ADVISORY NOTICE 1-10
THE MARYLAND COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD ADVISORY
The Failure of Mann Bracken, LLP, and Axiant, LLC
January 19, 2010
To all Maryland Licensed Debt Collection Agencies:
As you may be aware through news coverage or otherwise, Mann Bracken, LLP ("Mann Bracken"), a
Delaware limited liability partnership, is ceasing business operations. Mann Bracken, LLP, is
the surviving entity of the merger of Mann Bracken, LLC (f/k/a Mann, Bracken, Layng & Knezo,
LLC), Wolpoff & Abramson, LLP, and Eskanos & Adler, PC. It appears that Mann Bracken has
already shut down substantially all of its business operations as its listed telephone numbers
have been disconnected. Axiant, LLC ("Axiant"), the support services company of Mann Bracken, is
currently in Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in the District of Delaware.
As a result of these events, Maryland consumers whose debts were serviced by this firm have
been left with no communication or source of information. The Office of the Commissioner of
Financial Regulation has received numerous complaints from consumers voicing concerns ranging
from who to contact on their specific accounts to remitted checks not being cashed.
This advisory is intended to make clear that any Maryland licensed debt collection agency
who has engaged the services of Mann Bracken, Axiant or any related entity is expected to
contact consumers and inform them of what to do regarding their specific accounts. Simply
responding to inbound inquiries is not sufficient, particularly given the scope of Mann
Bracken's activities. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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