Mid-South Adjustment Contacting You? Here's What to Do Next

Mid-South Adjustment just sent you a letter about a debt you may or may not remember. Your first instinct might be to panic, ignore it, or pay immediately to make it go away. All three are mistakes.

Mid-South Adjustment is a third-party debt collector based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They buy portfolios of old debt—credit cards, medical bills, utility accounts,often for pennies on the dollar. Then they try to collect the full amount from you, plus interest and fees. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Mid-South has faced dozens of complaints for attempting to collect debts that were already paid, failing to validate debts when asked, and reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus.

You have specific legal rights when a collector contacts you. This guide walks you through exactly what to do when Mid-South Adjustment comes calling, how to force them to prove they own your debt, and when you should consider settling or fighting back.

Who Is Mid-South Adjustment and What Do They Collect?

Mid-South Adjustment Co., Inc. Has operated for over 35 years as a debt buyer and collection agency. Unlike the original creditor you may have owed money to, Mid-South purchases delinquent accounts in bulk. They didn't provide you a service or extend you credit. They bought the right to harass you for payment.

Their business model depends on volume. Buy 10,000 accounts for $50,000, collect on even 20% of them, and you've made money. That means they often pursue debts without complete documentation, hoping you'll pay out of fear or confusion.

Mid-South collects on:

• Credit card debt
• Medical bills
• Utility accounts
• Personal loans
• Retail store financing

You can reach them at 870-536-9600 or by mail at P.O. Box 5270, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. But before you call them, read the rest of this article. Calling unprepared can hurt you.

Mid-South's Reputation: What Other Consumers Report

Mid-South Adjustment has a 1.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a D- rating from the Better Business Bureau, with customer reviews averaging just 1 out of 5 stars. Despite claiming BBB accreditation on their website, the BBB lists them as not accredited.

Common complaints include:

• Attempting to collect debts already paid to the original creditor
• Reporting accounts to credit bureaus before sending validation notices
• Refusing to provide documentation when consumers request debt validation
• Calling from spoofed or unlisted numbers

One CFPB complaint states: "Mid South Adjustments put a collection account on my credit report. The account was paid in full to my creditor before MSA put it on my credit report. I want it removed."

These aren't isolated incidents. They're patterns. And they give you leverage.

Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The FDCPA is federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. Mid-South Adjustment must follow it. If they don't, you can sue them for up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus attorney fees.

Here's what the law requires:

• Validation notice within five days: Mid-South must send you a written notice within five days of first contact. This notice must include the debt amount, the original creditor's name, and a statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt.
• Stop collection during validation: If you request validation in writing within 30 days, they must stop collection efforts until they provide proof.
• No harassment: They cannot call before 8 a.m. Or after 9 p.m., call repeatedly to harass you, or threaten actions they can't legally take.
• No false statements: They can't lie about the debt amount, claim to be attorneys if they're not, or threaten arrest.

Save every letter. Record every call (if your state allows one-party consent). Document everything. If Mid-South violates the FDCPA, that documentation becomes evidence.

Step 1: Send a Debt Validation Letter Immediately

Never pay a debt collector without forcing them to prove three things:

1. The debt exists and you owe it
2. The amount they're claiming is accurate
3. They have the legal right to collect it

A debt validation letter requires Mid-South to provide documentation. This might include the original signed contract, an account statement showing charges, and proof they purchased or were assigned the debt.

Send your validation request via certified mail with return receipt within 30 days of their first written notice. Use this language:

"I am disputing this debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I request that you provide validation of this debt, including: (1) the original signed contract or agreement, (2) a complete account statement showing how the balance was calculated, and (3) proof that your company owns this debt or is authorized to collect it. Until you provide this validation, you must cease all collection activities."

Add your name, the account number Mid-South referenced, and the date. Keep a copy.

Many debt collectors won't respond to validation requests because they don't have the documentation. If they ignore your letter and keep trying to collect, they've violated federal law. That violation gives you grounds to sue or, at minimum, leverage to negotiate.

What Happens If Mid-South Can't Validate the Debt?

If they fail to provide validation after your written request, you have three options:

• Demand they cease collection: Send a follow-up letter stating they've violated the FDCPA and must stop contacting you.
• File a complaint: Report them to the CFPB and your state attorney general. Arkansas consumers can also file with the Arkansas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
• Consult an attorney: Consumer rights lawyers often work on contingency. If Mid-South violated the FDCPA, you may not pay attorney fees out of pocket.

You're not required to pay a debt the collector can't prove you owe. Stand firm.

Step 2: Check If the Debt Is Past the Statute of Limitations

Every state has a statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits. Once that period expires, the debt becomes "time-barred." Collectors can still ask you to pay, but they can't sue you in court.

