me that they are same thing……I told him I need proof I owe this, as in a signed contract. I told him to check his mail and respond and I hung up.
Is it normal for them to try convincing me that their original collection letter was the VOD?!?! What do I do if they never sign for the certified mail?
Thanks Again!
Randy,
Thanks for your comment. First, do not talk to MCM. Once you send correspondence, you should stop talking to the collection agency. Second, you have to let time pass. MCM probably has not received your letter. You can track your certified mail online. MCM is in California and you should get the RR next week sometime.
Let time pass…a week or so for the process to work. The calls should cease after you receive the RR.
~Next Level Credit~
Hello, I been reading and learning alot here, thanks. Ok, so a few years alot I had a Verizon Wireless phone and let my sister take over while I went to the army and over seas. Not that I’m blaming my sister but, she let the bill go for 2 months and added up to about $1200. Long story short, I been recieving mail from MCM stating that I own $1700 and I have a few options, 40% off for a one time payment, 35% off for 3 payments etc.. for the past 2 years. So I was think I might go ahead and pay it off because that’s the only thing been holding me back from getting loans. So I call and ask if the total amount was the same as last year. It was the same, saying they will not go down on the total. So in January I recieve a call from them (blocked number) saying if I would like to talk about my options for the outstanding account, I said I know I owe $1200 but not no $1700 anyhow, I hang up. few weeks later another call… ” this is (so so) and I would like to talk to you about your open account” she told me the same options and then “wait a second” she clicks over… so I hang up. March 1st, another call, same lady I think, tell me that I was approved for a 50% settelment, I told her that I do not have that kinda of money right now and she says “well we need a $25 deposit to keep this 50% off open to you, so I thought about and told her ” ok, I can do the $25″ so I give her my info and it goes through the next day. I’m sure I will be getting a call back from them soon and now I’m not sure of what to do now. Should I pay what they offered or should I take other actions, I have not done that VOD but I do have the mail they been sending me. What should I do about them having a way to really bill and and take the money from my bank account? Can they really even without consent from me? I mean they have my debit card info?
Another thing, how would they get my address, I been here One and a Half years.
Thank you. Steven
Steven,
Thanks for your comment. In answer to your questions, you need to understand MCM and who they are and what they are doing. Why would you believe that they say over the phone and give them banking info. NEVER NEVER NEVER. They will take your money out of your account without your authorization. The little payment of $25 acknowledges that you owe them. However, there may be recourse for you. No you should not pay what they offered. Close your account and open another one. They are not supposed to take the money out without your knowledge but it will be hard for your bank to recover it if that happens.
Contact us ASAP to deal with MCM. There may be a way to fight this even though you paid them $25.
~Next Level Credit~
This has all been very helpful. My husband recently received a court summons from Midland. We went to the court and filled out the paperwork in response. We have no idea what the debt is they are talking about. We now have a pre-trial date set for April. They sent a request to appear telephonically which we again went back to court to fill out to paperwork for that request to be denied since we will be appearing in person and ourselves live out of the area.
Any other suggestions moving forward?
Thank you.
I was caught by suprise by a lawsuit from Midland Funding. I received a summons last week for a court hearing next week!
The account they are suing me for:
Purchased from Citibank, The last payment — in July of 2005, it’s just 4 months until the SOL is expired.
Due to the lack of time, I’m not going to be able to do much. Are there any defenses I can raise to attempt to get this dismissed? Can I ask for written verification when I show up for my court date?
Also their supporting document attached the court petition looks like it was typed up in Microsoft Word just showing my name and the amount I’m supposed to owe (very shady).
Char,
Thanks for your comment. We suggest that you file your own Answer and Affirmative Defenses for starters. Filling out the court paperwork is fine and depends on the county and state, however, you should prepare your own Answer. Or seek legal advice from a great comsumer attorney who understands collection debt lawsuits.
~Next Level Credit~
Dalton,
Thanks for your comment. You can file Pro Se with Answer and Affirmative Defenses for starters. Or get an atty – see advice to comment above yours. Asking for validation will be part of your answer to the court.
