Viking Client Services’ debt collection harassment can include excessive calls and threats of legal action. It can also include abusive language and contacting third parties about your debt. Multiple calls a day, threats of wage garnishment, or contact with your family could violate the FDCPA.
Viking Client Services has 78 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. It also faces over 65 federal lawsuits alleging violations.
If they’ve violated your rights, you may be eligible for statutory damages up to $1,000. The collector would also pay your attorney fees.
Key Takeaways
- Viking Client Services is a real, 46-year-old collection agency based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
- The BBB lists 78 complaints, and the company has faced more than 65 federal lawsuits.
- Viking operates under several alternate names, including Viking Billing Service and Viking Debt Collections.
- A written debt validation request pauses collection until they prove you owe the debt.
- A proven FDCPA violation can lead to statutory damages up to $1,000, plus attorney fees.
- The Wood Firm PLLC reviews Viking Client Services contacts on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover money.
Free Case Review: +1 844-638-1122
What Is Viking Client Services
Viking Client Services is a third-party debt collection agency based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It has been operating for over 46 years.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company has 78 complaints filed against it. It has also faced over 65 federal lawsuits alleging violations of consumer rights and illegal communication tactics.
Alternate Names Viking Client Services Uses
- Viking Billing Service
- Viking Debt Collections
- Viking Client Services Avis
- Viking Credit Services
- Viking Billing Services Inc
Whatever name they use, the core issue stays the same. They’ve built a reputation for high-pressure techniques that often border on harassment. Understanding how to stop these tactics is crucial to protecting your rights.
Is This the Same Company as Viking Credit and Collection
No, this guide covers Viking Client Services, the Minnesota-based collector described above. Search data shows unrelated queries about a separately named entity called Viking Credit and Collection.
That entity is tied to a legal matter in the Philippines. This guide does not cover it, and no facts about it appear here.
Recognizing Illegal Viking Client Services Tactics
Debt collection agencies like Viking Client Services often use aggressive tactics to recover funds. Many of these tactics are illegal under federal law. Understanding what crosses the line can help you protect yourself.
Common illegal tactics Viking Client Services may use:
- Excessive calls, meaning multiple calls per day or calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Abusive language, such as yelling, name-calling, or profanity
- Contacting family members, neighbors, or your workplace about your debt
- Threatening to sue or garnish wages without legal authority or intent
- Falsely claiming you’ve committed a crime to pressure payment
- Trying to collect more than you owe, or adding illegal fees
If you’re experiencing any of these tactics, you may have grounds for legal action. Debt collectors must follow FDCPA rules, and violations can result in compensation for you.
Is Viking Client Services a Legitimate Company or a Scam
Viking Client Services is a legitimate company, not a scam. It has still earned a reputation for crossing legal boundaries. The company has been in business for over 46 years, according to the BBB.
Its 78 complaints and 65-plus federal lawsuits suggest aggressive strategies.
The company is not technically a scam, but its methods can feel deceptive. If you’re dealing with questionable practices, verify the debt and understand your rights before engaging with them.
How to Stop Viking Client Services Phone Harassment
If you’re facing Viking Client Services harassment, you have legal options to make it stop. The FDCPA provides strong protections, and violating collectors can face serious consequences.
Document Every Interaction
Documentation is crucial evidence if you decide to take legal action. Keep detailed records including:
- Date and time of each call
- Name of the representative who called
- Phone number used to contact you
- Exact words used, especially threats or abusive language
- Witnesses to the calls, if applicable
- Voicemails or recorded conversations, where legal
This documentation serves as crucial evidence if you pursue legal action with The Wood Firm PLLC.
Send a Cease and Desist Letter
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to demand that Viking Client Services stop contacting you. Once they receive this letter:
- They’re legally obligated to stop calling
- They can only contact you to confirm they’re stopping communication
- They can notify you if they intend to take specific legal action
- Violations after receiving the letter strengthen your case
The Wood Firm PLLC can help you draft an effective cease and desist letter that protects your rights.
Seek Legal Help From The Wood Firm PLLC
The Wood Firm PLLC can help you navigate the process of stopping Viking Client Services harassment. If they’ve violated your rights, you could be eligible for compensation up to $1,000 per violation. The collector would also pay your attorney fees.
Call us at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Can Viking Client Services Garnish Wages or Sue You
Viking Client Services can garnish wages or sue you, but only under specific legal conditions. They cannot take action without proper legal authority and court approval.
Wage Garnishment Requirements
- Must have a court judgment against you first
- Can garnish for federal student loans without a judgment
- Typical garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings
- Must follow state-specific garnishment laws
- Cannot garnish Social Security or certain other benefits
Lawsuit Requirements
- The debt must be within your state’s statute of limitations
- They must provide proper legal notice and service
- They must prove you owe the debt in court
- If the debt is too old, they’re unlikely to take legal action
Always check your state’s statute of limitations for your specific debt. If you’re threatened with wage garnishment, contact The Wood Firm PLLC. We can verify whether they actually have legal authority.
What to Do if Viking Client Services Sues You
If Viking Client Services decides to sue you for a debt, understanding the process protects your rights.
