George Simons
September 08, 2021
Summary: Bad things will probably happen if you never answer debt collectors. But you might dodge a bullet. You can use SoloSuit to answer a collector in just a few minutes.
When it comes to communicating with a debt collector, the old adage, “you can run, but you can't hide” is applicable. The truth is that, nowadays, it is virtually impossible to ignore a debt collector entirely. Even if you let all of their phone calls go to voicemail, debt collectors are relentless and may try to contact you online through different social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Even if you ignore or block a debt collector online, it will likely get to the point where they file a collections lawsuit against you in court.
Once a lawsuit is filed, the debt collector will attempt to obtain an adverse judgment against you. If you ignore the lawsuit, a court will likely enter a default judgment that empowers the debt collector to garnish your wages. This is why you need to be proactive and respond to the debt collector and/or debt collection lawsuit. You may discover that their collection efforts are misplaced (i.e. they sued the wrong person) or lack a solid legal foundation (i.e. you could have the debt lawsuit dismissed because they failed to file within the applicable statute of limitations).
SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a collections call or letter, in just 3 minutes..
Here are five other reasons why you should avoid neglecting a debt collector and what could happen if you never answer a debt collector.
When a debt goes into collections, there is a very good chance that your credit score will suffer as a result. The delinquent debt will probably appear on your credit report. Even if you work out a payment plan with the creditor, there is a chance that the delinquent account will still ding your credit, even if just for a finite period of time.
SoloSuit helps you force the collector to report the debt as disputed.
If you ignore a debt collector and do not repay the debt, not only will the principal still exist, but the amount you owe will probably continue to increase because of accruing interest, late fees and penalties. Some debt collection companies even tack on the expenses they've incurred in an effort to collect on the debt.
If you ignore a debt collector, they do not disappear. In fact, some aggressive debt collectors will reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors. You may be asking yourself, “Is that even legal?” Well, in some states, a debt collector is allowed to contact third parties such as neighbors, relatives or even your employer – but only in an effort to track you down. The law does not allow a debt collector to disclose the fact that you owe a debt or to discuss your finances with third parties.
Trying to avoid communicating with a debt collector often results in people feeling anxious, concerned and stressed out. It can be difficult to speak with a debt collector, but actively avoiding contact with the debt collector can be just as stress-inducing.
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. Once a default judgment is entered, the debt collector can garnish your wages, seize personal property, and have money taken out of your bank account.
SoloSuit makes it simple to respond to a debt lawsuit the right way.
As mentioned earlier, you can run, but you cannot hide. Here is the bottom line - never answering a debt collector is almost always a bad decision. Why? Because, as we discussed above, ignoring the debt collector typically makes the situation worse and does not lead to a resolution. Ignoring the debt does not make it go away. This is why, if you are contacted by a debt collector or are served with a collections lawsuit, it is important to take action.
SoloSuit helps thousands of people a day respond to debt collectors. If you've received a phone call or a letter from a collector, use our Debt Validation Letter to respond. If you've been sued for a debt, respond with our Answer document.
"You'd be silly not to drop a few bucks and possibly save yourself thousands in the process. I can't thank you all enough for making an overwhelming situation something handleable." – Daniel
>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance
If you need help in effectively responding to a debt collection lawsuit, consider utilizing the services available through SoloSuit. What is SoloSuit? Take a moment to review these FAQs to learn more.
(How to stop receiving calls from Covington Credit)
Here is an overview of what you need to do if you are sued by a debt collector:
The best way to respond to a debt collector is with a Debt Validation Letter. A Debt Validation Letter is a powerful document that stops debt collectors in their tracks by citing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and requiring them to show validation of the debt. In the letter, you can also dispute the debt, force the collector to report the debt as disputed to the credit bureaus, and force them to stop contacting you. It's powerful.
With SoloSuit, it's easy to make a Debt Validation Letter.
Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency
Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.
Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit.
Here's a list of guides for most of the 50 states.
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Being sued by a different debt collector? We're making guides on how to beat each one.
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Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.
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