~Next Level Credit~
Recently I received a letter from MCM stating that we owe them money for a purchase i made at American Eagle about a year ago. We have a bank statement that proves that American Eagle cashed our check before the due date but now they insist that we owe late fees. When we called American Eagle to ask them about the fees, our call was immediately transferred to MCM. We sent in the bank statement to MCM but they rejected it. How else can we prove to them that we don’t owe them the late fees that they are asking for (which has accumulated a lot of interest over the past year).
Thanks for the information, i posted your blog to my facebook group in the category `Midland Credit Management (MCM) aka/Midland Funding collection debt desperation`. Regards, Katy
I have been paying on a debt with MCM for about three years now. When I started, it was at about $21K, and now it is around $9K. When I got started with them, someone there who seemed “nice” told me that if I just add a few extra dollars onto the agreed upon amount every month ($300), that the debt won’t be transferred to another department where they call and harass for full payment. Every month, I’ve made my payment (and added a few dollars), without fail, and have never been late, and they’ve pretty much left me alone and have just sent me a statement every month. I’d like to offer a settlement of about $1500 or so, just to get it out of my hair, but since they are so shady, I’m afraid to open up a dialogue with them and am wondering if I should just leave well enough alone and keep paying every month. Not sure if I should “upset the apple cart”, so to speak. What do you think I should do? I’m afraid of these people due to all of the horror stories!
hetting hit from calvary, redline, et. all. MCM / Jerld Kaaplan have been awarded a judgment. we’re around 200K overall debt. mostly card debt floating a struggling biz through the bailouts. i think the MCM judgment is around 12K. and someone else is trying to serve us. we’re flat broke. no jobs. sustaining on an annuity that wont last much longer.
the original debt was to BofA or Cap One. it’s almost three years since we paid on most of the debt. will this get washed in the SOL? (arizona) the three year SOL is debatable. is BK really necessary? what do you all say??
drex,
Thanks for your comment. It is hard to say based on this limited information if you should do BK.
Feel free to contact our office for more analysis.
~Next Level Credit~
i dnt understand why MCM is being brought into bad light as a debt collection company. Ppl jus dont wanna pay for what they used and so they try to run away from debt collectors or make lame excuses to get away with it. N i tell u ppl r really gud at giving a runaround to debt collectors…all that displays nothing bt lack of sense of responsibility and failure as a responsible citizen of the state. SOL is purposely misused to the debtor’s advantage thus creating a dent in the state’s economy by the ppl who know how to use it to their advantage.
I gave MCM my checking account information for automatic monthly payments. This is on a homedepot credit card. Now they are calling me about another credit card. I am afraid that they may take money out of my checking account to cover this other charge card. Would it be legal for them to do this?
I got a call today from a lawyers office saying they were collecting a debt for Midland funding from 2003 (This is 2010). The original collection agency was Mann Bracken which recently filed for bankruptcy. There have been court proceedings against Mann Bracken and Midland filed in Maryland for illegal and deceptive collection efforts.
My questions are
What is the statue of limitations if a debt is acquired by new collection company
If Maryland said Midland is not allowed to do business in Maryland does this apply
Kay,
Thanks for your comment. Are you in Maryland? Is this a judgment? You have multiple issues regardless of SOL.
Fill in our contact form, so that we may contact you and give you analysis for your next action to take.
~Next Level Credit~
I have recently received my credit report and Midlandd Credit Manage has been making inquiries on my credit report repeatly over the 3 years.
Also, they have been changing the debt’s orgination dates so that I can not reach the statue of limitation..When I tried to inquiry about it, they use this tactic to get you personal information to start collection procedures. Is there a way to get this settle and removed from my credit report. Also, I want to know is it inllegal for a collection company to making inquiries on your report without your permission?
Totally lost for resolution,
Thanks for your comment. We are not sure if you are referring to only your credit report and/or MCM is contacting you to pay them. Yes there is a solution to do both. First, do not pay MCM. Yes it is illegal for a CA to make inquiry on your report.
