Who Is DCM Services LLC?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | DCM Services, LLC |
| Also Known As | Deceased Case Management Services; DCMS; Balogh Becker, Ltd. |
| Founded | 2006 (BBB file opened 7/23/2007; business start date 8/15/2006) |
| Headquarters | 1550 American Blvd E, Suite 200, Bloomington, MN 55425 |
| BBB Status | Accredited, A+ Rating (BBB accredited since 12/17/2007) |
| Main Consumer Phone | 877-326-8786 (Nationwide) |
| Local Phone | 612-243-8620 |
| Consumer Ombudsman | 844-891-9246 / consumerombudsman@dcmservices.com |
| Fax | 612-243-8395 |
| Website | dcmservices.com |
| Current Owners | Aldaron Partners and True Wind Capital (acquired March 2025) |
| Prior Owner | NMS Capital (2020-2025) |
| CEO | Michael Rosenthal |
| Chief Compliance Officer | Martha Hanson |
| Proprietary Technology | Probate Finder OnDemand; Probate Finder |
| Google Rating | 1.6/5 stars (97 reviewers) |
| BBB Complaints (3 years) | 29 total; 11 closed in last 12 months |
| State Regulator | Minnesota Department of Commerce, (651) 539-1500, commerce.state.mn.us |
Is DCM Services LLC Legitimate or a Scam?
Why Is DCM Services LLC Calling Me?
DCM Services is calling you because a creditor that held an outstanding account under a deceased person’s name has retained DCM to attempt recovery from the estate. They use their proprietary Probate Finder technology to monitor probate records and death notices, identify which recently deceased individuals had outstanding accounts with their client companies, and then locate and contact the estate’s personal representative or surviving family members.
The most common reasons DCM Services contacts consumers:
- Medical debt from a deceased family member. Hospital systems and healthcare providers routinely place unpaid accounts with DCM after a patient dies. This is the most frequently cited reason for DCM contacts across consumer complaints. In many cases, these bills were disputed, covered by insurance, written off, or paid directly with the hospital before DCM ever made contact.
- Credit card or bank debt. Major financial institutions use DCM to pursue outstanding card balances from estates. Credit card debt is an individual obligation and does not automatically transfer to surviving spouses except in community property states.
- Auto loan deficiencies. If a deceased person had a vehicle with an outstanding loan, the auto lender may direct DCM to contact the estate.
- Telecom and utility balances. Unpaid phone, cable, or utility balances placed with DCM after a customer’s death.
- Retail account balances. Store credit accounts and retail financing balances are also part of DCM’s portfolio.
- Already-paid debts. A notable pattern in consumer complaints is that DCM contacts families about debts that have already been paid or that the original creditor cannot even confirm exist. This reflects DCM’s approach of acting on account data provided by their clients, which may not reflect payments made directly to the hospital or creditor after the account was transferred.
In our practice, we frequently hear from clients who settled hospital bills directly with the hospital’s billing department after a family member passed, only to receive a DCM collection letter weeks later demanding payment on what turned out to be the same bill. When a debt has already been paid, continuing to collect on it is an FDCPA violation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2)(A), which prohibits false representations of the character, amount, or legal status of a debt.
DCM Services LLC Consumer Complaints
The Better Business Bureau has recorded 29 total complaints against DCM Services in the last three years, with 11 complaints closed in the last 12 months. Their BBB reviews average 1/5 stars and reveal a consistent pattern: calls about debts already paid, contacts with families before the deceased is even buried, misleading implications that surviving family members owe a personal obligation, and employees who refuse to allow consumers to dispute in writing.
BBB Reviews:
BBB Formal Complaints
In a July 2023 BBB complaint (ID 20363110), a consumer said DCM Services tried to collect a hospital debt for their deceased mother even though it had already been paid directly to the hospital months earlier. The consumer stated the debt was resolved before DCM’s contact, and DCM reportedly could not find or verify the account when questioned. The consumer also requested a cease-and-desist, noting the original creditor had no record of any unpaid balance and had concerns about DCM’s collection practices.
In our practice, the pattern described in these reviews repeats with striking consistency. Families dealing with the death of a parent or spouse receive calls from DCM about bills that were already handled, bills covered by insurance or VA benefits, or bills that the original provider cannot even confirm were sent to collections. In many of these situations, the family member being contacted has no legal obligation whatsoever, and the call itself may constitute an FDCPA violation.
DCM Services LLC Phone Numbers and Call Patterns
DCM Services calls from a wide range of numbers. Their main consumer-facing lines are listed on their official website, but they place calls from numerous regional numbers as well. If you receive a call from any of these numbers or receive a voicemail identifying the caller as DCM Services or DCMS, it is the same company.