Understand Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA and Fair Credit Reporting Act protect you from unfair practices. Viking Client Services cannot:
- Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Use threatening, abusive, or profane language
- Fail to inform you of your right to dispute the debt
- Add unauthorized fees or interest
- Discuss your debt with third parties
If Viking Client Services has violated any of these rules, you can sue them in federal court. You could potentially receive up to $1,000 in damages plus attorney fees. The Wood Firm PLLC can guide you through this process.
Respond to the Lawsuit Immediately
Never ignore a lawsuit from Viking Client Services:
- Respond within the deadline, typically 20 to 30 days
- File an answer with the court
- Assert any defenses you have, such as statute of limitations or FDCPA violations
- Consider counterclaiming for FDCPA violations
- Seek legal representation immediately
The Wood Firm PLLC can represent you in court. We can potentially turn the lawsuit into leverage for a counterclaim against Viking Client Services.
What Are Fair Debt Collection Practices
Fair debt collection practices are guidelines collectors must follow when attempting to collect a debt. These practices come from the FDCPA, which protects consumers from abusive, harassing, and deceptive tactics.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must:
- Identify themselves and the debt they’re collecting
- Provide written notice of the debt, including the amount and creditor name
- Respect your right to dispute the debt and request verification
- Avoid false or misleading statements about consequences
- Refrain from abusive or harassing language
- Avoid contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Avoid disclosing debt information to third parties without consent
By following these practices, debt collectors operate within federal law while respecting consumer rights. If Viking Client Services has violated these guidelines, you have the right to take legal action.
Federal Lawsuits Against Viking Client Services
Many consumers have filed lawsuits against Viking Client Services for phone harassment and other alleged illegal collection practices. Being named in a lawsuit is an allegation, not proof of wrongdoing, unless a court says otherwise. Notable cases include:
- Wagstaff v. Viking Client Services (1:16-cv-00526-JDL)
- Sieber v. Viking Client Services (2:15-cv-00159-LA)
- Garlicki v. Viking Client Services (0:12-cv-61259-KMW)
These cases highlight recurring issues alleged against Viking Client Services. If you’re experiencing similar harassment, you may have grounds for a lawsuit of your own.
About The Wood Firm PLLC
The Wood Firm PLLC works to protect consumers from predatory collection practices. We handle FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA cases. Since 2010, we’ve helped consumers fight back against debt collection harassment.
We know the FDCPA and how to use it to protect your rights. Our national reach lets us take on cases against large collectors like Viking Client Services.
The Wood Firm PLLC maintains Of Counsel relationships with attorneys across 14 states. These include Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Minnesota. They also include Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
About Attorney Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is an attorney based in Arkansas with over 15 years of experience in consumer protection. He focuses on FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA cases, including cases against Viking Client Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting calls from Viking Client Services
You’re likely being contacted about a past-due debt. Viking Client Services is a third-party collection agency that collects debts on behalf of creditors. If their calls are excessive or harassing, they may be violating the FDCPA.
Is Viking Client Services a scam or a legitimate company
Viking Client Services is a legitimate debt collection agency that’s been operating for over 46 years. It has 78 BBB complaints and has faced over 65 federal lawsuits citing harassment and FDCPA violations.
What tactics does Viking Client Services use that may be illegal
Illegal tactics may include excessive calls, threats without legal authority, and abusive language.
False claims and contacting third parties about your debt also count. Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. violates the FDCPA too.
Can Viking Client Services garnish my wages or sue me
Yes, but only if they obtain a court judgment first, except for federal student loans. They must prove the debt in court and follow state garnishment limits. If the debt is beyond your state’s statute of limitations, they cannot sue.
How can I stop Viking Client Services phone harassment?
Document all calls with dates, times, and details. Send a cease and desist letter by certified mail. Contact The Wood Firm PLLC at +1 844-638-1122 for free legal help.
What laws protect me from Viking Client Services harassment
The FDCPA protects you from threats, deception, abusive tactics, and excessive contact. The FCRA protects against inaccurate credit reporting. State laws may add further protection beyond federal law.
Can I sue Viking Client Services for harassment
Yes. Under the FDCPA, you may recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation. Actual damages and attorney fees may also apply.
You generally have one year from the violation to file suit.
What should I do if Viking Client Services sues me
Don’t ignore the lawsuit. Respond within the deadline, typically 20 to 30 days, and file an answer. Assert defenses like the statute of limitations or FDCPA violations, and seek legal representation immediately.
Does Viking Client Services report to credit bureaus
Yes, Viking Client Services may report debts to credit bureaus, which can hurt your credit score. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information. You can also sue under the FCRA if they report false information.
Take Action Against Viking Client Services Harassment Today
Debt collection harassment can take a toll on your mental health, well-being, and relationships. You can stop it by knowing your rights under the FDCPA. Working with an experienced firm like The Wood Firm PLLC can help.
If Viking Client Services has violated your rights, contact us today at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options. We handle cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Don’t let Viking Client Services continue to violate your rights. Call now to discuss your options.
Additional Resources
Jeff Wood represents consumers exclusively, never creditors or collectors. He holds federal court admissions across 9 districts, including all courts of AR, CO, NM, and TX. He practices from Little Rock, AR.