Second, fill in our contact form on our home page so that we can analyze exactly what you will need to do next.
~Next Level Credit~
Hi…
My husband just received a letter in the mail from mcm for a verizon wireless acct with a balance of $800. The letter gives options to pay off the debt etc. He has NO recollection of ever even having a verizon acct. and there is no collection on his credit report. I have read all the posts and am scared!! Do we just ignore this letter or do I dare start communication with this company?!
Help!
Susan
I have been receiving a letter for 2 years from MCM about an AT&T bill that is at least 5 years old. The account was put in my name, and the final bill was never paid. I am located in Texas, and unsure about the SOL laws here. The debt is for $355 (which seems extremely steep for a phone/cable bill), and the letter says that they will consider it paid in full for $213. I have read not to pay this because it will just get sold to another collection agency, or will pop up on my credit sometime down the road.
Today is where it got really frustrating. They contacted my mother-in-law! They asked to speak with me. She asked how they obtained her information, but he would not tell her (obviously).
What can I do from here? I want to get it off of my credit report, and I want the harassment to stop. At this point, I don’t mind paying $213, but it is the fact that me paying will not resolve this issue.
How can I deal with these crooks once and for all?
Should I send a DV letter?
Any, and all help is greatly appreciated.
-Adam
Susan,
Thanks for your comment. This may be expired. It seems MCM is grasping at any amounts these days. It will not always be on the credit report. Do not ignore this letter. MCM needs to be challenged. Do not talk to MCM at all.
Contact our office for an analysis. Go to our home page and fill in form.
~Next Level Credit~
Adam,
Thanks for your comment. The debt has most likely expired. Check your state SOL. Then send a letter regarding SOL.
Contact our office for an analysis today.
~Next Level Credit~
A few days ago, my parents told me they had been getting calls for the last several weeks from someone asking for me by my maiden name. They thought it was a telemarketer or something and told the caller repeatedly that I do not live there and asked them not to call back. They kept calling and finally my parents gave them my phone number and again asked them not to call back.
I was finally contacted yesterday by a man with an Indian accent who said he was “Ron Jackson with MCM” He said he was calling about an old debt. I told him I don’t have any old debts and please stop calling me and my family. He said he could not do that. I just hung up because I was already annoyed that he had been repeatedly calling my family when they told him I don’t live there.
I did not think I had any unpaid debts, but just to be sure I checked my credit report. My credit report was clean of anything negative, but Midland Credit Mgmt Inc was listed under Acount Review Inquiries in May of this year.
My questions are 1) Why would they check my credit and how were they able to check it? Also, will their inquiry have any effect on my credit score? 2) How do I get them to leave my family alone? and 3) If there was a legitimate debt, wouldn’t I have gotten something in the mail from the supposed creditor?
Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. Please go to our home page to request a quick analysis. MCM needs to be challenged. Let’s talk immediately. We will answer your 3 questions at that time. MCM will send a letter to you soon – we are sure of that.
~Next Level Credit~
I have just gotten off the phone with these idiots, on a CC that was closed and paid years ago. I don’t know if this works elsewhere but in NY you can send a letter stating that you will only deal with the original debtor, by law they cannot contact you again.
Neil,
Thanks for your comment. No the letter you are speaking of to “deal with the original debtor – you mean original creditor – and they will not contact you again” – no that is not correct. You need to challenge MCM.
You have 2 issues you are dealing with and if you would like our advice, please go to our ABOUT US page and register for a counseling session.
~Next Level Credit~
I need some help. I received a call from MCM a week ago they told me that I owe $2600 on a BOA CC. Now this is a CC from 05 and I know that it was not paid. Because I did not have the means to pay BOA I guess that is how it got to MCM. This is the thing I am now unemployed and I told the guy on the phone this. He didn’t speak very good English. But with reluctance I agreed to pay $25 a month. I see that they buy these debts for penny’s on the dollar can I still negotiate or am I locked in. Also I Live in FL is it to old of debt and they should never have called me. I don’t want them to try to go after my bank account. Any info would be appreciated.