I agree with Barry. To NOT talk to them on the phone anymore. Also, a real lawyer (not a collector who by the way can call from a collection dept. on behalf of a lawyer) would never just call you. They would write a letter first. You would then have an honest request. Did you do a validation letter for that debt? That would have helped keep the collectors honest.

Carol

I wouldn’t worry too much about this. I would, however, be honest with these people about what you can pay. I would stop talking to these people on the phone completely. Deal with them via mail so that you can document what they’ve said and what you’ve told them. Send your letters registered and keep a copy. If it goes to civil court you’ll have to go represent yourself. You’ll explain to the judge that you’ve tried to work out a repayment plan and these guys wouldn’t accept it.

There’s not much they can do in this situation because you are, in fact, trying to work out a payment plan. I think the most important thing to consider here is that you stop talking to them on the phone. Getting a lien on a house and garnishing wages would most likely NEVER occur. It’s an awful lot of trouble to get things to that point and nearly impossible if you are talking with the judge, showing that you are trying to cooperate. Those options rarely occur and do so with people who’ve chosen to ignore these collectors and the court all together.

Good Luck!!!!

Barry