Ignoring a debt collector can lead to collection calls and letters, damage your credit score, and, in some cases, result in a lawsuit. If a creditor or collector wins a court judgment, wage garnishment or bank account levies may also be possible. However, the consequences vary by state, the age of the debt matters, and not every collection account ends up in court.
If you're struggling to deal with collection accounts or multiple unpaid debts, exploring professional debt solutions may help you better understand the options available. Learning more about Accredited Debt Relief can help you determine whether a debt solution could be an appropriate step toward resolving your unsecured debt.
Here’s what you need to know about collections agencies, and how you can hopefully escape the frustrating cycle of debt.
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Key Takeaways
- A collection agency can sue you for unpaid debt, and a court judgment can lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies, depending on your state.
- Collection accounts typically appear on your credit report within 30 to 60 days and remain for seven years.
- The statute of limitations on debt varies by state. Once it expires, collectors generally cannot successfully sue you in court.
- Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request that a debt collector stop contacting you in writing.
- Paying a collection account doesn't always immediately improve your credit score, but it can help reduce future lending obstacles.
What Happens When a Debt Goes to Collections?
When you fall behind on a debt, the original creditor (such as a hospital, credit card company, utility company, or cell phone provider) may eventually transfer or sell your debt to a collection agency. At that point, the collection agency becomes responsible for recovering the money you owe.
Once a debt enters collections, you will start being contacted by a collections agency. These may include phone calls, letters, emails, and other forms of communication. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requires debt collectors to comply with federal and state laws governing how and when they may contact consumers.
In many cases, a collection account may also appear on your credit reports, which can negatively affect your credit score. This typically happens between 30 and 60 days after the collector obtains the debt. Once this happens, the mark will remain on your credit report for 7 years and may make it more difficult to qualify for loans, credit cards, housing, or favorable interest rates in the future.
Keep in mind that the amount you owe may continue to grow. Depending on the type of debt, your agreement with the original creditor, and state law, interest charges, late fees, and collection costs may continue to accrue while the debt remains unpaid.
Related: What Happens If I Can't Pay My Mortgage?
Can a Collection Agency Sue You?
A collection agency can sue you for an unpaid debt. Lawsuits are a tool that creditors and debt collectors may use to recover money they believe is owed. Whether the creditor decides to sue is a case-by-case decision.
Credit card debt, personal loan debt, medical debt, and other consumer debts can all potentially lead to collection lawsuits, though practices vary by creditor, collector, and state.
If a collection agency files a lawsuit and wins a judgment against you, the court may grant additional collection remedies. Depending on your state's laws, this could include wage garnishment, bank account levies, or liens against certain property. However, these actions typically require a court judgment first and are subject to state-specific rules and limitations.
Can a Collection Agency Take Money From Your Bank Account?
In many cases, a collection agency cannot simply take money directly from your bank account. Before that can happen, the collector typically must sue you in court and obtain a judgment for the debt.
If the collector wins the lawsuit, they may request a bank levy, which allows funds to be taken from your account to satisfy the judgment. The rules for bank levies vary by state, and not all collectors pursue this option.
Some sources of income or benefits may be protected under federal or state law. For example, certain Social Security benefits, veterans' benefits, and other protected funds may be exempt. If you're facing collections and currently receive government benefits or income, it may be worth reviewing your state's laws or speaking with a qualified attorney to understand your rights.
How Long Can Debt Collectors Try to Collect?
The amount of time a debt collector can sue you for a debt is governed by your state's statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline that determines how long a creditor or collection agency has to file a lawsuit. The time limit varies by state and by the type of debt involved.
Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt is often referred to as "time-barred debt." Once the statute of limitations passes, debt collectors generally lose their ability to successfully sue you for it if you raise the statute of limitations as a defense in court. Keep in mind that debt collectors may still contact you and request payment on a time-barred debt, as long as they comply with applicable federal and state laws.
Also, note that lawsuit deadlines and credit reporting timelines aren’t the same. Most negative collection accounts will stay on your credit report for up to seven years, even if the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is shorter. Because these rules can be complex and vary by state, be sure to verify the age of the debt before making repayment decisions.
