What happens if I cannot afford to pay a debt collector?

If you are unable to afford to pay a debt collector in California, you can take certain steps to protect yourself. First, you should check your credit report to make sure the debt is accurate and up-to-date. If it is not, you can dispute it. Second, you can contact the debt collector directly and explain your financial situation in order to try to negotiate a payment plan. You can also request that they remove any negative information they have reported to the credit bureaus. Third, you can seek legal advice from an attorney or an agency with expertise in collection defense law. This type of law protects consumers from debt collectors who attempt to collect unpaid debts through improper, deceptive, or unfair practices. Attorneys and agencies can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best course of action to take. Finally, if the debt collector is taking legal action against you or filing a lawsuit, you can respond to the lawsuit and request a hearing. At the hearing, the court will determine whether or not you owe the debt and what amount, if any, you must pay. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, the court could either order you to pay the debt or set a payment plan. In summary, if you are unable to afford to pay a debt collector in California, you can dispute the debt, negotiate a payment plan, seek legal advice, and attend a hearing to defend yourself.

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What happens if I cannot afford to pay a debt collector?

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