What may happen if I ignore or avoid a debt collector? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

What may happen if I ignore or avoid a debt collector? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

Ignoring or avoiding a debt collector, though, is unlikely to make the debt collector stop contacting you. They may find other ways to contact you, including filing a lawsuit. While being contacted by a debt collector might feel overwhelming, talking with them can help you get more information about the debt.

Ignoring Debt Collectors Can Lead to a Debt Collection Lawsuit. Worst-case scenario: They can file a lawsuit against you. Debt buyers may also sue you. Once a creditor or debt collection agency files a lawsuit, it's even riskier to continue ignoring it.

Some of these letters have strict deadlines and your creditor can take further action if you do not reply. Ignoring them is not a good idea. Make sure your creditors have your current address. You might not know about court action if you do not get important letters.

You can report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which enforces the FDCPA and can take action against debt collectors who break the law. You can also report them to your state attorney general's office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which also has authority over debt collection issues.

Also, if the debt collector is collecting a valid debt, avoiding or ignoring their call usually won't make them go away – they may instead find other ways to collect the money from you, including by filing a lawsuit.

Collection agencies usually won't sue you for a debt of less than $500. While every collection agency has a different policy regarding debt lawsuits, you should feel reasonably safe from a legal claim if you owe less than $500 on a debt. However, if you receive a court summons from a collection agency, don't ignore it.

If the debt is not collected, then the debt collector does not make money. In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless. Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well.

Debt collectors do not have any special powers to collect a debt. They can contact you by: Phone calls. Letters.

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

How long can I ignore a debt collector? ›

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt.

Don't provide personal or sensitive financial information

Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.

You can report a debt collector's failure to respond to your state's attorney general, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or the FTC. You may also file a counterclaim against the debt collector for up to $1,000 for each violation.

You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney's fees and may also have to pay you damages. If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.

The worst thing they can do

If you fail to pay it off, the collection agency could file a suit. If you were to fail to show up for your court date, the debt collector could get a summary judgment. If you make an appearance, the collector might still get a judgment.

Let's Summarize... If you're facing debt collection, it's important to understand how the process works and what options you have. If you ignore a debt in collections, you can be sued and have your bank account or wages garnished or may even lose property like your home. You'll also hurt your credit score.

If the debt is not collected, then the debt collector does not make money. In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless. Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well.