#1 Way to Remove 'Merchants and Medical' (Hurting Your Score)

They're calling because an unpaid medical or merchant balance was assigned to Merchants and Medical Credit Corporation and they've been hired to collect it on behalf of the original provider. Merchants and Medical is a legitimate Flint, Michigan–based collector, so calls typically follow an account referral from hospitals, doctors, labs, or retail vendors.

Common triggers are overlooked bills, insurance denials or processing errors, balance‑billing, or simple billing mistakes - and medical collection records are often wrong (the CFPB reports roughly 50% of medical collection items have inaccuracies). Always request written debt validation and an itemized account before acknowledging or paying anything.

If the amount looks unfamiliar, pause and cross‑check your statements and your insurer, insist on validation in writing, and don't give payment or personal details over the phone. Consider a consumer advocate or attorney to verify legitimacy or negotiate, and report suspected scams or identity errors to the proper agencies.

They collect mostly healthcare-related patient balances – hospital stays, physician/specialist fees, dental procedures and outpatient treatments – (a slice of the roughly $88 billion in U.S. medical debt reported by the CFPB in 2022) and, secondarily, merchant-style debts like unpaid retail, utilities, or small‑business invoices.

Typical items you'll see they pursue:

• Medical patient-responsibility balances: deductibles, coinsurance, copays and non‑covered services after insurance.
• Hospital bills: inpatient, ER, imaging, lab and facility charges.
• Physician and specialist fees: surgeries, office visits, anesthesiology, pathology.
• Dental care: extractions, crowns, root canals, implants and orthodontics.
• Outpatient treatments and therapy: infusion, outpatient surgery, physical/behavioral therapy.
• Merchant debts: retail charge defaults, installment purchases, certain utility or vendor invoices.

They often coordinate collection attempts with the original provider before full escalation, so check your Explanation of Benefits and provider statements first.

Yes - Merchants and Medical Credit Corporation is a legitimate, long‑standing debt collector, but treat every contact as potentially fraudulent until you verify it.

They've operated since 1960, are licensed in Michigan, and work nationwide; they hold an A+ BBB rating but are not BBB‑accredited and show 32 closed complaints over three years for FDCPA issues (for example, invalid debt claims).

Verify before paying: cross‑check caller details on the Merchants and Medical official website, call 1‑800‑562‑0273, and demand written validation. Validation should show the original creditor, account number, balance, dates, and chain of assignment. Red flags: pressure for immediate payment, threats of arrest, requests for gift cards/wires, or no documentation - those are either FDCPA violations or scam behavior. If something's wrong, check the CFPB complaint database, send a certified debt‑validation letter, dispute on your credit reports, and file an FDCPA complaint or get consumer‑law help.

Quick checklist to confirm authenticity:

• Call the official number (1‑800‑562‑0273) and compare details.
• Require written debt validation before any payment.
• Confirm original creditor, account number, dates, and assignment chain.
• Refuse unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers).
• Search CFPB and BBB complaint records for complaint patterns.
• Send disputes/validation by certified mail and document everything.

Use only Merchants and Medical's verified contact points below to verify or resolve any claim. Their headquarters is 6324 Taylor Drive, Flint, MI 48507. Business hours are Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM–5:30 PM ET. Primary phone: 1-800-562-0273. Payment line: 1-800-225-8770. Official site: http://www.mermed.com/ (secure portals for account review).

Confirm everything through the company's BBB listing before acting to avoid spoofing; see the Merchants and Medical BBB profile. When you call, note the date, time, and agent name, ask for a written validation letter and account number, and insist on receipts for any payment. If disputing, send a short written dispute/validation request to the Flint address by certified mail and keep copies. Use only the phone numbers and the secure portal above for payments or account access.

You have concrete federal protections that stop harassment, force written verification, limit who can be told about your merchant or medical debt, and give you legal remedies if a collector breaks the rules.

• No harassment or abuse. Collectors may not use threats, obscene language, repeated calls to annoy, or falsely claim you'll be arrested for nonpayment; they also cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. local time.
• Written validation required. A collector must send a written validation notice within 5 days of first contacting you; you then have 30 days to dispute or request proof, and the collector must pause collection until they verify.
• Limited third‑party contact. Collectors may only talk to others to locate you - never to disclose your debt details to friends, family, or employers.
• Stop contact on request. If you send a written "cease communication" notice, the collector must stop further contact (except to notify of legal action).
• Who's covered. FDCPA protections apply to third‑party debt collectors (including debt buyers); original creditors are governed differently.
• Remedies. Violations can lead to lawsuits under the FDCPA - statutory damages up to $1,000, plus actual damages and attorney's fees - and you can also file complaints with the CFPB or your state attorney general (medical collections are a common CFPB focus).

Document everything. Mail written disputes/cease letters by certified mail and keep copies, log call dates/times/names, save voicemails and texts, and if the collector ignores the law, bring an FDCPA claim or talk to a consumer attorney - small statutory damages, actual losses, and attorneys' fees are often recoverable.

You must demand verification in writing - sent by certified mail to Merchants & Medical's Flint address - within 30 days of their first contact, asking for an itemized charge breakdown, the original creditor's name and address, and a full calculation of the amount claimed. (uscode.house.gov, bbb.org)

Print and sign a short, firm letter, keep copies, and mail it certified (return receipt requested) so you have proof they received it; use the CFPB's model validation language as a template for exact wording. CFPB model validation notice. (consumerfinance.gov)

If they don't provide the requested verification, federal law requires the collector to stop collection of the disputed portion until they mail verification or original-creditor info - continuing collection in the face of a timely written dispute can violate the FDCPA and supports a CFPB complaint or a lawsuit. The FTC and other agencies document many complaints about collectors failing to verify debts. (uscode.house.gov, ftc.gov)

If Merchants & Medical keeps contacting you or ignores the certified letter, file a complaint with the CFPB (attach your certified-mail receipt and copies) and talk to a consumer‑law attorney about an FDCPA claim; keep every stamp, envelope, call log, and the return receipt - those records are the evidence that wins disputes and removes invalid tradelines. (consumerfinance.gov)

Dispute it in writing right away, attach proof (EOBs, insurance denials, payment receipts) and force verification or removal.

Follow these exact steps:

• Collect evidence: insurance EOBs, provider bills, payment records, and any ID‑theft documents.
• Send a certified‑mail written dispute and debt‑validation request to the collector with copies of evidence; state you dispute the account and demand deletion if unverified (they must investigate within 30 days or remove it).
• File written FCRA disputes with each bureau (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) attaching the same proof and request deletion of the item from your credit file.
• If you suspect identity theft, report identity theft at FTC, get an Identity Theft Report and police report, then send those to the collector and bureaus.
• If the collector won't fix it, file a CFPB complaint, notify your state attorney general, and consider small‑claims or an FDCPA/FCRA claim with your evidence.

Keep everything - copies, certified receipts, dates and call logs. Freeze or place a fraud alert if needed. Identity theft drives roughly 1.5M medical debt cases yearly, so prioritize the FTC report, push the bureaus for an FCRA removal, and be ready to sue for statutory damages and attorney fees if they violate FDCPA/FCRA; you're entitled to documentation and correction, so be persistent and methodical.

Yes - federal rules sharply limit how a collector can reach you: they may not call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., they must stop calling you at work if your employer bars it, they can't publicly shame you on social media, and they may only ask third parties for basic location information - not your debt details. (law.cornell.edu, consumerfinance.gov)

Practical steps and nuances:

• Tell them once (on the call) that workplace contact is prohibited and give a preferred phone/time.
• Send a short written notice if you want calls stopped at work or entirely; keep proof.
• For social media: demand no public posts and save screenshots of any private messages.
• Third parties: collectors may only seek 'location' info (address, phone); they may not discuss the debt.
• Document everything: dates, times, scripts, screenshots, and caller IDs.
• If violations continue, request written validation of the debt and file a complaint with the CFPB or FTC - use CFPB's debt collector rules for templates and steps.
• If harassment persists, consider an FDCPA claim; keep records and consult an attorney. (consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov)

Send a signed cease‑and‑desist via certified mail right now that demands no further contact and requests written debt validation.

Include your name, account number (if known), a clear 'do not contact me' instruction except to notify of legal action, sign and keep the return‑receipt and a dated copy.

Record and preserve everything: call logs, voicemails, texts, screenshots, certified‑mail receipts and notes of every call (time, name, script). If you plan to record calls, check your state's one‑ vs two‑party consent law first. If the collector keeps harassing you, file complaints with the CFPB and FTC, your state attorney general, and the BBB - and consider a private FDCPA suit (statutory damages can reach $1,000 plus actual damages and attorney fees); many collectors settle quickly once faced with documented violations like threats or false claims.

If the debt isn't yours or validation isn't produced, dispute it in writing within 30 days to the collector and the original creditor, and send dispute letters to any credit bureaus reporting the item. Talk to a consumer‑debt attorney or legal aid before negotiating; preserve every proof and respond to any court papers immediately.

• Send certified cease‑and‑desist: keep RRR.
• Demand written debt validation within 30 days.
• Save voicemails, texts, screenshots, call notes.
• Check state recording laws before taping calls.
• File CFPB, FTC, state AG and BBB complaints for threats/false claims.
• Consider private FDCPA suit or small‑claims - collectors often settle.
• Dispute incorrect debts with collector and credit bureaus; consult an attorney.

Generally no - collectors may only add interest, fees or extra charges when your original contract or controlling state law expressly allows it; otherwise those additions are unauthorized and disputable.

Only if original agreement permits, per FDCPA; medical debts rarely include interest unless specified - dispute unauthorized additions. State laws cap rates; review itemized bills for errors, common in 50% cases.

Check the paperwork first: look for an interest clause or fee schedule in the original bill, hospital financial agreement, or written assignment to the collection agency. If there's no written right to add charges, the collector has no lawful basis to increase the balance.

Collectors sometimes try anyway. Ask for an itemized accounting, a copy of the original agreement, proof of assignment, and a calculation showing how any fees/interest were computed. If they can't produce that, dispute in writing and demand validation (you have 30 days after first contact to request validation under the FDCPA).

Remember state rules and judgments matter: some states cap post‑judgment or contractual interest; a court judgment can allow wage garnishment or interest per state law, but a collector still can't lawfully invent fees on an unsecured balance without contract or statute.

What to do next: send a short written dispute and demand itemization; file a credit bureau dispute if the balance or its components are wrong; if the collector persists, file complaints with your state attorney general and the CFPB and consider an attorney for large sums or if you suspect violations. If you want, I'll draft a tight dispute/validation letter you can send today.

No - a collector can't lawfully grab your pay or wipe out your account out of the blue; they generally must sue, win a judgment, and get a court order before garnishing wages or levying bank funds. (consumerfinance.gov, nolo.com)

• Exceptions exist: federal agencies (IRS, student loans, certain tax actions) and child‑support enforcement can act under different rules.
• Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA, etc.) are largely immune from execution or garnishment.
• Banks must protect certain direct‑deposited federal benefits (usually up to two months' worth) before a levy.
• Texas: employers can't be ordered to garnish wages for ordinary consumer debts (child support, taxes, some federal debts are different). See CFPB explanation on garnishment. (ssa.gov, consumerfinance.gov, nolo.com)

A judgment creditor typically uses a writ of garnishment or execution served on your bank to freeze accounts; the freeze can happen before you receive notice, and the bank holds funds until exemptions are claimed or a court rules. Act fast - you usually have only days or weeks to file exemption papers or ask for a hearing. (alperlaw.com, courts.state.md.us)

• If you're sued: respond immediately (don't default).
• If an account is frozen: request exemption forms, prove benefits are protected, and ask the court to release exempt funds.
• If in Texas: emphasize wage‑garnishment limits when negotiating or defending a suit.
• Get free help: Legal Aid, your state court self‑help center, or file a complaint with the CFPB or state attorney general if collectors overreach. (consumerfinance.gov, guides.sll.texas.gov)

They carry a A+ BBB rating but are explicitly not accredited, and the company's BBB profile showing 32 complaints (mostly closed within the recent reporting window) flags repeated FDCPA‑style issues like alleged invalid debts and failure-to-validate; CFPB complaint archives show similar patterns you should monitor. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/flint/profile/collections-agencies/merchants-…), [fairshake.com](https://fairshake.com/cfpb/merchants-and-medical-credit-corporation-inc…))

What that means for you: an A+ BBB score isn't the same as accreditation or a clean legal record - BBB scores weigh responsiveness and records, not proof of lawful collection practices. If you're contacted, immediately request validation, dispute inaccurate reporting with the bureaus, and file a CFPB complaint if validation is inadequate; collect and save every letter, date, and call log so you can show patterns to regulators or in court. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-report-spotlight…))

Yes - consumers have repeatedly sued and settled over deceptive or contradictory collection practices used on merchant and medical accounts.

Many suits allege FDCPA violations: misleading language, contradictory notices, improper demands, and failure to validate debts. A notable federal complaint alleging confusing letters is on the docket: Hess v. Merchants misleading-letter case.

• Corrected or clarified notices and stop-use orders.
• Refunds, partial repayments, or credit adjustments to affected consumers.
• Waivers of collection fees or reversed adverse credit actions.
• Injunctive relief (changes to scripts/letters) and payment-process revisions.
• Attorney-fee awards and formal claim processes with deadlines.

Watch PACER for new filings and class notices so you don't miss claim deadlines or opt-out windows; class counsel contact info and the claims form will explain next steps.

Preserve all letters, log calls, immediately request validation, and consider a consumer-attorney for FDCPA claims - Agruss Law notes dozens of complaints (26+ going back to 1994) against similar practices, so you're not alone and there's a clear path to join or pursue relief.

Don't ignore this: request validation within 30 days, verify accuracy and ownership, dispute errors, negotiate only if the debt is valid while prioritizing essentials, and document everything.

• Read the notice immediately. Note the date, collector name, account number, and claimed amount.
• Within 30 days of first contact, send a written debt-validation request by certified mail (return receipt). Ask the collector to prove the debt's amount, original creditor, and chain of ownership. Do not admit liability or give bank/SSN info on calls.
• Pull your free credit reports (AnnualCreditReport.com) and match entries. If the item is wrong or missing proof, file disputes with the credit bureaus and attach supporting documents.
• Check the statute of limitations for your state before paying; a payment or written promise can restart it.
• If the collector validates and the debt is yours, negotiate in writing only: get the exact settlement terms, amount, and a clear promise about reporting (e.g., 'delete' or 'paid in full') before you pay. Ask for a signed receipt and keep proof of payment. Prioritize essentials (housing, utilities, food) over unsecured debt.
• If they fail to validate, send a written dispute/cease request and consider filing complaints with CFPB and your state attorney general. Keep dated records of every call, message, mail piece, and certified-mail receipt.

If you're sued, respond to the court immediately and consult a consumer-attorney or legal aid. Stay organized: a simple folder with copies, timelines, and certified-mail receipts is your best defense - and yes, keep every single note.

Ignoring collection contacts or skipping payments usually escalates matters – quickly and expensively.

• Credit reporting and score drops if the account is reported.
• Lawsuits can follow, creating judgments.
• Judgments allow garnishment, bank levies, or liens (and extra legal costs).

Medical bills have extra options: ask for itemized bills and debt validation in writing, apply for hospital hardship or charity care, and negotiate a written payment plan or reduced lump-sum. Time-barred debts may be harder to sue over, but collectors can still call; don't admit responsibility without checking the statute of limitations or getting validation.

If you get a summons, respond immediately – ignoring a lawsuit usually produces a default judgment and then collection tools like wage garnishment. Seek free or low-cost legal help, a consumer attorney, or a reputable credit counselor for case review; bankruptcy (Chapter 7/13) can stop collections but is serious and requires professional evaluation.

Immediate steps to take now:

• Document calls and mail; request written validation within 30 days.
• Verify the debt, dates, and whether it's time‑barred.
• Apply for medical hardship/charity care if applicable.
• Try to negotiate a written settlement or affordable plan.
• If sued, file an answer or get counsel right away.
• If overwhelmed, get a professional review before filing bankruptcy.

No - settling for less can be a smart move when you can't pay full price, but it comes with trade-offs you must control.

Not bad if affordable - pros: Reduces debt 30–50%, stops collection; cons: Taxable forgiven amount, credit impact as settled; get written agreement. Typical wins: big balance cut and an end to calls. Typical drawbacks: the forgiven portion can trigger a 1099‑C and the account will often show as 'settled' (which can hurt score more than 'paid in full').

