Summary: Have you received multiple calls or emails from the Merchant Adjustment Bureau? This is a debt collection agency. To settle, make an offer that’s slightly less than your maximum ability to pay and negotiate until you reach an agreement. Get the settlement terms in writing, and make your payment accordingly. Use SoloSettle to streamline the settlement process.
No one likes receiving a call from anyone asking for money, let alone debt collectors. It’s understandable if you feel frustrated after receiving several calls from Mercantile Adjustment Bureau (MAB).
So, if you have received a call or email from MAB, there may be a pending debt somewhere, and they will actively seek out their money. But do not despair. Keep reading for exhaustive information on how to resolve your debt issue with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau and save yourself from plunging deeper into debt.
What is the Mercantile Adjustment Bureau?
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC is a legitimate debt collection agency headquartered in Buffalo, New York. It has been in operation since 1992 and was incorporated in 2001. But, according to MAB’s website, they have been in operation since 1934, with several people owning the business before formalization.
You can reach Mercantile Adjustment Bureau using the following contact information:
- Phone number: (800) 480-7094
- Physical Address: 165 Lawrence Bell Dr. Ste 100, Buffalo, NY 14221-7900
- Website: Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
Who does Mercantile Adjustment Bureau collect for?
Mercantile Adjustment Bureau collects outstanding debt for healthcare institutions, municipal government agencies, mortgage lenders, higher education providers, and tech companies. They either purchase a long-standing debt for pennies on a dollar or collect debt for a company and are paid a percentage of the amount recovered.
Read Mercantile Adjustment Bureau reviews online
Want to know what other people have said about their experience with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau related to debt collection matters? If so, take a moment to check out these online reviews:
- Mercantile Adjustment Bureau reviews on Google Reviews.
- Mercantile Adjustment Bureau reviews on Better Business Bureau.
- Mercantile Adjustment Bureau reviews on the CFPB consumer database.
It’s reasonable to say the online reviews of Mercantile Adjustment Bureau are up and down (some positive, some negative). Nevertheless, there are reviews reflecting the fact that people can have a positive and productive experience communicating with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau collectors. Take, for example, a review posted by a consumer named Alexis:
“The lady on the phone was super nice. communicated who I was in debt too (a company I knew I had collections for) and allowed me to split my payment into 2 separate amounts. i know there are a lot of reviews on how they are scammers, but I had a great experience and was knowledgeable about the company I was indebted to.”
Alexis’ review indicates that Mercantile Adjustment Bureau debt collectors are generally open to working with you to resolve your debt matter. Nevertheless, if the idea of calling a debt collector to negotiate sounds terrifying, then try using SoloSettle to negotiate online and resolve your debt through our innovative digital settlement platform.
Exercise your rights when Mercantile Adjustment Bureau Contacts you
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers.These guidelines were formulated to control debt collection agencies who sometimes use extreme methods to collect money. The guidelines state that debt collectors should not:
- Call you a dozen times a day for a single debt
- Contact your loved ones or colleagues to ask about your debt
- Threaten you with arrest
- Threaten to take your driving license and other vital documents
- Refuse to identify themselves and the company they work for
- Fail to verify the debt once you send a Debt Validation Letter
Steps to respond to Mercantile Adjustment Bureau Lawsuit
MAB also provides litigation services to their clients, meaning that if you ignore their repeated attempts to collect a debt, they may file a lawsuit against you. Once you receive the suit, you must act fast to avoid legal repercussions. Take the following steps to save yourself from getting into a worse financial situation.
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1. Answer each claim listed in the Complaint
In the lawsuit you receive, you’ll have a Complaint document that lists the claims and allegations MAB made against you. You must respond to each allegation using either of the following three responses:
- Admit: This means acknowledging the specific claim made is true. Notably, admitting to all the claims listed is detrimental because it will lead to a judgment for MAB.
- Deny: This response usually insinuates that MAB needs to prove what they claim about you is true.
- Deny due to lack of knowledge: This politely denies the claim because you are not sure whether the claim is factual or not.
Legal professionals advise consumers to deny most claims, giving more work to the collection agencies to prove the case. This move often works in your favor because MAB may lose the case or be willing to accept a settlement offer.
2. Assert your affirmative defenses
Affirmative defenses involve explaining why you are not responsible for the debt and, if the debt is legitimate, why you should not pay. Ensure the defenses you give are factual, and you have the documents to prove it. If the defenses are weighty enough, MAB may dismiss the case or give you a settlement offer. Some affirmative defenses you can use include:
- The debt has passed the statute of limitations
- MAB debt information was inaccurate
- The debt was canceled or paid off
- MAB violated your consumer rights
- MAB lacks legal standing to collect from you
Fortunately, SoloSuit can help you outline the affirmative defenses using our Answer document.
3. File the Answer in court, and send a copy to Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
Once you finish steps one and two, print the Answer and make two copies. Send a copy to the court via mail, or you can deliver it to the courthouse—other courts also allow electronic filing. Next, send another copy to MAB attorneys and keep the last copy in your records.
It would be futile if you go through the trouble of answering the claims and listing your defenses and the document fails to reach the court in time. So, ensure you send the letter within the timeline given in your state.
Settle your debt with Mercantile Adjustment Bureau
If you carry out the above steps correctly, you have a chance to ask MAB to settle the debt. You can also request debt settlement before they sue you, preferably after they've responded to your Debt Validation Letter.
Here are some recommended steps to try and settle a debt with MAB:
- In the event you are served with a debt collection lawsuit, make sure to file an Answer. This is important so the court does not enter a default judgment against you. A default judgment can significantly hinder your ability to negotiate a debt settlement.
- Conduct a financial analysis to determine the amount you can actually afford to pay. Consider using the following settlement formula: Amount available to settle = (monthly income – monthly costs) + savings)
- Convey your settlement offer to MAB, either through a debt settlement offer letter or over the phone. Make sure your opening offer is less than the maximum amount you are actually able to pay.
- Be prepared to go through multiple rounds of negotiating with the debt collector.
- If you can reach a debt settlement agreement, get the settlement terms in writing.
To learn more about these tips and others that may assist you on your journey to settle debt with MAB, watch the following interview with a consumer rights attorney who shares tips for negotiating with collectors like Mercantiel Adjustment Bureau:
SoloSettle is an easy-to-use, tech-based approach to debt settlement. It allows you to send a settlement offer to MAB and receive their counteroffers until you reach an agreement.