Viking Billing Services collection letters $1.1M class action settlement

Viking Billing Services agreed to pay $1,087,250 to resolve claims it sent illegal collections letters for certain debts relating to damage claims for Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty rentals. 

The settlement benefits all Illinois residents who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Jan. 11, 2018, to April 25, 2022, that asserted a claim of damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, where the letter was sent more than 30 days after the date of the purported damage and the vehicle was not rented by a business.

The settlement also benefits anyone who rented a vehicle in California and who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Jan. 11, 2018, to April 25, 2022, that asserted a claim of damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, where the letter was sent more than 30 days after the date of the purported damage and the vehicle was not rented by a business.

The settlement also benefits all California residents who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Oct. 14, 2015, to April 25, 2022, asserting a claim for purported damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty in cases where the vehicle was not rented by a business.

The plaintiffs allege Viking violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state consumer laws by sending a dunning letter regarding a Hertz, Thrifty or Dollar damage claim without the legally required disclosures, and delaying the issuance of the letters. 

Viking denies any wrongdoing.

Viking Client Services started in 1969 and is a privately held company that provides debt-recovery services and collection solutions across multiple industries. Viking is in Minnesota and is licensed to conduct business in 50 states.

Consumers who believe they are eligible for compensation under this settlement must submit a claim form in order to receive a payment. The final cash payment will be a per capita share of the net settlement fund, capped at no more than $550 per claimant.

The amount each class member will receive will depend on the total number of valid and timely claims filed by all class members. Those who attest they made a payment to Viking toward a Hertz, Thrifty or Dollar damage claim they dispute owing may qualify for an additional sum. 

The deadline for exclusion and objection is June 30, 2023.

The final approval hearing for the debt-collection settlement is scheduled for Sept. 08, 2023.

The deadline to submit a valid claim form is June 30, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits all Illinois residents who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Jan. 11, 2018, to April 25, 2022, that asserted a claim of damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, where the letter was sent more than 30 days after the date of the purported damage and the vehicle was not rented by a business.

The settlement also benefits anyone who rented a vehicle in California and who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Jan. 11, 2018, to April 25, 2022, that asserted a claim of damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, where the letter was sent more than 30 days after the date of the purported damage and the vehicle was not rented by a business.

The settlement also benefits all California residents who received an initial letter from Viking dated between Oct. 14, 2015, to April 25, 2022, asserting a claim for purported damage to a vehicle rented from Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty in cases where the vehicle was not rented by a business.

Potential Award

$550

Proof of Purchase

Name and address.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

06/30/23

Case Name

DeNicolo et al., v. Viking Client Services, Case No. 22-CIV-01708 in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Mateo

Final Hearing

09/08/23

Settlement Website

vikingsettlement.com

Claims Administrator

DeNicolo v. Viking Client Services
Kroll Settlement Administration
PO Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
833-747-6931

Class Counsel

Clinton Arthur Krislov 
KRISLOV & ASSOCIATES LTD 

Lori Andrus
ANDRUS ANDERSON LLP

Defense Counsel

Bryan C Shartle 
SESSIONS FISHMAN NATHAN & ISRAEL LLC