MCA Management Company: How to Respond to Their Collection Attempts

You just got a letter from MCA Management Company. Or you spotted their name on your credit report. Either way, you want this resolved now.

But don’t rush to pay anything. You have the legal right to make collectors prove you owe money first. In some cases, you might not owe anything at all. Here’s how to handle MCA Management Company.

What Is MCA Management Company?

MCA Management Company is a debt collection agency. The company was founded in 1950 as Medical-Commercial Audit, Inc. You might see it called “MCA Collection Agency” in some places. As the name suggests, MCA mostly collects past-due medical bills.

The company operates out of Missouri. Unlike many collection agencies, MCA lists a P.O. box instead of a physical address. Their published address is P.O. Box 480, High Ridge, MO 63049. You can reach them at 636-677-3000. Bear in mind that collection agencies often call from other numbers.

MCA has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Only around 30 complaints have been filed in the last three years. That’s far fewer than most debt collectors we’ve reviewed.

MCA Management Company has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. That’s much better than most collection agencies.

Common Complaints About MCA Management Company

We reviewed consumer feedback and noticed some recurring issues:

• Paid bills remaining on credit reports
• Refusal to validate debt when requested
• Removed items reappearing on credit reports
• Reluctance to provide physical address

MCA Management Company has taken steps to resolve many of these complaints.

We also checked complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Between December 2011 and October 2023, MCA had 129 complaints filed against it. Here are the most common issues:

• Debts showing on credit reports after settlement
• Failure to verify debt when asked
• Nonstop texts and calls

Compared to other debt collectors, MCA seems somewhat more reputable. But you should still protect yourself by knowing your rights.

How to Respond When MCA Management Company Contacts You

Debt collectors hope you don’t know about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Our partner Solo can help you understand these protections and respond properly.

The FDCPA gives you the right to demand proof of any debt. If a collector can’t prove you owe the money, you don’t have to pay.

Send a Debt Validation Letter First

Don’t pay MCA Management Company anything until they prove you owe the debt. Never ask for proof over the phone. Always send a written Debt Validation Letter instead.

Your letter should request six specific items:

• The name of the original creditor
• The exact amount you allegedly owe
• A signed copy of your original contract
• The most recent payment or transaction on the account
• Proof that MCA is legally allowed to collect this debt
• MCA’s license number to operate in your state

Writing a professional Debt Validation Letter can be challenging. You need clear, legally sound language to get results.

What Happens After You Send Your Validation Request

Your next steps depend on how MCA responds to your letter.

If MCA Cannot Prove the Debt

Suppose you send your validation letter to MCA Management Company. If they can’t provide the proof you requested, they must stop collection efforts. The debt should also be removed from your credit report.

If MCA Validates the Debt

You need to address the debt if MCA sends proper validation. Ignoring it could result in a lawsuit and judgment against you.

Our partner Solo can help you negotiate a settlement with MCA. Start by offering a percentage of the total debt. Many collectors will accept 30-50% of the original amount.

When you and MCA agree on a settlement amount, get everything in writing. Make sure the agreement states that payment will satisfy the debt in full. Keep all documentation for your records.

What to Do If MCA Management Company Sues You

MCA Management Company can file a lawsuit if you don’t respond to their collection attempts. You might receive a court summons in the mail.

Don’t ignore a lawsuit from MCA. You must respond within the deadline shown on your summons. In most states, you have 20-30 days to file an Answer.

Your Answer is a legal document that responds to MCA’s claims. You can raise defenses like:

• The statute of limitations has expired
• The debt amount is incorrect
• You already paid the debt
• MCA doesn’t have proper documentation
• You never owed this debt in the first place

You can still negotiate a settlement even after being sued. Our partner Solo helps you respond to the lawsuit while negotiating a lower payoff amount.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collection tactics. MCA Management Company must follow these rules:

• No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• No contact at work if you tell them to stop
• No harassment, threats, or abusive language
• No false statements about the debt or legal action
• No contact with family, friends, or employers about your debt

If MCA violates the FDCPA, you can sue for damages. Document every violation with dates, times, and details of what happened.

How to Remove MCA Management Company from Your Credit Report

MCA Management Company may report your debt to credit bureaus. Negative items can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

You have several options to remove or reduce the impact:

Dispute Inaccurate Information

Review your credit report carefully for errors. Dispute any inaccurate information with the credit bureaus. They must investigate and remove unverified items within 30 days.

Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete Agreement

Some collectors will remove the debt from your credit report if you pay. Get any pay-for-delete agreement in writing before sending payment. Not all collectors will agree to this arrangement.

Wait for the Statute of Limitations

Medical debts can only remain on your credit report for seven years. After that, they must be removed automatically. You can dispute any debts older than seven years.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Dealing with debt collectors is stressful and unpleasant. But addressing the situation now will give you peace of mind.

Once you resolve your debt with MCA Management Company, you can move forward. You can rebuild your credit and focus on your financial goals.

Don’t let collection agencies intimidate you. You have rights and options. Understanding these protections helps you respond effectively and protect your finances.