If you've recently received a call or notice from Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery (LMM Collections), you're not alone. This debt collection agency has been operating for decades and has garnered a reputation for aggressive and sometimes illegal debt collection practices.
In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about LMM Collections, including their legitimacy, who they collect for, and how to remove them from your credit report.
Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery (LMM Collections) is a legitimate debt collection agency that must adhereFair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other consumer protection laws. Despite this, they have had numerous complaints and lawsuits brought against them for allegedly using harassing techniques or breaching consumer rights.
The Better Business Bureau has an ‘F’ rating for LMM Collections due to the number of customer complaints against them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has received over 40 complaints in the past three years about communication tactics and inaccurate reporting.
Make sure you know your rights when dealing with LMM Collections or another debt collector—if they are harassing you or breaking the law, get help from an FCRA attorney right away. We're here to help—contact us today for a free case review.
LMM Collections works with many types of creditors, including credit card companies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. However, they do not release a list of their clients, so it can be challenging to know who they are collecting on behalf of until you check your credit report and contact them directly.
Receiving calls or notices from LMM Collections can be overwhelming and frustrating, but understanding why they are contacting you can help you determine your next steps. Here are some reasons why they may be calling you:
If you owe money to a creditor or service provider, they may have sent your account to collections, and LMM Collections is calling to collect the outstanding balance.
Unpaid medical bills can also be sent to collections, and LMM Collections may be the company responsible for collecting on their behalf.
An error on your credit report is another possible reason why LMM Collections is contacting you. This could include debts you have already paid or debts that do not belong to you.
Every state has a time limit on how long a debt collector is allowed to pursue someone for payment of unpaid debts. If LMM Collections contacts you about a debt that’s past the statute of limitations, they may be violating the law.
Someone using your identity to open accounts and incurring debt in your name could result in calls from LMM Collections as they try to collect on those debts.
It's important to remember that debt collectors are legally required to provide verification of the debt if you request it. You have the right to ask for documentation proving that the debt is legitimate and that LMM Collections has the right to collect it.
If you want to remove Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery from your credit report, there are a few steps you can take. Here's what you should do:
If you believe there may be an error on your report, you have the right to dispute it. Make sure that you do not make any payments if you are unsure of a debt’s validity. Contact Fair Credit if you need help identifying and disputing errors.
If you owe the debt but cannot pay the total amount, negotiate with Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery for a settlement agreement. This will report the debt as "paid in full" or "settled in full" once you make payment.
Try negotiating a pay-for-delete agreement with LMM Collections, where they remove the negative info in exchange for payment of the debt. However, keep in mind that they don't have to accept this agreement.
If all else fails, consult with an experienced consumer law attorney who can provide legal advice and take action on your behalf if necessary.
It's essential to act quickly when dealing with negative information on your credit report—the longer it stays, the more damage it will do to your score (in most cases). Taking these proactive steps could save your credit score and financial future.
Ignoring calls from Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery is not recommended. Even if you believe that the debt is not yours or if you think that the collector is violating your rights, it's important to address the issue head-on.
Ignoring calls or letters from LMM Collections can worsen the situation, leading to further legal action, such as wage garnishment or a lawsuit. It's best to deal with the debt collection agency as soon as possible and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.
If you're not comfortable dealing with LMM Collections on your own, consider enlisting the help of a reputable debt attorney who can advise you on your legal rights and negotiate with the agency on your behalf.
Remember, ignoring the problem won't make it go away. It's crucial to take proactive steps to resolve the issue and protect your financial future.
It's possible that Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery will accept a pay-for-delete arrangement, but it's important to proceed with caution. Paying off the debt in full may not necessarily result in the debt being removed from your credit report.
Before making any payment, negotiate with the collector to ensure they agree to remove the negative entry from your credit report as part of the settlement agreement.
It's also a good idea to get any agreement in writing to protect yourself in case of future disputes.
If you're dealing with the stress and anxiety of being contacted by Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery, don't let it consume you. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your credit.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a qualified consumer protection attorney. We can evaluate your case, help you understand your rights, and take action to remove any illegitimate or inaccurate negative entries from your credit report.
Don't let debt collectors control your life. Take charge of your financial future today.
Don't let these companies get away with violating your rights and causing you financial & emotional distress.