They cannot garnish your wages or take your property without a lawsuit (except in the case of automobiles, houses, and income taxes). You must be served and must have a trial before this can happen.
They cannot call you if you do not want them to. If a collection agency begins harassing you illegally, send the agency a certified letter requesting that it cease all contact. Inform the original creditor of the violations as well as the appropriate government agencies. If you wish to settle the debt or set up a payment arrangement, contact the creditor or the collection agency when you desire.
Collectors count on fear. That is their entire strategy. If you are not afraid and you understand the consequences that face you, their bargaining position is compromised. In the course of negotiating repayment, for example, if the collector threatens to sue, you can respond by saying that such an action would force you into bankruptcy and then nobody will be paid Understanding what they can and cannot do gives you a great deal of leverage.
Trying to work out and payoff one's debts are not always possible.Creditors may be kept at bay for a short time, but eventually, if a satisfactory arrangement is not made, lawsuits and other actions against wages and property will follow. If there is no hope in sight, there may still be one option left.
