Why should I not pay a debt collector?

Asked by: Miss Tara Haag  |  Last update: September 9, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

Making a payment on the debt will likely reset the statute of limitations — which is disastrous. If the collection agency can't show ownership of the debt. Frequently, the sale of a debt from a creditor to a collector is sloppy. A collection agency hounding you may not be able to show they actually own your debt.

Are you obligated to pay a debt collector?

You're still liable for your bill even after it's sent to a collection agency. Many people don't want to pay collection agencies, perhaps because there's no immediate benefit for paying off the debt—other than ending debt collection calls.

Is it better to pay debt collector or original?

Working with the original creditor, rather than dealing with debt collectors, can be beneficial. Often, the original creditor will offer a more reasonable payment option, reduce the balance on your original loan or even stop interest from accruing on the loan balance altogether.

Will paying a debt collector hurt my credit?

Collections remain on your credit report for seven years past the date of delinquency. In the newest versions of FICO® and VantageScore®, paid collections don't hurt your score but unpaid collections do.

What happens if I pay the original creditor Instead collection?

Unfortunately, you're still obligated to pay a debt even if the original creditor sells it to a collection agency. As long as you legally consented to repay your loan in the first place, it doesn't matter who owns it. You may be able to pay less than you actually owe, though.

Do NOT Pay Collections Agencies | Debt Collectors EXPOSED

43 related questions found

Can I ignore debt collectors?

Ignoring or avoiding the debt collector may cause the debt collector to use other methods to try to collect the debt, including a lawsuit against you. If you are unable to come to an agreement with a debt collector, you may want to contact an attorney who can provide you with legal advice about your situation.

How do I not pay a debt collector?

9 Ways to Turn the Tables on Debt Collectors
  1. Don't Wait for Them to Call. Consider picking up the phone and calling the debt collector yourself. ...
  2. Check Them Out. ...
  3. Dump it Back in Their Lap. ...
  4. Stick to Business. ...
  5. Show Them the Money. ...
  6. Ask to Speak to a Supervisor. ...
  7. Call Their Bluff. ...
  8. Tell Them to Take a Hike.

What debt collectors Cannot do?

A debt collector is not allowed to:
  • Use force or threaten to use force against you or your family.
  • Physically threaten you or your family.
  • Give, or threaten to give, information to the consumer's employer that may affect their opportunities as an employee.
  • Serve any false legal documents.

Can you go to jail for credit card debt?

The short answer to this question is No. The Bill of Rights (Art. III, Sec. 20 ) of the 1987 Charter expressly states that "No person shall be imprisoned for debt..." This is true for credit card debts as well as other personal debts.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The first step to stopping debt collectors from calling you is telling them the 11-word phrase - “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.”

Can debt collectors take money from your bank account?

A bank account levy allows a creditor to legally take funds from your bank account. When a bank gets notification of this legal action, it will freeze your account and send the appropriate funds to your creditor. In turn, your creditor uses the funds to pay down the debt you owe.

How do you outsmart a debt collector?

9 Ways to Outsmart Debt Collectors
  1. Don't Get Emotional. ...
  2. Make Sure the Debt Is Really Yours. ...
  3. Ask for Proof. ...
  4. Resist the Scare Tactics. ...
  5. Be Wary of Fees. ...
  6. Negotiate. ...
  7. Call In Backup. ...
  8. Know the Time Limits.

What should you not say to debt collectors?

9 Things You Should (And Shouldn't) Say to a Debt Collector
  • Do — Ask to see the collector's credentials. ...
  • Don't — Volunteer information. ...
  • Do — Make a preemptive offer. ...
  • Don't — Make your bank account accessible. ...
  • Maybe — Ask for a payment-for-deletion deal. ...
  • Do — Explain your predicament. ...
  • Don't — Provide ammunition.

Should I pay a 5 year old collection?

If you have a collection account that's less than seven years old, you should still pay it off if it's within the statute of limitations. First, a creditor can bring legal action against you, including garnishing your salary or your bank account, at least until the statute of limitations expires.

What happens if you hang up on a debt collector?

If you continue to ignore communicating with the debt collector, they will likely file a collections lawsuit against you in court. If you are served with a lawsuit and ignore this court filing, the debt collection company will then be able to get a default judgment against you.

Should you respond to debt collectors?

If you receive a notice from a debt collector, it's important to respond as soon as possible—even if you do not owe the debt—because otherwise the collector may continue trying to collect the debt, report negative information to credit reporting companies, and even sue you.

Should I talk to a debt collector?

If a debt collector contacts you, you might want to speak with them even if you don't owe the debt or can't pay right now. The debt collector can help you understand if the debt is your responsibility and explain your options. You can also ask questions.

Should you pay your collections?

It's always a good idea to pay collection debts you legitimately owe. Paying or settling collections will end the harassing phone calls and collection letters, and it will prevent the debt collector from suing you.

How can I pay a debt collector safely?

Once you and the debt collector have reached a written agreement for paying off the debt, you'll make your payment. The most secure way to make a payment to a debt collection agency is by sending a check through the mail with a return receipt. This will prove that the check was accepted by the collection agency.

Can I negotiate with a debt collector?

You may have more room to negotiate with a debt collector than you did with the original creditor. It can also help to work through a credit counselor or attorney. Record your agreement. Sometimes, debt collectors and consumers don't remember their conversations the same way.

How do debt collectors make their money?

Debt collectors get paid when they recover the delinquent debt. The more they recover, the more they earn. Old debt that is past the statute of limitations or is otherwise deemed uncollectable is bought for pennies on the dollar, potentially making collectors big profits.

Can a debt collector take my car?

If you happen to default on your car loan, your creditor is allowed to repossess your vehicle without being granted a judgment in court, since the car is used as collateral for the car loan.

Can a creditor see my bank account?

Usually, a debt collector must obtain a court order before accessing your bank account. However, certain federal agencies, including the IRS, may be able to access your bank account without permission from a court.

Can debt collectors see your bank account balance?

Can debt collectors see your bank account balance? A judgment creditor cannot see your online account balances. But a creditor can ascertain account balances using post-judgment discovery. The judgment creditor can subpoena a bank for bank statements or other records which reveal a typical balance in the account.

How do I protect my bank account from creditors?

If you want to avoid having a creditor levy your bank accounts, you need to pay your debts. If you have a debt that you don't have enough money to pay, set up a payment plan to give yourself more time to pay. Most state and federal taxing authorities will work with you on this, as will many creditors.