Tired of non stop calls from MCM Collections? Does your heart drop every time their name flashes on your phone?
The numbers don't lie. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), over 70 million Americans dealt with debt collection agencies last year. Shockingly, nearly one in four complaints involved unethical or improper practices.
As experts in fair debt collection practices, we’ve helped countless people tackle these challenges head-on. If you’re feeling weighed down by overdue bills and relentless calls from a collection agency, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place.
By the time you finish this guide, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your finances and confidently face even the toughest debt collectors.
This isn’t about fearing debt collectors; it’s about reclaiming your power.
But first, who exactly are MCM Collections? Why are they so persistent? And most importantly, how can you turn the tables? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—who they are, why they’re contacting you, and expert negotiation strategies to handle them like a pro.
Let’s get started.
Who Is MCM Collections, and What Do They Want?
MCM, or Midland Credit Management, is one of the most well-known debt collection agencies in the U.S. They buy charged-off debts at a fraction of the original amount and then attempt to collect the full balance owed from consumers. Essentially, they’re the middleman hired to recover debt when you’ve fallen behind.
They might send letters, make phone calls, or report your unpaid debt to credit bureaus—actions that can eat away at your credit score.
Are MCM Collections Legit?
Yes, MCM Collections is a legitimate company, but that doesn’t mean their tactics don’t feel overwhelming. They are part of Encore Capital Group, a publicly traded company, and are authorized to collect debts. However, just because they are legitimate doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious. It's important to verify any debt they claim you owe and understand your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Understanding this is key—MCM paid pennies on the dollar for your debt. That means there’s room to negotiate, and the right approach can help reduce what you owe (or even eliminate it).
Why Should You Deal With Your Debt?
Ignoring debt collectors like MCM Collections might seem like the easiest option, but here’s why that approach doesn’t work:
- Damage to Your Credit Score: If unpaid debts remain on your credit report, securing a loan, mortgage, or even a rental agreement might become nearly impossible.
- Lawsuits: Persistently ignoring MCM could lead to a legal case against you, possibly ending in garnished wages or frozen bank accounts.
- Stress Relief: Believe it or not, negotiating can free you from that constant pit in your stomach every time the phone rings.
But don’t panic yet—you have more power here than you think.
Want to stop collectors like MCM in their tracks and fix your credit for free? Click here to start your debt repair journey now!
How to Contact MCM Collections
If you need to settle a debt with MCM Collections, you can reach them through the following:
MCM Website: Visit https://www.midlandcredit.com/ for detailed information about products, services, and support.
MCM Collections Contact Number: You can call them directly at (800) 296-2657 for assistance.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 939069, San Diego, California 92193
What You Need to Know:
- Customer service is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- For faster support, have your order details or account information ready.
- Alternatively, you can use the contact form on the website for non-urgent inquiries.
Struggling with debt collections? Let the experts guide you. Discover how professionals effectively resolve debts here.
But now for the fun bit—let’s dive into some killer negotiation tactics that actually work.
Proven Negotiation Tactics for Dealing With MCM Collections
Follow these strategies to take control and work toward clearing your debt on terms that work for you.
1. Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA
Debt collectors like MCM Collections must abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects consumers from harassment and abusive practices. Here’s what they can’t do:
- Call you at odd hours (typically before 8 AM or after 9 PM).
- Contact you at work if you've requested they don’t.
- Use threats, intimidation, or profanity.
If MCM breaks any of these rules, document it. You could file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Additional Tip: Take the time to learn more about your consumer rights. Resources like this article can give you a deeper understanding of the protections available to you.
2. Request Debt Validation
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request proof that the debt is truly yours.
This process, known as “debt validation,” requires MCM Collections to provide details like the amount owed, the original creditor, and proof that they have the legal authority to collect it. This is a powerful step to protect yourself from invalid or inaccurate claims.
Timing is Key: Send your written request for validation within 30 days of their first contact. Acting within this window ensures they are legally obligated to pause collection efforts until they provide the requested validation. Waiting too long could weaken your rights, so don’t delay.
How to Do It: Write a clear and professional letter requesting validation. Below is a quick example of what your letter could look like:
3. Know About Statute of Limitations in Debts
Did you know that old debts expire? Depending on the state you live in, the statute of limitations for debt collection ranges from 3 to 6 years, or even longer. State laws play a major role in how debts are collected and can vary significantly, so it’s important to understand the specific regulations in your state.
This step helps you ensure the debt is valid before taking further action.
If the statute has expired, MCM can’t sue you, though they may still try to collect.
But beware: making even a small payment could reset the clock on the statute of limitations, giving MCM renewed power to pursue you in court.
4. Negotiate for a Settlement
Remember, MCM likely paid less than 10% of the original debt’s value. This means they’re often willing to accept a lower amount through negotiation.
Tactic: Offer a lump-sum payment of 30–50% of the total debt. Start low—you can always work your way up. Settling can help you save money and close out the account for good.
Also, always request a written agreement stating the debt will be considered “paid in full” once settled. Without this, you risk further collection attempts in the future.
If MCM isn’t willing to work with your negotiated rate, don’t worry! Reach out to us at ASAP Credit Repair—we’ve handled negotiations countless times and can help you get the results you need.
5. Get That Debt Off Your Credit Report
Paying off a debt feels good, but guess what? It doesn’t just vanish from your credit report. Those negative marks can stick around for 7 years and mess with your credit score.
But here’s a hack: try a “Pay-for-Delete” deal.
What’s a Pay-for-Delete?
It’s simple—you ask the debt collector to remove the debt from your credit report if you pay it off (in full or settle for less). They’re not required to say yes, but it’s worth a shot.
How to Do It:
- Ask Nicely: Call or write the debt collector and request the account be removed. Be polite but firm.
- Get It in Writing: If they agree, make sure you’ve got it in writing before you pay a dime.
- Offer to Pay: Settle for less or pay in full, depending on what you can afford.
- Pay Up: Stick to the deal and keep records of all payments.
- Double-Check: Check your credit report after 30-60 days to make sure it’s gone. If not, hit them up with your written agreement.
Heads Up
Not all debt collectors will go for it, but you don’t know unless you try. Plus, paying doesn’t erase your financial responsibility—it just cleans up your report.
Take control, make the call, and sort your credit.
Success Stories and Why Expertise Matters
Before we wrap up, let me share a story from one of our clients.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless individuals resolve outstanding debts with collection agencies like MCM. One of our clients, Sarah*—facing a $5,000 debt she couldn't afford to pay—turned to us for help. Through our expert negotiation strategies, we reduced her debt to just $1,500, saving her thousands while safeguarding her credit score.
*Name has been changed for privacy.
When it comes to fair and effective debt resolution, we know how to deliver results.
Take Back Control of Your Finances
Debt collectors don’t have to control your life. By knowing your rights and using proven negotiation strategies, you can work to resolve debts with MCM Collections on your terms.
If this still feels like too much to handle solo, we’ve got your back.
Want to stop wasting money on collections and fix your credit? Start repairing your credit today! Click here to start your debt repair journey!