Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery: What to Do If They Contact You

Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery, Inc. has collected debts in Richardson, Texas for healthcare providers, alarm and security companies, and freight businesses. They contact consumers by letter, phone, and text message through shortcode 47327.

With over 50 federal PACER cases and a documented pattern of reporting collection accounts before making any prior written contact, LMM has significant litigation exposure for a collector their size. This guide covers who they are and how to respond.

Who Is Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery?

Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency headquartered in Richardson, Texas, also known as LMM Collections. The BBB has recorded 3 complaints in a three-year period.

Over 50 federal PACER cases name LMM as a defendant, including Wright v. LMM, Lopez v. LMM, Franz v. LMM, Thompson v. LMM, and Ingham v. LMM, each alleging FDCPA violations. Texas has a 4-year statute of limitations on written contracts.

Credit Bureau Reporting Without Prior Notice

Two documented CFPB complaints describe the same pattern: consumers discovering an LMM collection account on their credit report without ever receiving any prior written notice, phone call, or other communication from LMM.

FDCPA Section 1692g requires a debt collector to send a written validation notice within five days of first contact. Reporting to credit bureaus before making any contact with the consumer is a documented LMM complaint pattern. If an LMM entry appeared on your credit report without any prior notice, the sequence itself is challengeable.

In one documented complaint, the consumer found a $3,800 LMM collection account on their report, requested validation, and stated LMM failed to provide adequate proof. The consumer confirmed no contract or service relationship with LMM or any company LMM claimed to represent.

Alarm and Security Company Accounts

LMM collects for alarm and security companies alongside healthcare and freight clients. Alarm and home security debts frequently appear as unexpected collection entries because early termination fees, monitoring contract renewals, and equipment charges are often disputed or not recognized by consumers when the underlying service relationship ends.

If LMM is collecting an alarm or security account you do not recognize, request the original signed contract, the installation date, the service address, and documentation of why the claimed balance is owed under the contract terms before engaging or paying anything.

Text Message Collection and Shortcode 47327

LMM contacts consumers through text messages sent from shortcode 47327 in addition to standard letters and phone calls. Text messages from debt collectors are regulated by both the FDCPA and the TCPA.

Under TCPA, automated text messages to a cell phone require prior express consent. If you received an LMM text and did not consent to automated messaging, each text may be a separate TCPA violation worth $500 to $1,500. If you receive a text from shortcode 47327 and recognize it as LMM, do not respond with any personal information before verifying the debt by certified mail.

Over 50 Federal Cases: A Litigation Pattern

LMM has been named in over 50 federal PACER cases alleging FDCPA violations. Documented complaint categories include illegal and harassing communication tactics, abusive language and threats, and reporting accounts without prior notice. The volume of federal cases across multiple jurisdictions suggests these are not isolated incidents.

If LMM has used threatening or abusive language during a collection call, document the date, time, and exact words used before filing a CFPB complaint.

What LMM Cannot Do Under Federal Law

Based on their documented case and complaint record:

• Report accounts to credit bureaus before sending written notice: Two documented CFPB complaints describe this pattern. FDCPA Section 1692g requires written notice within five days of first contact.
• Fail to provide validation documentation upon request: A documented CFPB complaint shows LMM failing to provide adequate proof after a written validation request.
• Use harassing or abusive language: A documented FDCPA complaint category. Log date, time, and exact language for any such call.
• Send automated text messages without consent: Shortcode 47327 texts may be regulated under the TCPA if consent was not obtained.
• Threaten legal action they do not intend to take: A documented complaint category. Texas has a 4-year statute of limitations; any threatened lawsuit on a time-barred debt is an FDCPA Section 1692e(5) violation.

Verify the Debt Before Paying Anything

Send a written validation request by certified mail within 30 days of first contact. Request the original creditor’s name, the account number, the balance at referral, and documentation that LMM is authorized to collect for that specific creditor. For alarm and security accounts, request the original signed contract.

Texas has a 4-year statute of limitations on written contracts. The relevant statute is the state where you currently reside.

How to Check Your Credit Report for LMM Entries

Search all three credit reports for “Lockhart Morris Montgomery” and “LMM Collections.” Confirm the original creditor is identified and the account open date matches your history. If an entry appeared without any prior contact, document that and include it in any CFPB complaint you file.

Your Options Before Paying or Responding

• Dispute any entry that appeared without prior written notice: Two documented CFPB complaints show LMM reporting without prior contact. File disputes with all three bureaus and include the lack of prior notice in your dispute language.
• Log every text from shortcode 47327: If you did not consent to automated text messages, each text is a potential TCPA violation. Note date, time, and message content.
• Document any threatening or abusive call language: A documented LMM FDCPA complaint category. Exact language, date, and time are all relevant.
• File with the Texas AG in addition to CFPB: Texas consumers can file complaints with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 621-0508.

How to Contact Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery

• Address: Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery, Inc., 1401 N Central Expressway, Suite 225, Richardson, TX 75080
• Phone: (877) 214-3355

Bottom Line

Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery has over 50 federal cases on record and documented patterns of reporting collection accounts before making any prior written contact with consumers. Their complaint categories include abusive language, harassing communication, and failure to validate debts.

If an LMM entry appeared on your report without prior notice, send a certified validation letter immediately and file a CFPB complaint documenting the lack of prior contact. If they have texted you from shortcode 47327 without your consent, log every message.