How to Resolve a Debt With Viking Client Services

Viking Client Services is not a scam. It’s a real debt collection agency. If you have an overdue debt, your original creditor may have hired Viking Client Services to collect it. You need to know your rights and how to protect yourself.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Viking Client Services?

Viking Client Services is a debt collection agency based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded in 1969, it handles consumer debt all over the United States. Viking is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains an A+ rating. They also go by Viking Billing Services.

You can contact the company at the Viking Client Services phone number or other contact information below:

• Phone: (800)767-7895
• Address: 10050 Crosstown Circle, Suite 300, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
• Website: https://www.vikingservice.com/

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers like you. It prevents unfair debt collection practices. Violations of the FDCPA include:

• Reporting inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit report
• Not validating a debt when asked
• Using threatening, vulgar, or abusive language
• Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Discussing the debt with anyone other than you, your lawyer, or your spouse
• Not disclosing that they are attempting to collect a debt
• Threatening to arrest you over the debt
• Threatening to take legal action they cannot or will not pursue

If Viking Client Services has used any of these tactics, you may be eligible for compensation.

Viking Client Services Online Reviews

If you’re being pursued for a debt by Viking Client Services, reading reviews can help. You can learn more by checking reviews on Viking Client Services’ BBB profile and the CFPB consumer database.

Many customers report reasonable interactions and good customer service. However, experiences vary widely depending on individual circumstances.

Viking Client Services Can Sue You

As a debt collector, Viking Client Services cannot harass or threaten you. They cannot lie to you or call you at odd hours. However, Viking Client Services can actually sue you if they want to. If you owe a debt and it is valid, you might be sued.

When you are sued for a debt, you receive court documents called the Summons and Complaint. The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists the specific claims that Viking Client Services is making against you. You have 14-35 days to respond to the Summons and Complaint, depending on which state you live in.

Viking Client Services may request a default judgment against you if you don’t respond in time. If the courts grant a default judgment, Viking Client Services can garnish your wages. They can freeze your bank account and seize your property. A default judgment will automatically occur if you ignore the lawsuit or fail to show up in court.

The first step to beating Viking Client Services in court is to respond to the debt lawsuit by filing a written Answer. Here’s how.

How to Respond to a Debt Lawsuit From Viking Client Services

You can save yourself time, money, and stress when you represent yourself in court. Our partner Solo can help you prepare your legal documents and win.

Follow these three steps to respond to a debt lawsuit against Viking Client Services:

1. Answer each claim listed in the Complaint
2. Assert your affirmative defenses
3. File the Answer with the court and send a copy to Viking Client Services

Now, here’s a breakdown of each step.

1. Answer Each Claim Listed in the Complaint

Your Answer document should focus primarily on responding to the specific claims listed in the Complaint. In response to each allegation, you can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.

• When you admit a claim, it’s like saying, “You’re right.” Admitting all the claims in your Answer would probably lead to a judgment against you.
• When you deny a claim, it’s like saying, “Prove it.” Denying a claim is simply refusing to admit it as truth before a court of law.
• When you deny due to lack of knowledge, it’s like saying, “I don’t know.” You can use this response if you aren’t sure about the allegations.

Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Doing so forces Viking Client Services to do more work to prove their case. If they don’t have the proper documentation for proof, their case won’t stand.

2. Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

The plaintiff in a collections lawsuit is always the creditor or debt buyer. In your case, that’s Viking Client Services. They hold the burden of proof, which means they must establish the right to collect the debt. Specifically, the plaintiff must provide admissible evidence that the lawsuit is valid.

Here are some examples of affirmative defenses you might raise:

• Viking Client Services failed to state the basis of the lawsuit: The debt collector did not cite a law that was violated.
• The debt is time-barred: The statute of limitations has passed. Statutes of limitations range from two to 20 years, but most are four to six years.
• Plaintiff lacks legal standing: Viking Client Services failed to provide legal evidence that they own and can legally collect your debt.

3. File the Answer in Court and Send a Copy to Viking Client Services

After you’ve drafted your Answer, you should file it within the court’s deadline. The deadline to respond to a debt lawsuit is anywhere from 14-35 days. Make a copy of the Answer and send it via USPS-certified mail to the attorneys representing Viking Client Services.

Our partner Solo can help you file an Answer in all 50 states.

Settle Your Debt With Viking Client Services

Settling a debt collection lawsuit for less than you owe is very common. Debt collectors often purchase your debt for pennies on the dollar. Even if you cannot get the lawsuit thrown out, you may be able to settle for far less than you owe.

You may need to pay a lump sum if you want the lowest price possible. If you cannot afford a lump sum, expect to coordinate monthly payments instead.

To settle a debt with Viking Client Services, use these steps:

1. Ensure you understand the debt and that it belongs to you. Verify you don’t have a strong affirmative defense against it.
2. Review your personal finances to determine how much you can offer as a debt settlement.
3. Initiate the settlement discussions by contacting Viking Client Services. Follow up on your debt settlement offer in writing.
4. Be prepared for negotiations. Offer less than your maximum amount so you have room to negotiate.
5. Get a settlement agreement in writing once you reach an agreement.
6. Pay the settlement amount on time.

Our partner Solo makes it easy to negotiate a debt settlement and reach an agreement with collectors.

Common Outcomes of a Debt Collection Lawsuit

There are a few outcomes you can expect from a debt collection lawsuit. You might win, and the judge will dismiss your case. Another option is to reduce how much you owe through a settlement. You can work on a settlement to avoid the courtroom altogether.

You might lose after responding because Viking Client Services has a stronger case than you. In the worst-case scenario, you lose by default because you fail to respond to the summons.

Chances are, Viking Client Services will work with you to find a debt resolution. The key is responding quickly and protecting your rights.