Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up? (2024)

Table of Contents
What is a collection agency? What happens when you default on your debt Understanding the debt collection process Collection agencies vs. debt buyers What is SoloSuit? How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector Resolve your debt with your creditor Settle your medical debt Guides on arbitration Stop calls from debt collectors Federal debt collection laws can protect you Get debt relief in your state Debt collection laws in all 50 states Statute of limitations on debt state guides Check the status of your court case How to stop wage garnishment in your state Other wage garnishment resources How to settle a debt in your state How to settle with every debt collector Other debt settlement resources Personal loan and debt relief reviews How to repair and improve your credit score How to resolve student loan debt Civil law legal definitions Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection How-to debt guides Learn more with these additional debt resources FAQs

Chloe Meltzer | January 10, 2024

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up? (1)

Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up? (2)

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up? (3)

Summary: Are you being sued by a debt collector for an old debt? Wondering if they'll ever stop coming after you? Learn why that debt collector is suing you and how to win your case with the right defense.

When it comes to debt collection, the act is performed by professional debt collectors and collection agencies. Their end goal is to make money by collecting on debts. If the debt is not collected, then the debt collector does not make money. In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless.

Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well. This is why it is essential to know what to do when pursued by a debt collector and what your rights are as a consumer.

Don't let debt collectors push you around. Respond with SoloSuit.

What is a collection agency?

Collection agencies are hired by different businesses or money lenders. They work to collect payment on overdue bills and loans. Often these collection agencies will not walk away from an account regardless of how little you owe. It is essential to know your rights because as a consumer you are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

What happens when you default on your debt

If you do not pay your consumer debt, such as a credit card bill, student loan payment, or medical bill, then you will be given a written notice that you have been sent to “collections” aka a collections agency. This means that you need to pay your debt, or you might be sued.

See Also
What Is a Charge Off & How To Deal With ItShould I Settle a Collection or Pay in Full?Why You Should Never Pay a Collection Agency Directly?Is It Illegal for a Collection Agency to Buy Your Debt and Come After You?

If you continue to avoid paying your debt, then the creditor will place your account into default. This leads to fees, a higher interest rate, and eventually a lawsuit. Your credit score may also decrease which can prevent you from obtaining a mortgage, car loan, or new credit cards.

Protect your property from debt collectors by filing a response with SoloSuit.

Understanding the debt collection process

The debt collection process begins when it is handled by the creditor. You will receive letters and maybe even phone calls that are seeking you to collect on the debt. After a few months, it might then be handed over to a collection agency. At this point, you will be contacted by the collection agency who may ask you about your bank accounts, your personal property, and other ways to begin planning to garnish your debt. Eventually, they may sue you for non-payment.

Collection agencies vs. debt buyers

Collection agencies are businesses hired by original creditors such as credit card companies. They work to collect on delinquent debts such as medical bills, credit card bills, student loans, cell phone bills, utility bills, and personal loans. They might be aggressive and will call you as much as they can. You might receive letters and emails asking for payment. It can feel like a nightmare.

On the other hand, a debt buyer is someone who purchases your debt to collect it. Collection agencies can also become debt buyers. Once the debt is sold, it will go on your credit report and this will lower your credit score. Overall, it is essential to attempt to settle or pay off your debt. If you do not, then it will lead to more debt and a lower credit score.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James

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>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

See Also
How to Avoid Resetting The Clock On Old Debt | Bankrate

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources


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And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" – Heather

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Not sued yet?
Use our Debt Validation Letter.

Our Debt Validation Letter is the best way to respond to a collection letter. