Mercantile Adjustment Bureau (MAB) operates as a third-party debt collection agency in the United States, collecting debts on behalf of banks, credit card companies, and service providers. If they’re contacting you about an alleged debt, understanding your federal rights could prevent illegal harassment and potentially provide grounds for legal action.
Consumer complaints about Mercantile Adjustment Bureau describe aggressive tactics including excessive calling, false threats of legal action, and unauthorized workplace contact. These behaviors may violate The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which establishes strict boundaries for debt collection practices.
If you believe Mercantile Adjustment Bureau has violated your rights through harassment, threats, or deceptive practices, you could potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees. The FDCPA provides these remedies specifically to deter illegal collection tactics. Call +1 844-638-1122 to discuss your situation with a consumer protection attorney.
What Constitutes Debt Collection Harassment
Debt collection harassment includes tactics designed to intimidate, threaten, or manipulate consumers into paying debts through unethical or illegal practices. Under the FDCPA, Mercantile Adjustment Bureau is prohibited from specific behaviors.
- Excessive Phone Calls: Multiple calls per day, calls at inconvenient hours (before 8 AM or after 9 PM), or calls to friends, family, or coworkers without proper authorization may violate federal law. Courts have found 7-10 calls per day potentially excessive.
- Threats of Violence or Arrest: If a collector claims you’ll be arrested or imprisoned for unpaid debt, this clearly violates the FDCPA. Unpaid consumer debt is a civil matter, not criminal. Debt collectors cannot threaten criminal action.
- Profane Language or Insults: Debt collectors cannot use profanity, call you names, or employ offensive language during collection attempts.
- False Debt Representation: Collectors cannot lie about the amount you allegedly owe or claim you owe more than the actual debt amount.
- False Legal Threats: Some collectors falsely claim they’ll take immediate legal action or file suit when they have no intention or ability to do so. This constitutes illegal deception under federal law.
If you’ve experienced any of these practices from Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, documenting the violations and consulting with The Wood Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.
Also read: Diversified Adjustment Service Debt Collection Harassment
Distinguishing Legitimate Collection from Scams
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau is a legitimate collection agency. However, scammers frequently impersonate legitimate collectors to defraud consumers. Understanding the difference protects you from both illegal collection tactics and outright fraud.
Common Scam Warning Signs
Fraudulent Debt Claims: Scammers contact you about debts that don’t exist, hoping you’ll pay without verification.
Misrepresented Authority: Fraudsters claim to be attorneys, law enforcement, or government officials to intimidate you.
Immediate Payment Demands: Scammers create artificial urgency, demanding payment within hours to “avoid arrest” or “prevent legal action.”
Threatening Credit Destruction: False claims that failure to pay immediately will permanently ruin your credit score.
If you receive suspicious contact, verify the collector’s legitimacy before providing any personal or financial information. Request written validation of the debt and research the company through official channels like the Better Business Bureau.
Also read: Mid-South Adjustments Debt Collection Harassment
Specific Scam Tactics Using Mercantile’s Name
Scammers exploit legitimate company names to appear credible. Common fraud schemes include:
The Fake Debt Threat
Callers claim you owe significant money even when no debt exists. They threaten arrest, lawsuit, or credit destruction if you don’t pay immediately. These threats are fraudulent and illegal. Legitimate collectors must provide written validation before demanding payment.
The Rushed Payment Scam
Fraudsters demand immediate payment, sometimes within hours, claiming severe legal consequences if you delay. They may request payment through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate debt collectors accept traditional payment methods and allow time for debt verification.
The Misleading Identity
Scammers use official-sounding titles like “legal counsel” or “attorney” to intimidate you. They may reference case numbers, warrant numbers, or file numbers that don’t exist. Always verify attorney credentials independently before responding to legal threats.
Non-Existent Debt Claims
Fraudsters contact you about debts you never incurred. When you check your records and credit reports, no such debt appears. These scammers hope you’ll pay without verification out of fear or confusion.
Also read: Regional Adjustment Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
Your Federal Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA provides enforceable protections that stop harassment when properly invoked.
Right to Written Verification: Debt collectors must provide written validation within five days of initial contact, including the debt amount, original creditor name, and your right to dispute.
Communication Time Restrictions: Collectors may only contact you between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM in your time zone unless you explicitly agree to other hours.
Right to Cease Communication: You can demand in writing that collectors stop all contact. After receiving your cease-and-desist letter, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal action.
Protection from Unauthorized Actions: Without court orders, collectors cannot threaten wage garnishment, bank account seizure, or arrest. These threats without legal basis violate federal law.
Workplace Contact Restrictions: If you inform collectors that your employer prohibits personal calls, they must stop workplace contact immediately.
Six Steps to Protect Yourself
Step 1: Request Debt Verification
If Mercantile Adjustment Bureau contacts you, immediately request written verification. This document should include:
The exact amount claimed
The original creditor’s name and account number
Whether the debt was purchased or is being collected on behalf of the creditor
Your right to dispute the debt
Collectors must send verification within five days of first contact. Don’t make payments until you’ve verified the debt’s legitimacy and accuracy.