Can You Stop Debt Collectors From Contacting You?
Yes, consumers have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you want a debt collector to stop contacting you, you can send a written request asking them to cease communication. Once the debt collector receives the request, they generally may only contact you to confirm they will stop communicating or to notify you of specific actions they may take, such as filing a lawsuit.
A cease-contact request can reduce the hassle of being inundated by debt collectors, but it doesn’t erase the debt or prevent all collection efforts. Reviewing the debt, understanding your rights, and exploring repayment or settlement options may still be necessary.
Should You Pay a Collection Agency or Ignore It?
Whether you should pay a collection agency depends on your specific situation. For many consumers, resolving a collection account can help prevent additional financial problems and provide peace of mind. However, there are also situations where it makes sense to pause before making a payment, especially if there are questions about the debt itself.
Reasons to Pay a Collection Agency | Reasons to Pause Before Paying |
Avoid potential lawsuits and court judgments | The debt may be inaccurate or belong to someone else |
Resolve an outstanding balance | The debt may be beyond the statute of limitations |
Potentially improve your credit profile over time | You may want to dispute the debt first |
Stop collection calls and letters | Financial hardship may make immediate payment unrealistic |
Potentially negotiate for less than the full amount | You may need to review your legal rights and options |
If the debt is legitimate and you can afford to pay, resolving it may help reduce stress and lower the risk of future collection activity. Some collection agencies may also be willing to negotiate for less than the full amount owed.
It's important not to rush into a payment without verifying the details. Debt collection mistakes happen, and some debts may be too old for collectors to successfully sue over. If you're unsure whether the debt is valid, request documentation and review your options before making a payment.
Related Article: Are Data Removal Services Worth It?
Can I still consolidate debt if I have a collection account?
Yes, it may still be possible to consolidate debt if you have an account in collections, but it can be more difficult. If you have an account in collections, it can often lower your credit score, and lenders may view your profile as higher risk.
Some lenders have strict underwriting requirements and may reject applicants with active collection accounts. Others may approve a loan but charge significantly higher rates to offset the perceived risk. Whether you qualify often depends on factors such as your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the size and age of the collection account.
There are a few things you can do in the meantime. For example, you can focus on consolidating other high-interest debts, negotiating with collectors, or improving your credit profile before reapplying. Consolidating eligible debts can simplify payments and help prevent additional accounts from falling into collections.
The key is to view consolidation as a tool in your debt payoff journey. If you are exploring this route, you can read our accredited debt relief review to see if they might be a fit for your specific financial situation.
What Are Your Options If You Can’t Afford to Pay?
If you can't afford to pay a collection account in full, you may still have options. Many collection agencies are willing to work with consumers who are experiencing financial hardship. You may be able to set up a plan with smaller monthly payments or negotiate with the lender for less than the full amount owed. Some creditors and collectors also offer hardship programs that temporarily reduce payments or provide other forms of assistance.
Another option is nonprofit credit counseling. A certified credit counselor can review your finances and help you develop a plan for managing multiple debts.
If your debt has become overwhelming, bankruptcy may be a last resort. While it can significantly impact your credit, it may also provide legal protections and a path toward a fresh financial start.
The key is to act early. Exploring your options now may help you avoid additional fees, lawsuits, and further financial stress.
Further Reading
Debt Consolidation with Bad Credit: What to Expect and How to Qualify
How Late Can You Be on a Car Payment Before You Lose Your Car?
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Being on the receiving end of collections calls can be overwhelming and scary, but know that you have consumer rights, legal options, and financial tools like debt consolidation available to you. Be sure to explore those fully before making a decision to repay any debts you may have in collections.
About Author
Brett Holzhauer
Brett’s perspective is shaped by the realities facing millennials and younger professionals: rising housing costs, student debt, shifting labor markets, and the growing gap between traditional financial advice and modern economic life.
He is particularly interested in opportunity cost, behavioral finance, and how technology is reshaping the way people save, spend, and invest.
A graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, Brett brings editorial rigor, data fluency, and a strong consumer lens to every piece he publishes. In his off time, he is either traveling or watching college football.