What happens if I ignore a letter from a debt collector?
If you ignore a letter from a debt collector in New York, the collector may proceed with legal action against you. In some cases, they may sue you in court for the amount you owe. If this happens, they will likely obtain a court-ordered judgment against you which would allow them to take further legal action including garnishing your wages or placing a lien on your property. Collection defense law in New York provides some options for consumers who are facing such legal action. If the debt collector has violated the law, you may be able to file a complaint with the New York State Attorney General’s Office or contact a consumer protection lawyer. Additionally, if the debt is past the statute of limitations, the debt collector cannot legally take any action against you. It is important to remember that ignoring a letter from a debt collector does not make the debt go away. The best course of action is to contact the collection agency and speak to the debt collector about repayment options. If you are unable to pay the debt in full, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan or a settlement. Collection defense law can also help protect you from unfair or illegal debt collection practices.
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