Step 2: Document Everything
Create a detailed log of all interactions with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau:
Date, time, and duration of each call
Caller’s name and callback number provided
Exact statements made, especially threats or false claims
Whether calls occurred before 8 AM or after 9 PM
Any workplace contact or third-party disclosures
How the contact affected you emotionally and practically
This documentation becomes crucial evidence if you pursue legal action. Courts rely on contemporaneous records when evaluating FDCPA claims.
Step 3: Verify the Collection Status
Check whether the debt appears on your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). Verify:
The debt amount matches what the collector claims
The account status is accurate
The dates of delinquency are correct
No duplicate entries exist
Collection accounts can lower your credit score by 50-100 points and remain on your report for up to seven years from the original delinquency date.
Step 4: File Formal Complaints
If Mercantile Adjustment Bureau violates your rights, file complaints with:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Federal agency enforcing consumer protection laws
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Specialized agency handling financial complaints
Your state attorney general’s office – State-level consumer protection enforcement
These agencies investigate violations and can take enforcement action against collectors who break the law. A law firm specializing in consumer rights can provide additional legal assistance and represent you effectively.
Step 5: Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
If harassment continues, send a cease-and-desist letter via certified mail stating: “Under 15 USC § 1692c, I demand that you cease all communication with me regarding this alleged debt.”
After receiving this letter, Mercantile Adjustment Bureau can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop or to notify you of specific legal action like filing a lawsuit. Any other contact may constitute a violation.
Step 6: Consult Consumer Rights Counsel
If violations continue after you’ve asserted your rights, contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122. We handle debt collection harassment cases on contingency, meaning you typically pay nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf.
Also read: First National Collection Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
Filing a Lawsuit Against Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
If you believe Mercantile Adjustment Bureau has violated the FDCPA, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Federal law allows you to recover:
Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit (regardless of actual harm)
Actual damages (emotional distress, lost wages, therapy costs)
Attorney fees and court costs (paid by the collector if you win)
Building Your Case
Gather Evidence: Collect all documentation of communications with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, including letters, phone records, voicemails, and conversation notes.
File Complaints: Before filing suit, file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general. These complaints create an official record.
Consult an Attorney: The Wood Law Firm specializes in FDCPA litigation and can evaluate whether you have a viable case. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. A written agreement with your attorney ensures clear obligations and ethical compliance regarding legal fees.
Also read: Credit Bureau Collection Services Debt Collection Harassment
About The Wood Law Firm
At The Wood Law Firm, our mission is to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure they receive fair treatment under federal law. We specialize in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). For over a decade, we have worked to hold companies accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Choosing The Wood Law Firm means partnering with a team deeply committed to protecting your consumer rights. We understand the stress and frustration that comes with facing potentially unfair collection practices, and we stand by your side throughout the process. Our personalized approach, combined with extensive experience and national reach, makes us equipped to handle your consumer protection needs.
The Wood Law Firm has cultivated strong Of Counsel relationships with attorneys licensed in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
Call +1 844-638-1122 for a free case evaluation.
About Attorney Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is an accomplished attorney based in Arkansas, where he is fully licensed to practice law. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Wood specializes in consumer protection, focusing on cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). His commitment to defending consumer rights has helped countless clients find relief from potentially unlawful debt collection practices.
Real Client Outcomes
Case Study: Thomas R., Syracuse, NY
Thomas received 15+ calls weekly from Mercantile Adjustment Bureau about a disputed $650 medical debt. Calls came before 8 AM and after 9 PM, violating FDCPA time restrictions. After documenting three weeks of calls with precise timestamps, Thomas contacted The Wood Law Firm. We sent a cease-and-desist letter, and when Mercantile called twice more, we filed an FDCPA complaint. Mercantile Adjustment Bureau settled for $1,000 in statutory damages plus our attorney fees. The disputed debt was removed from Thomas’s credit report.
Case Study: Linda M., Buffalo, NY
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau called Linda’s workplace seven times in two weeks despite Linda informing them on the first call that her employer prohibited personal calls. Her supervisor issued a formal warning. The Wood Law Firm documented these post-notice workplace violations and negotiated a $900 settlement. Mercantile agreed to stop all collection activity and remove the debt from Linda’s credit report. Linda’s employer withdrew the warning after reviewing our legal documentation.
Case Study: David S., Rochester, NY
A collector claiming to represent Mercantile Adjustment Bureau threatened David with arrest and told him he had 24 hours to pay $2,500 or face criminal charges. David couldn’t find any record of this debt on his credit reports. The Wood Law Firm verified this was either a scam or an egregious FDCPA violation. We filed complaints with the FTC and state attorney general, then filed suit. David received $1,000 in statutory damages, and the collector was barred from contacting him further.
Additional Resources
New York Attorney General Consumer Protection – State-level consumer fraud protection and complaint filing
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information – Federal guidance on debt collection rights
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
Who does Mercantile Adjustment Bureau collect for?