Do these three things before you pay. First, demand validation and confirm the debt isn't time‑barred. Second, get it in writing - a signed settlement letter that states the exact amount, payment terms, how it will be reported to bureaus, and that collection stops (and they won't sue). Third, pay by a traceable method and keep all records. If the agency won't sign those promises, don't pay.

They can sue you in civil court, but they cannot arrest you just for owing a merchant or medical bill, and federal law forbids collectors from threatening arrest. (consumerfinance.gov, law.cornell.edu)

A collector or creditor can file a lawsuit and must properly serve you. You then have a short window (often about 20–30 days, depending on the state) to file an answer. If you don't respond, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment and then use court tools to collect. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov, rothman.law)

Arrest only becomes possible if a judge finds you in contempt for ignoring court orders or failing to appear. Criminal punishment for ordinary unpaid consumer debt is not allowed; child support and certain court-ordered matters are exceptions. Collectors may not lawfully threaten arrest. (consumerfinance.gov)

Do not ignore papers. File an answer or at least contact the court, dispute the debt in writing, and request validation from the collector. Keep every letter, call log, and proof of service. If you can't afford an attorney, look for legal aid, self‑help court resources, or debt-defence clinics. (consumerfinance.gov)

If a collector breaks the FDCPA (harassment, false threats, misrepresentation), you can sue them for damages and fees - but act fast (FDCPA claims generally must be filed within one year). Ignoring collection calls won't stop a lawsuit; responding and documenting gives you defense and leverage. (consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov)

Yes - you can sue, report, and counterclaim, but you must act quickly because federal law gives you one year to file. Suits under the FDCPA can recover actual damages, statutory damages (up to $1,000), plus costs and attorney's fees; start the clock from the date of the violating communication. FDCPA civil liability (15 U.S.C. 1692k). ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692k?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

File complaints with federal regulators and your state: the CFPB accepts debt‑collection complaints and forwards them to companies, the FTC collects patterns of abuse, and your state Attorney General can bring enforcement actions too - include copies of letters, validation requests, and dates. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/the-cfpb-puts-compani…), [fdic.gov](https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/having-problem-debt-colle…))

If a collector sues you, don't ignore it - answer and assert counterclaims for FDCPA violations when supported by evidence. Preserve everything: recorded calls, call logs, texts, emails, validation letters, and credit reports; those records are often the difference between winning statutory damages and walking away.

Sometimes - yes: you can avoid paying, but only when the account is invalid or legally time‑barred; otherwise your realistic paths are negotiation, settlement, or bankruptcy, and ignoring it risks a lawsuit.

If the collector can't prove the debt, or the statute of limitations in your state has expired, dispute in writing immediately (send a debt‑validation letter - certified mail, return receipt - within 30 days of first contact). If they fail to validate, file disputes with the credit bureaus and ask for removal. Tip: statutes of limitation vary by state and a payment or written admission can restart the clock, so don't acknowledge or pay until you confirm status.

If the claim is valid and collectible, negotiate a lower payoff or written settlement and insist on a signed agreement before paying; a documented pay‑for‑delete is rare but worth requesting. If negotiation fails, consult a bankruptcy attorney because Chapter 7 or 13 may discharge or reorganize these debts. Don't ignore it - unaddressed accounts can lead to suits, judgments, garnishments, or liens - document everything and get legal help early.

If the balance is legitimately yours, pay the creditor; if the entry is inaccurate, unverified, or misreported, pursue dispute-focused credit repair instead.

Credit repair works by challenging reporting errors with bureaus and collectors and forcing validation; it can remove incorrect Merchants and Medical listings but it will not erase valid debts. Paying a valid bill stops collection activity faster and sometimes improves score more predictably, though 'pay-for-delete' promises are uncommon and must be secured in writing to matter.

Hiring a repair company can save time and bring expertise - templates, dispute strategy, and legal know-how - but it costs money and offers no guaranteed deletion of accurate accounts; many disputes you can file yourself for free. Negotiating directly with a collector can yield faster settlements or reduced balances, provided you get clear, written terms before paying. We specialize in disputes and teach clients how to press for verifications and removals properly.

Start by requesting written validation and pull your three credit reports. If an item is wrong, dispute it with the bureaus and the collector immediately. If it's valid and you can pay, ask for a written settlement or pay‑for‑delete before sending money; for official guidance see how credit repair works.