Life sometimes throws a curveball, leading one to fall on hard times. Whether it be an unexpected medical event or the unanticipated loss of a job, sometimes it becomes challenging to pay the monthly bills.
If bills go unpaid, it’s not uncommon for companies to turn the debt over to a third-party collection agency, such as Glass Mountain Capital.
Glass Mountain Capital, sometimes referred to as GMC Credit Services, is a national collection agency based out of Illinois. While they do have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, there have still been complaints against the agency for unfair collection practices.
In 1977, Congress passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law was enacted to protect consumers, such as yourself, from harassment and other unfair treatment from collection agencies.
If Glass Mountain Capital has contacted you regarding an alleged debt, you should be aware of your rights under federal law.
What Are My Rights When It Comes to Debt Collection?
The health of the economic system is dependent on people paying their bills. Businesses that provide a service or a product have the right to receive monies owed to them. Collection agencies are hired to assist companies to obtain the funds that are owed to them.
While corrupt and deceitful debt collectors often make headlines, most people working in the industry are trust-worthy and kind. However, if you have been the recipient of bad behavior, you know just how stressful it can be.
It’s critical that you arm yourself with the knowledge of your protected rights when it comes to debt collection. Prior to responding to any contact with Glass Mountain Capital, or any collection agency, you should be aware of the following rights:
- You have the right to protection from harassment. The FDCPA prohibits early morning or late-night calls, repeated calls, and verbal abuse or profanity. Collectors are not allowed to make threats such as to have you arrested, to hurt you, or to take your property. They are not allowed to threaten a lawsuit unless it is actually intended.
- You have the right to maintain your financial privacy. Glass Mountain Capital is not permitted to inform friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers about your debt.
- You have the right to information. Representatives from Glass Mountain Capital need to identify themselves and whom they work for when calling you.
![Sample Dispute Letter to Glass Mountain Capital, LLC*]()
How Do I Draft a Letter Debt Validation Letter to Glass Mountain Capital, LLC?
Your first contact with a debt collector may be via the phone or a written letter. If contacted by phone, debt collectors are required to send you a follow-up letter within five days of the telephone call.
Included in this letter should be the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, and notification that you have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt before it becomes “valid.”
Per the FDCPA laws, you can request validation of your debt, especially if you feel that any portion of the debt is invalid. Upon receiving your demand for validation, the debt collector is required to stop all collection activities until they provided the requested validation.
Sample Debt Validation Letter to Glass Mountain Capital
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter in response to the phone call (or letter) that I received by Glass Mountain Capital on (fill in the date). Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I have the right to request validation of the debt that you claim I owe.
This letter is not a refusal to pay nor an acknowledgment of the debt as mine. Instead, it is a statement that your claim is disputed, and that validation is demanded according to 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 (b) of the FDCPA.
I am requesting that the following information be provided to me by Glass Mountain Capital:
- Copy of the agreement that Glass Mountain Capital has with the creditor that authorizes you to collect on this alleged debt
- Documentation showing that Glass Mountain Capital is licensed to collect debt in my state, including your license number
- Signed copy, bearing my signature, of the agreement stating that I have agreed to assume the original
- Copies of the debt agreement listing the amount of the alleged debt and interest accrued
- Documented proof that the statute of limitations has not expired in my state
- Documentation of the payment history, as well as an accounting of charges being assessed
Per your legal requirements, I am requesting that you cease all collection activity including until this information is provided. If you do not comply, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s office in (fill in your state).
Sincerely,
Your Name
Is It Necessary That I Contact a Lawyer to Help Me with My Debt?
Glass Mountain Capital has a good reputation when it comes to collection agencies. However, there have been instances in which unfair debt practices have been followed by Glass Mountain Capital.
If you feel that you have been mistreated by Glass Mountain Capital, or if you believe that the debt is not accurate, you should contact an experienced FDCPA lawyer to assist you.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Glass Mountain Capital, or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.