This article is written by Peters and Associates.
Failing to pay the minimum on your credit card bill, or failing to pay altogether, can have a slew of serious consequences, both in the long and short term. There are many actions that can be taken against you, and they can get progressively worse the longer you’re unable to pay.
Can a credit company come after me?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits third-party debt collection agencies from using abusive tactics and limits the amount of contact they can make with consumers. If you have an attorney, the collector should go through him or her, and no longer can contact you directly.
What should I do if I can’t pay?
If you’re unable to pay credit card debt, there usually are three options:
1. A debt consolidation loan
2. A bankruptcy filing
3. A debt settlement
The best course of action depends on the specifics of your debt, but a debt settlement often is considered the most desirable because it allows you to pay off your debt for less than what you owe without having to put a bankruptcy on your credit score. However, while a great option, debt settlements are complicated and can be difficult to negotiate without legal counsel.
If you have a question you’d like to see answered by an attorney in a future issue, please write to questions@PandALawFirm.com or visit PandaLawFirm.com.
Please note: The information in this column is intended for general purposes only and is not to be considered legal or professional advice of any kind. You should seek advice that is specific to your problem before taking or refraining from any action and should not rely on the information in this column.
