Midland Credit Management: One of the Most-Sued Debt Collectors in America
Midland Credit Management (MCM), a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group, the world's largest publicly traded debt buyer, is consistently among the defendants in the highest number of FDCPA lawsuits in the United States annually. Its sister company Midland Funding LLC (the entity that actually holds purchased debt) and their shared operations create a litigation footprint that has generated hundreds of millions in judgments, settlements, and consent decrees over the past two decades.
The CFPB's landmark 2015 consent order against Encore Capital Group and Midland Funding required $42 million in consumer restitution and $10 million in civil penalties, one of the largest debt collection enforcement actions in history. Consulting debt collection harassment attorneys can help evaluate your specific claim. The consent order documented systematic practices: collecting time-barred debts without adequate disclosure; suing consumers in jurisdictions inconvenient for them (a prohibited practice under FDCPA); using robo-signing on legal filings; and failing to provide adequate documentation to validate debts when consumers requested it.
Current Midland Practices Still Generating Claims
Post-consent-order, MCM and Midland Funding continue to generate FDCPA complaints for: time-barred debt collection without required disclosures under Regulation F (the 2021 FDCPA update); filing suit in courts with proper jurisdiction but where consumers face practical barriers to defending; providing inadequate debt validation responses; reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus; and attempting to collect debts discharged in bankruptcy. The 2021 Regulation F created new disclosure requirements for time-barred debts that apply to all collections occurring after November 2021, giving FDCPA practitioners a fresh basis for claims against any collector who hasn't updated its procedures accordingly.
Related: LVNV Funding FDCPA violations and credit card debt collection context.
How to File a Claim or Get Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria outlined above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney who handles this case type. Most plaintiff-side attorneys offer no-cost initial evaluations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation to your consultation: receipts, medical records, correspondence, or any evidence of the harm you experienced.
To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to the LawsuitWatch newsletter. We update our coverage as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.
Free Legal Evaluation
Do You Qualify to File a Claim?
Our network of verified plaintiff attorneys offers free, no-obligation case evaluations. Contingency fee representation means you pay nothing unless you win.
Midland Credit Management Lawsuit: Who Qualifies and What Happens Next?: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What is Midland Credit Management and why do they keep suing people?
Midland Credit Management is a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group that collects debts purchased by its affiliated entity Midland Funding LLC. MCM buys charged-off consumer debts (primarily credit cards) at pennies on the dollar, then attempts to collect the full original balance through letters, phone calls, and lawsuits. They are one of the largest volume debt collectors in the US.
What FDCPA violations has Midland Credit committed?
Documented violations in prior enforcement actions and litigation include: suing on time-barred debts without required disclosures; filing suits in improper venues; robo-signing legal filings without attorney review; inadequate debt validation responses; inaccurate credit bureau reporting; and collecting debts discharged in bankruptcy. The CFPB's 2015 consent order is the definitive public record of MCM/Midland Funding's prior systematic violations.
Can I get the Midland Credit lawsuit against me dismissed?
Common defenses to Midland debt lawsuits: statute of limitations (debt is too old to enforce); lack of standing (Midland cannot prove they own the specific debt); insufficient documentation (cannot prove the debt amount and your identity); and FDCPA counterclaims (the collection violated FDCPA, creating offsetting damages). Consult a consumer protection attorney before the response deadline, typically 20-30 days.
Did Midland violate the FDCPA against me?
Potential violations: calling before 8am or after 9pm; calling your workplace after being told not to; misrepresenting the debt amount or your legal rights; threatening actions they can't take; collecting time-barred debts without required disclosures; and reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus. If any of these occurred, you may have an FDCPA claim worth $500-$1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees.
How do I respond to a Midland Credit lawsuit?
Never ignore it, file a written answer before the deadline (typically 20-30 days) to prevent a default judgment. Your answer should deny the allegations and assert affirmative defenses including statute of limitations. Then seek a free consultation with a consumer protection attorney who handles FDCPA cases, many take these cases for free because the statute allows attorney fee recovery.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Lawsuit eligibility, settlement amounts, and case status are subject to change as litigation develops. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before making legal decisions. LawsuitWatch is an independent journalism publication and is not a law firm. LawsuitWatch may receive referral compensation from affiliated legal service providers, which does not influence editorial content.