Primary Numbers (from dcmservices.com):
- Nationwide: 877-326-8786
- Local (Minneapolis): 612-243-8620
- Fax: 612-243-8395
- Consumer Ombudsman: 844-891-9246
Additional numbers reported by consumers:
DCM Services business hours: Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday closed (Central Time).
Call patterns reported by consumers:
- Calling immediately after a death, before the family has processed affairs with the original creditor
- Calling the surviving spouse or adult children with implied threats that they personally owe the debt
- Asking for asset information to calculate what can be collected from the estate
- Contacting elderly surviving spouses in a manner that causes fear and confusion about personal liability
- Refusing or failing to provide information about how to dispute the debt in writing
- Continuing to send letters and make calls about debts that have already been paid
- Hanging up on consumers who ask to speak with a supervisor or who assert their rights
- Resubmitting the same bills for payment after already cashing checks from the family
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector who calls more than seven times within seven days of a consumer account, or who continues to call after being told the consumer does not wish to be contacted, is presumed to have engaged in harassment under 15 U.S.C. § 1692d(5). Additionally, when DCM calls family members who have no legal obligation to pay, they risk violating 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2) by misrepresenting the legal status of the debt.
Federal Court Cases Involving DCM Services LLC
Case 1: Machnik v. DCM Services, LLC
Court: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (No. 2:17-cv-01409), filed Oct. 13, 2017. The case alleged FDCPA violations under §§ 1692e and 1692f, plus Wisconsin Consumer Act violations. It claimed DCM sent letters to a widow implying she might be personally liable for her deceased husband’s medical debt, even though Wisconsin law does not make surviving spouses automatically responsible. The lawsuit argued this language created false fear and misrepresented legal liability.
In our practice, the Machnik fact pattern is not unusual. We regularly speak with surviving spouses and adult children who received DCM letters and assumed, based on the language in the letter, that they were personally on the hook for a deceased family member’s hospital bill. In most states, that assumption is simply wrong. If DCM contacted you about a debt owed by a deceased family member and you paid out of personal funds based on that assumption, you may have grounds for an FDCPA claim.
Read more here: Machnik v. DCM Services
Case 2: Lenzini v. DCM Services, LLC
Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (No. 4:2020cv07612), decided June 9, 2021. The case alleged FDCPA and California Rosenthal Act violations. The federal FDCPA claims were dismissed with prejudice in favor of DCM, while state-law claims were dismissed without prejudice. The case centered on whether DCM’s collection communications were misleading or failed to properly comply with FDCPA validation requirements.
In our practice, a dismissal in one case does not mean DCM Services is immune from FDCPA liability in other contexts. Courts evaluate each case on its specific facts. What matters for your situation is whether DCM’s communications with you were false, deceptive, or misleading about the nature or legal status of the debt, whether they implied you had a personal obligation when state law says you did not, and whether they complied with the procedural requirements of the FDCPA, including sending a proper validation notice within five days of first contact.
Read more here: Lenzini v. DCM Services
Are You Personally Liable for a Deceased Family Member’s Debts?
No, you are generally not personally liable for a deceased family member’s debts. The general rule under federal and state law is:
You are generally NOT personally liable for a deceased family member’s debts unless:
- You co-signed or were a joint account holder on the specific debt
- You are a surviving spouse in one of the nine community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin) and the debt was incurred during the marriage
- You are the personal representative of the estate and are paying debts from estate assets (this is an estate obligation, not a personal one)
- You expressly assumed the debt in writing
You are NOT automatically responsible:
- As an adult child, regardless of the amount of debt
- As a sibling, parent, or other relative of the deceased
- As a surviving spouse in a common law (non-community property) state for individual debts of your spouse
- Simply because DCM’s letter implies or suggests that you may have liability
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector who creates a false impression that a surviving family member owes a personal obligation on a deceased person’s debt may be violating 15 U.S.C. § 1692e. The FTC has also published guidance on this topic noting that family members of deceased consumers are not required to use their own money to pay a deceased person’s debts from an estate that has no funds. See FTC Debt Collection for consumer guidance.
Your Legal Rights When DCM Services Contacts You
FDCPA and TCPA Violation Reference Table
The following violations are most commonly alleged against estate-focused collectors like DCM Services. Any of these may support a legal claim.
