Posted on August 22, 2008 at 8:18 am I reside in PA and a debt collector called me and told me that if I didn't pay them $1500 by the end of the week they would take me to court and garnish my wages. I thought only the government could garnish wages? I told them I could pay them by the middle of July but they didn't care, they want it now. Obviously if I had it now my account wouldn't be with a debt collector.  Any help would be appreciated!

Posted on March 24, 2009 at 11:49 pm I think it's a threat. These people get more money when they compell you to pay your complete debt. They're not interested in you paying $15 or $20, but the whole thing. They're in business to threaten and harrass you and make you uncomfortable enough to do what they want. Just stop taking their calls.  Keep paying as you can according to your repayment agreement.  But refuse to talk with them. There's no law that says you have to take these people's phone calls.  

Posted on March 25, 2009 at 8:11 am They cannot just garnish your wages.  There is a legal process to this - they have to file the proper paperwork to file a lawsuit against you, prove their case in court and then the judge would have to file a judgement in their favor.  Once that is done then you have to do the financial disclosures and a garnishment would be put in place with your employer.  However, they cannot garnish your wages if this puts you below the poverty level.  Most are willing to work with you rather than go through the court process.  A good company will work with you and not refuse payment.  Anything is better than nothing at this point, so send them what you can!