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau collects debts for banks, credit card companies, medical providers, utility companies, and other service providers across the United States. They work as a third-party agency, meaning they collect on behalf of original creditors or purchase debts outright. The Wood Law Firm can help you verify whether they have legal authority to collect your specific debt.
Why is Mercantile Adjustment Bureau calling me?
They’re contacting you about a debt they believe you owe, either on behalf of a creditor or one they purchased. However, errors are common in debt collection. Before acknowledging any debt, request written verification showing the debt’s legitimacy, amount, and their authority to collect. The Wood Law Firm can review their validation documents to ensure accuracy.
What is an adjustment bureau?
An adjustment bureau is a third-party agency hired to recover unpaid debts from consumers or businesses. They’re different from collection agencies in some states due to licensing requirements, but they must still comply with all FDCPA regulations. The Wood Law Firm can help you understand your rights regardless of what they call themselves.
Is Mercantile Adjustment Bureau a scam?
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau is a legitimate debt collection agency. However, scammers frequently impersonate them to commit fraud. Always verify contact independently before providing personal information or making payments. If you’re unsure whether contact is legitimate, The Wood Law Firm can help you verify and protect you from both scams and illegal collection tactics.
What are examples of Mercantile Adjustment Bureau harassment?
Harassment includes excessive daily calls, calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM, false threats of arrest or legal action, abusive or profane language, unauthorized workplace contact, discussing your debt with third parties, or pressuring you to pay immediately without validation. The Wood Law Firm can evaluate whether their tactics violate federal law.
How do I stop Mercantile Adjustment Bureau from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail stating you want all communication to stop. Under the FDCPA, they must cease contact except to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal action. If calls continue after your letter, The Wood Law Firm can pursue FDCPA violations on your behalf.
How can I verify a debt from Mercantile Adjustment Bureau?
Request a debt validation letter within 30 days of their first contact (though you can request this anytime). The validation should include the original creditor’s name, account number, debt amount, and proof they have authority to collect. Don’t make payments until you’ve verified the debt’s accuracy. The Wood Law Firm can review their validation documents to ensure they meet legal requirements.
What are signs of a Mercantile Adjustment Bureau scam?
Warning signs include threats of immediate arrest, demands for payment via gift cards or wire transfer, refusal to provide written validation, asking for Social Security numbers or bank account information before verifying identity, creating extreme urgency (“pay within 2 hours”), or using spoofed phone numbers. The Wood Law Firm can help you determine if contact is legitimate or fraudulent.
Can I sue Mercantile Adjustment Bureau for harassment?
Yes. Under the FDCPA, you can sue for violations and may receive up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages (emotional distress, lost wages) and attorney fees paid by the collector. The Wood Law Firm handles these cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Where do I report Mercantile Adjustment Bureau for violations?
File complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state attorney general’s office. These agencies investigate violations and can take enforcement action. Additionally, contact The Wood Law Firm to pursue individual legal action and potential damages.
Can Mercantile Adjustment Bureau call me at work?
Not if you inform them (verbally or in writing) that your employer prohibits such calls. Once notified, they must stop workplace contact immediately. Even one call after notification may constitute an FDCPA violation. The Wood Law Firm can help you pursue damages for unauthorized workplace contact.
Does Mercantile Adjustment Bureau report debts to credit bureaus?
Yes, they may report collection accounts to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score by 50-100 points and remain on your report for up to seven years from the original delinquency date. However, if the debt is inaccurate or if they violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act in reporting it, The Wood Law Firm can help you dispute it and potentially sue for FCRA violations.
How long can the Mercantile Adjustment Bureau try to collect a debt?
The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type, typically 3-6 years. After this period expires, the debt becomes “time-barred,” and they cannot sue you successfully. However, they may still attempt collection and report it to credit bureaus. The Wood Law Firm can determine if your debt is time-barred and help you assert this defense.
Can The Wood Law Firm help with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau harassment?
Yes. The Wood Law Firm specializes in stopping debt collection harassment, protecting your rights under the FDCPA, disputing invalid debts, and seeking compensation when collectors violate federal law. We offer free consultations and work on contingency for most cases. Call +1 844-638-1122 to discuss your situation.
Take Action Against Mercantile Adjustment Bureau Harassment
Debt collection harassment violates federal law, and you don’t need to endure it. Whether you’re dealing with excessive calling, false threats, workplace contact, or potential scams, you have enforceable legal rights under the FDCPA.
Document violations thoroughly, request debt validation before making any payments, assert your rights in writing via certified mail, and consult experienced consumer protection counsel when collectors ignore your legal protections.
The Wood Law Firm has handled hundreds of FDCPA cases against collectors like Mercantile Adjustment Bureau. We understand their tactics, know the legal framework, and have the track record to hold them accountable.
If you believe Mercantile Adjustment Bureau may have violated your rights, call +1 844-638-1122 today. Initial consultations are free, and most cases are handled on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf. Legal services can help you dispute debts, protect your rights, and create manageable resolutions.
