If you’ve been contacted by a debt collector, you might be wondering what will happen if you ignore them. After all, it can be tempting to just pretend the problem doesn’t exist and hope it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, that’s not usually how things work out. In most cases, ignoring them will only make the situation worse. The collector may escalate their efforts to try to get you to pay, which could include filing a lawsuit or sending your account to a collection agency. Of course, there are some situations where ignoring them may be the best option.
For instance, if the debt is not yours or if the statute of limitations has expired, you may not have anything to worry about. But in general, it’s always best to at least talk to a debt collector to see what your options are. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan or settlement that works for both of you. Ignoring a debt collector can end up costing you more in the long run, so it’s usually not worth it.
What is a Debt Collector?
A debt collector is a person or company that collects debts owed to creditors. They are also known as collection agencies or debt agencies.
They contact people who owe money to creditors and try to get them to pay their debts. They may contact them by phone, mail, or in person. Sometimes, they may use aggressive tactics to get to people, such as threatening legal action or calling multiple times per day.
If you ignore them, they may continue to contact you in an attempt to collect the debt. However, if you tell them that you do not intend to pay it, they are required by law to cease communication with you. Ignoring them will not make the debt go away; it will only stop the harassment. If you cannot afford to pay your debts, you should consider contacting a credit counseling service for assistance or a debt harassment attorney to help you understand your rights.
How to Deal with Debt Collectors?
If you ignore a debt collector, they may take one of several actions. They may file a lawsuit against you, try to garnish your wages, or put a lien on your property. If they win the lawsuit, they can collect the money you owe plus interest and court costs. If they garnish your wages, they can take a portion of your paycheck each week until the debt is paid off. If they put a lien on your property, they can prevent you from selling it until it is paid off.
If you’re behind on payments, the first thing you’ll probably receive is a notice in the mail. This notice will either come from your creditor or from a debt collector that has been hired to collect the debt. The notice will state how much you owe and will provide instructions on how to pay it off.
If you ignore this notice, the next step the creditor or debt collector will take is to try to contact you by phone. They may also send another letter or two demanding payment. At this point, if you still don’t respond, they may decide to take legal action against you.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do to avoid dealing with debt collectors:
- Respond to initial notices right away: Once you receive a notice in the mail, don’t ignore it! Responding right away shows that you’re serious about taking care of your debt and prevents the creditor from turning your account over to a collection agency.
- Make payments: Even if you can only afford to make small payments, it’s important to show that you’re making an effort to pay off your debt. This will help stop creditors from taking legal action against you.
- Negotiate: If you can’t afford to make full payments, try negotiating with your creditors for lower payments or a reduced interest rate. Many times they’re willing to work with you if they know you’re trying to avoid going into collections.
- Seek help: If you’re struggling to make payments, there are a number of organizations that can help, such as credit counseling services. These services can help you create a budget and work out a payment plan with your creditors.
The Consequences of Ignoring a Debt Collector
The collector may sue you for the money you owe, and if they win, they can get a judgment against you. This means the collector can take your money or property to pay off the debt. The collector may also report the unpaid debt to credit reporting agencies, which could damage your credit score.
What to Have in Mind?
If you’re dealing with a debt collector, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First and foremost, don’t ignore them. Ignoring them will only make the situation worse.
If you’re unable to pay the debt in full, try to negotiate a payment plan. If you’re able to come to an agreement, be sure to get it in writing.
If the debt collector is being harassing or abusive, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Above all else, remember that you have rights. You’re not required to put up with abusive or harassing behavior. Be assertive and stand up for yourself.
If you don’t know your rights, you can always contact an attorney who specializes in consumer law and debt collection harassment to get more information.
Conclusion
If you ignore a debt collector, they may continue to contact you in an attempt to collect the debt. They may also sue you or report you to the credit bureau, which could negatively impact your credit score. If you’re struggling to pay your debts, it’s important to reach out to a reputable relief company that can help you create a plan to get out of debt.