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations is:

• Written contracts: 5 years
• Oral contracts: 3 years
• Open accounts (credit cards): 3 years

The clock typically starts from your last payment or last account activity. If Mid-South contacts you about a seven-year-old credit card debt, they probably can't sue you. But be careful: making even a partial payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the statute of limitations in some states.

Before you respond, check when you last made a payment. If the debt is time-barred, mention it in your validation letter. Many collectors will drop time-barred accounts rather than deal with an informed consumer.

Step 3: Dispute Inaccurate Information on Your Credit Report

If Mid-South Adjustment reported this debt to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, check your credit reports immediately. You're entitled to one free report per year from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Look for:

• Incorrect balance amounts
• Accounts you don't recognize
• Debts reported before Mid-South sent you a validation notice
• Duplicate entries (the original creditor's listing and Mid-South's listing)

If you find errors, file disputes directly with the credit bureaus and with Mid-South. The bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If they can't verify the debt, they must remove it.

Sample dispute letter to credit bureaus:

"I am writing to dispute the following item on my credit report: [Account name and number]. This debt has not been validated by the collection agency, and I have no record of owing this amount. I request that you investigate this item and remove it if it cannot be verified."

Send disputes via certified mail. Keep copies of everything.

When to Settle With Mid-South Adjustment

Settling a debt means negotiating to pay less than the full amount in exchange for the collector closing the account. This makes sense if:

• You legitimately owe the debt
• The statute of limitations hasn't expired
• You can afford a lump sum payment

Debt collectors often settle for 30% to 50% of the balance because they bought your debt so cheap. A $5,000 debt might settle for $2,000 if you can pay immediately.

How to Negotiate a Settlement

Start low. Offer 25% of the balance. They'll counter higher. Aim to land around 40% to 50%. Never agree to anything over the phone. Get the settlement terms in writing before you send money.

Your settlement agreement must include:

• The exact amount you'll pay
• A statement that payment satisfies the debt in full
• Agreement that Mid-South will report the account as "paid in full" or "settled" to credit bureaus
• Confirmation they'll stop all collection efforts

Pay with a cashier's check or money order, never a personal check or direct bank access. Keep proof of payment forever.

If you're considering bankruptcy or already have a mountain of debt, settling with Mid-South might not be your best move. Bankruptcy can discharge this type of debt entirely. See if filing bankruptcy makes more sense for your situation before you pay anything.

What If Mid-South Adjustment Sues You?

If you ignore Mid-South long enough, they may file a lawsuit. In Arkansas, debt collection lawsuits are typically filed in the district court where you live.

You'll receive a summons and complaint. You have 30 days to file an answer. If you don't respond, the court will enter a default judgment against you. That judgment allows Mid-South to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, or place a lien on your property.

How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit

File an answer with the court. Your answer should include:

• Admission or denial of each claim in the complaint
• Any affirmative defenses (statute of limitations, lack of standing, failure to validate)
• A request that Mid-South prove they own the debt

Debt buyers lose about 10% of cases that go to trial because they lack proper documentation. If you respond, you force them to prove their case. Many will settle rather than spend money on a trial.

If you're sued, consult a consumer rights attorney immediately. Many offer free consultations. If you can't afford an attorney and you're judgment-proof (no wages to garnish, no assets to seize), you might be better off checking if bankruptcy is your path forward.

File a Complaint If Mid-South Violates Your Rights

If Mid-South harasses you, lies about the debt, or ignores your validation request, file complaints with:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
• Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Arkansas Attorney General: arkansasag.gov (if you're in Arkansas)
• Better Business Bureau: bbb.org

Complaints create a paper trail. If enough people complain, regulatory agencies can investigate and fine the company. Your complaint also strengthens your case if you decide to sue.

Can You Sue Mid-South Adjustment?

Yes. If Mid-South violates the FDCPA, you can sue them in state or federal court within one year of the violation. If you win, you can recover:

• Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit
• Actual damages (emotional distress, lost wages)
• Attorney fees and court costs

Consumer rights attorneys often take FDCPA cases on contingency, meaning they don't get paid unless you win. If you have evidence of FDCPA violations,recorded calls, letters demanding payment during the validation period, threats of arrest,contact an attorney.

Bottom Line: Don't Pay Until You've Validated and Checked Your Options

Mid-South Adjustment profits when you pay without asking questions. They count on fear and confusion. You have rights. Use them.

Send a debt validation letter within 30 days. Check if the debt is time-barred. Dispute inaccurate credit report entries. Only consider settling if you legitimately owe the debt and have the funds to pay. If they sue you, respond. If they violate the FDCPA, complain and consider suing.

If you're drowning in debt from multiple collectors, settling with Mid-South might just delay the inevitable. Bankruptcy can wipe out unsecured debts like this entirely and stop collectors from contacting you. Find out if you qualify in under two minutes at our bankruptcy screener.

You're not helpless. You're informed. And that changes everything.