' Ignoring Debt Collectors - Law Offices of Robert M. Geller
CALL NOW!
FREE PHONE/VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

What Happens If I Ignore Collection Efforts?

Despite being one of the worst methods to take in dealing with debt, plenty of people ignore collection efforts against them.

Of course, wanting to hide from a debt is understandable. If you cannot afford to pay it, you are concerned your problem is getting worse and you don’t know what to do, or you think there is nothing you can do because you don’t have the money to pay the debt, ignoring the problem provides an immediate respite.

And there are also instances in which someone is the victim of collection efforts on a debt that is not valid. Maybe they paid the debt or the statute of limitations has expired, or it was never their debt at all. If something doesn’t pertain to you, it’s natural to assume the problem will fix itself and you’ll be left out of the mess.

Unfortunately, ignoring collection efforts, on both valid and invalid debts, is a mistake.

What You Need to Know about Debt Collection

The first thing to understand about debt collection efforts is that every situation is unique.

Maybe you’ve heard that a friend ignored a debt and it “went away.” Sometimes the creditor decides a debt isn’t worth pursuing and they stop contacting you.

Maybe you’ve even had a situation where you ignored a debt long enough and collection efforts just stopped. Chances are the statute of limitations ran out and the debt wasn’t large enough for the creditor to pursue any drastic methods of collections. In many cases, if it will cost a creditor more to pursue a debt than the debt is worth, they let it expire.

However, you can’t assume this will be the case. If ignoring every debt long enough was the key to it disappearing, many people would try this method and there’d be far fewer instances of foreclosure, wage garnishment, and other debt collection efforts.

Collection Efforts Can Be Aggressive

Knowing whether or not a creditor is going to come after you for a debt is impossible to predict, so you’re better off dealing with the matter before things get out of hand.

What’s meant by “out of hand”?

It depends on the amount and type of debt. Some of the drastic actions a creditor might be able to take against you include:

  • Receiving a judgment against you
  • Garnish your wages
  • Levy your bank accounts.
  • Repossess or foreclose on certain assets
  • File a lien or legal claim against certain property
  • Sell your debt to a third-party collection agency
  • Report nonpayment of debt to the credit bureaus
  • Repossess leased equipment, which does not require a judgment or appearance in court

Certain types of debt can also result in garnishment of your tax refund and even jail time, but these penalties only apply to certain types of debt, such as child support and some federal student loans.

Dealing with Collection Efforts

In addition to all the legal action that can be taken against you regarding a debt, you also need to deal with the endless phone calls and intrusive debt collection efforts on a daily basis. Some debt collectors call multiple times a day trying to collect on their debt. And though harassment is illegal, there is still plenty of wiggle room collectors have for making your life miserable.

For more information about what debt collectors can and cannot do to collect a debt, visit this page from the FTC.

The bottom line is you shouldn’t ignore collection efforts against you. You shouldn’t feel guilty or as if you’ve failed either – you simply need to take action to remedy the problem.

If you’d like to discuss a debt that is causing you problems or you aren’t sure what to do and collection efforts are escalating, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Robert M. Geller at 813.254.5696 to schedule a free consultation.

Archive

Video Testimonials

Tampa Bankruptcy Law Blog

Can You File Bankruptcy on a Title Loan?

If you're struggling with debt and have a title loan, you may wonder if bankruptcy can help you escape that...
Read More

Will Bankruptcy Affect My Security Clearance?

When you're facing financial difficulties, the prospect of bankruptcy can be daunting. This concern is amplified if you hold or...
Read More

What is Involuntary Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals or businesses to resolve their debts under the protection of a bankruptcy...
Read More

Is It Bad to File Bankruptcy at a Young Age?

Filing for bankruptcy is often viewed as a last resort for those overwhelmed by debt. While it is a significant...
Read More

How Far Back Does the Bankruptcy Trustee Look?

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process that requires full transparency and cooperation with the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your...
Read More

Can Bankruptcy Be Reversed?

Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to help individuals and businesses eliminate or repay their debts under the protection of...
Read More

Can I Sell My House While in Bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy can be a complex and stressful experience, especially when it comes to your significant assets like your...
Read More

Does Bankruptcy Clear Attorney Debt?

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process that often requires the expertise of a bankruptcy attorney to navigate successfully. However,...
Read More

What to Ask a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a significant and often emotional step, and having the right legal guidance is crucial...
Read More

How Can I File Bankruptcy with No Money?

Filing for bankruptcy is often seen as a last resort for those overwhelmed by debt. It's a step that provides...
Read More

Bankruptcy

For The Next 5 Days GET A FREE BOOK About Bankruptcy

Learn More

Infographics

We are A Debt Relief Agency.
We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code

Pay Online Bankruptcy Courses Newsletter Subscription

Call For A Free Initial Consultation

813.536.4468

Tampa Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
807 West Azeele Street
Tampa, FL 33606
T: (813) 328-6667
F: (813) 253-3405

Map And Directions

St. Petersburg Office

Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A.
125 5th Street South
(Wells Fargo Financial Center)
2nd Floor, Suite G
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
T: (727) 274-9155

Map And Directions

Pasco Office

23526 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33559
T: (813) 492-2663

Map And Directions