If Northland Group has appeared on your credit report, the company now operates as Radius Global Solutions, LLC. Northland Group, Inc. and Radius Global Solutions are the same organization, and both names may appear on credit reports and correspondence.
Northland Group is also the subject of a landmark Sixth Circuit case, Buchanan v. Northland Group, in which the CFPB and FTC filed a joint amicus brief. The case involved Northland sending a settlement offer on a time-barred debt without disclosing that the debt was past the statute of limitations.
This guide covers who Northland Group is, the Buchanan case, and how to respond.
Who Is Northland Group?
Northland Group, Inc. was founded in 1982 in Edina, Minnesota, and is now operating as Radius Global Solutions, LLC. The company collects both as a debt buyer, purchasing charged-off portfolios outright, and as a contingency collector on behalf of original creditors and other debt buyers.
Confirmed clients from documented cases include Citibank, GE Capital Retail Bank, PC Richards Credit Card, Macy’s Department Store National Bank, and LVNV Funding. Northland collects across credit card, automotive, mortgage, student loan, telecommunications, and utility debt.
Northland does file lawsuits against consumers on valid in-statute debts. Respond to any summons before your state’s deadline.
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The Radius Global Solutions Rebrand
Northland Group, Inc. now operates as Radius Global Solutions, LLC. The BBB parent company profile confirms this. If you receive correspondence from Radius Global Solutions about a credit card or financial services debt, it may trace to a former Northland Group account.
Both names may appear on credit reports during the transition period. When disputing, identify the account under both names across all three bureaus.
The Buchanan v. Northland Group Landmark Case
In Buchanan v. Northland Group (6th Cir. 2015), a consumer received a letter from Northland offering to settle an unpaid debt. The debt was past the statute of limitations. Northland’s letter did not disclose that the debt was time-barred, that making a partial payment could restart the statute of limitations clock, or that Northland could not legally sue to collect.
The Sixth Circuit reversed the lower court and allowed the case to proceed. The CFPB and FTC filed a joint amicus brief arguing that the FDCPA can be violated by sending misleading communications about time-barred debts even without an explicit lawsuit threat.
This case is directly relevant to any Northland Group or Radius Global Solutions collection letter you receive. If the letter offers to settle a debt but does not clearly state whether the debt is past the statute of limitations, that omission may be the same FDCPA violation the Sixth Circuit allowed to proceed.
Time-Barred Debt and What It Means
A documented 2017 CFPB complaint specifically describes Northland Group attempting to collect on a debt over seven years old, using the date they received the account rather than the actual original delinquency date as the reporting date.
If Northland Group or Radius Global Solutions is contacting you, verify the original date of delinquency before responding. Minnesota has a 6-year statute of limitations on most consumer debts. Many other states have shorter limits.
A debt past your state’s statute of limitations cannot be enforced through a lawsuit. However, the Buchanan case established that even contacting you about such a debt in a misleading way may be an FDCPA violation.
Calling Wrong Numbers After Being Told to Stop
A documented CFPB complaint pattern describes Northland Group continuing to call a phone number after being told repeatedly that the person they were looking for did not live there and did not own the number.
If Northland or Radius is calling you about someone else’s debt, state clearly and in writing that you are not the person they are seeking. Send a written cease-contact letter by certified mail and file a CFPB complaint if calls continue.
Threatening Arrest
A documented CFPB complaint describes Northland Group telling consumers they would be arrested if they did not pay a debt. Threatening arrest to collect a civil debt is a specific FDCPA violation. Document any such threat and file a CFPB complaint immediately.
Settlement Range
Documented attorney-assisted settlements with Northland Group show strong consumer outcomes. A Citibank balance of $19,864 settled for $4,966, approximately 25%. A second Citibank balance of $7,788 settled for $2,180, approximately 28%. A Macy’s balance of $9,920 settled for $3,472, approximately 35%.
Because Northland/Radius purchases debt portfolios at a discount, settlement leverage is significant. Get any settlement agreement in writing before paying.
Northland Does File Lawsuits
Unlike many agencies in this series, Northland Group does file lawsuits on valid in-statute debts. If you receive a summons from Northland Group or Radius Global Solutions, respond before your state’s deadline. Minnesota allows 20 days to respond to a civil complaint. Failing to respond results in a default judgment allowing wage garnishment and bank levies.
What Northland Cannot Do Under Federal Law
The FDCPA applies to Northland Group and Radius Global Solutions. Under federal law, they cannot:
- Send misleading communications about time-barred debts: The basis of Buchanan v. Northland Group.
- Re-age accounts to show a later delinquency date: A documented CFPB complaint.
- Threaten arrest for civil debts: A documented CFPB complaint pattern.
- Continue calling wrong numbers after being told: A documented CFPB complaint pattern.
- Call outside permitted hours: Contact is only allowed between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone.
File complaints at consumerfinance.gov. Minnesota residents can also file with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Verify the Debt Before Paying Anything
Send a written debt validation request by certified mail within 30 days of first contact. Address it using whichever name appears on their correspondence. Ask for the original creditor, the account number, the original date of delinquency, and the complete chain of ownership if they purchased the debt.
Check the original delinquency date against your state’s statute of limitations before engaging.
How to Check Your Credit Report for Northland Errors
Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Search under both Northland Group and Radius Global Solutions. Is the delinquency date the actual original date? Is the original creditor accurately identified?
Any inaccuracy, including a re-aged delinquency date, is grounds for a dispute.
Your Options for Resolving a Northland Account
Once you have verified the debt and statute of limitations status:
- Check the statute of limitations first: Given Buchanan and documented CFPB complaints about time-barred debt pursuit, this is the most critical step.
- Negotiate a settlement: Documented outcomes at 25 to 35 percent of the balance are realistic. Get any agreement in writing before paying.
- Respond to any lawsuit immediately: Northland does litigate. Minnesota’s 20-day response window is short.
- Dispute re-aged entries: If the delinquency date is later than the actual original date, dispute with all three bureaus.
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How to Contact Northland Group / Radius Global Solutions
Handle all communication in writing using whichever name appears on their correspondence:
- Bloomington address: Northland Group, Inc. / Radius Global Solutions, 7831 Glenroy Road, Suite 250, Bloomington, MN 55438
- Mailing address: PO Box 390846, Edina, MN 55439
- Phone: (800) 800-8191
Bottom Line
Northland Group now operates as Radius Global Solutions. Their landmark Buchanan case established that sending misleading settlement offers on time-barred debts without disclosure violates the FDCPA.
Check the original delinquency date before engaging. Documented settlements run at 25 to 35 percent of the balance. Respond to any lawsuit before Minnesota’s 20-day deadline.
Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.