What is a debt buyer?
A debt buyer is a company that purchases old debts in bulk — often for a tiny fraction of the balance claimed. Then it tries to collect the full balance, and it files thousands of lawsuits to do it.
Here is the good news: California has one of the strongest laws in the country on this, the Fair Debt Buying Practices Act. To win in court, a debt buyer generally must show real records: proof it owns your specific account, proof of the balance, and the chain of every sale from the original creditor to them. Bulk buyers often do not have those records.
They win by default — because most people never respond. When you answer and demand proof, the whole picture changes.
Sued by Midland Credit Management?
Midland Credit Management (sometimes appearing as Midland Funding or MCM) is one of the largest debt buyers in the country. It buys charged-off credit card accounts and sues on them in California courts every day.
If you got a summons from Midland, you have about 30 days to respond — the exact deadline depends on how you were served. Do not call them to "work something out" before you know your rights. Anything you say can be used to rebuild a weak case. Talk to a defense lawyer first.
Sued by LVNV Funding?
LVNV Funding buys old debts and collects through related companies, usually Resurgent Capital Services. Many people have never heard of LVNV until a court paper or credit report shows up. That is normal — you never did business with them. They bought an account someone says is yours.
That distance is your opening. LVNV must connect the account to you and to itself with admissible records. We make them do exactly that.
Sued by Portfolio Recovery Associates?
Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA) is another of the biggest debt buyers, and one of the most active filers in California. PRA has paid significant penalties to federal regulators over its collection and lawsuit practices in the past.
A PRA lawsuit is not a bill. It is a case that has to be proven. Answer it on time, demand the records, and make PRA carry its burden.
Talk to a California debt defense lawyer
Not sure where you stand? Start with a free case review — we will read your papers and explain your options in plain language.
Get Your Free Case ReviewWhat every debt buyer must prove in California
- That it actually owns your specific account — with documents, not a spreadsheet row
- The complete chain of title: every sale of the debt, from the original creditor down to them
- The balance — how the amount they claim was calculated
- That the lawsuit was filed within the legal time limit
- That they sued the right person — not someone with a similar name
If a required piece is missing, the case can fall apart. We know what to demand and how to test what comes back. Read more about time limits on old debt and how to answer a lawsuit.
Common questions
I never borrowed from this company. Can they really sue me?
They can file a lawsuit if they claim to own a debt in your name — but to win, they must prove they own it and that it is really yours. That proof requirement is the heart of debt buyer defense.
Should I call the debt buyer when I get a summons?
Talk to a lawyer first. Statements you make on those calls can be used against you, and a partial payment can affect your legal position. Get advice before you say anything.
What if the debt is very old?
California generally gives creditors four years to sue on most written credit agreements. If the time limit passed before they filed, that can be a complete defense — but you must raise it. It is one of the first things we check.