| Violation Type | FDCPA/TCPA Section | What It Looks Like With DCM Services |
|---|---|---|
| Misrepresenting legal status of debt | 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2)(A) | Implying surviving spouse or adult child owes a deceased person’s individual debt when state law says they do not |
| False/deceptive representations | 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(10) | Sending collection letters designed to create fear of personal liability in grieving family members |
| Failure to send validation notice | 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a) | Calling or writing without clearly stating the debt amount, creditor name, and 30-day dispute right |
| Collecting already-paid debt | 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2) | Sending demands for payment on hospital bills previously paid directly to the provider |
| Refusing to cease after request | 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) | Continuing to call after family member sends written cease-and-desist letter |
| Harassment/oppressive conduct | 15 U.S.C. § 1692d | Hanging up on consumers asserting rights; continuing to call elderly surviving spouses |
| Failure to provide dispute process | 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b) | Refusing to explain how to dispute a debt in writing despite consumer asking repeatedly |
| Excessive calls | 15 U.S.C. § 1692d(5) | More than 7 calls in a 7-day period to a consumer or estate contact |
| Robocalls/auto-dialer to cell | 47 U.S.C. § 227 (TCPA) | Automated or pre-recorded calls to a consumer’s cell phone without prior express written consent |
| Third-party disclosure | 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(b) | Contacting multiple family members and disclosing the nature of the debt beyond what is permitted for location information |
How to Stop DCM Services LLC From Calling You?
- Don’t assume you owe anything: First confirm whether you are actually legally responsible for the debt. In most cases, family members are not personally liable for a deceased person’s debts.
- Don’t share estate or financial details by phone: Avoid giving information about assets or estate finances during calls, as this is not required without proper written validation.
- Document all communication: Keep a record of every call, including date, time, number, caller name, and what was said. Save voicemails and letters.
- Request written debt validation: Send a certified mail request under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692g). They must verify the debt and pause collection efforts until they do.
- Send a cease-and-desist and file complaints if needed – You can demand they stop contacting you under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), then report issues to the FTC, your state Attorney General, or the Minnesota Department of Commerce if harassment continues.
- Contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC immediately: If DCM Services has violated the FDCPA or TCPA, you may be entitled to statutory damages. We handle these cases at no out-of-pocket cost. Call us at 877-700-5790 or visit our website.
CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM PLLC
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing harassment from debt collectors in any form, including telephone communication. Contact a legal professional to stop DCM Services debt collection harassment. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Individuals can also choose to represent themselves in court using a free Answer form, which assists in outlining responses and defenses against claims made in the lawsuit.
If you are interested in learning more about how to safeguard yourself and prevent DCM Services debt collection harassment, call us at 877-700-5790 for immediate assistance or visit our website.
Success Stories
- The collectors were threatening to take legal action and garnish my wages over a debt I wasn’t even sure I owed. I felt hopeless until I reached out to Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC. They walked me through the process, sent the required notices, and held the collectors accountable for their harassment. They made me feel empowered and protected.
- I was skeptical at first, but after dealing with months of robocalls and late-night phone harassment, I decided to contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC. It was the best decision I made. They sent legal notices and guided me every step of the way. The calls stopped within a week, and I finally got peace of mind.
- I was dealing with a debt collector who refused to give me any written notice and just kept calling me day and night. After getting in touch with Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, I finally understood my rights under the FDCPA. They handled all communication with the collectors and helped me settle the matter without more harassment.
FAQs
Who is DCM Services and why are they calling me about a deceased loved one?
DCM Services (Deceased Case Management Services, LLC) is a third-party debt collector that specializes in collecting debts from the estates of deceased individuals. If they’re calling, they likely believe there is an unpaid bill under an estate account.
Is DCM Services a real or scam debt collector?
DCM Services is a legitimate, BBB-accredited collection agency operating since 2006 with an A+ rating, though they have received multiple consumer complaints about their tactics.
Can DCM Services legally harass me with phone calls?
No. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors must not call excessively, use profane or threatening language, call outside 8 a.m.–9 p.m., or call your workplace if prohibited.
How many calls from DCM Services count as harassment?
According to CFPB rules, more than 7 calls in 7 days can qualify as harassment. Repeated daily calls often violate the FDCPA.
What should I do if DCM Services keeps calling me?
Document each call (time, date, content), send a written cease-and-desist letter requesting them to stop contacting you, and if they continue, file complaints with the CFPB or FTC and consider legal assistance.
Can I sue DCM Services for harassment?
Yes. If they violate the FDCPA or TCPA—by making repetitive, threatening, or deceptive calls—you can sue for statutory damages up to $1,000 plus legal fees.
Will DCM Services affect my credit score?
Yes. If DCM Services reports a collection account from an estate to the credit bureaus, it can negatively impact your credit score. You can dispute errors with the bureaus.
How can I make DCM Services stop contacting me?
Send a formal written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail, request validation of the debt, and block their phone numbers. If calls persist, report the issue to the CFPB, FTC, or your state AG.
What rights do I have under the FDCPA when dealing with DCM Services?
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must identify themselves, provide debt verification, avoid harassing or misleading practices, call during permitted hours, and honor cease-and-desist requests.
What counts as harassment by a debt collector like DCM Services?
Harassment includes repetitive or excessive calls, using profanity or threats, deceptive practices, calling outside the allowed time frame, or contacting third parties unnecessarily.
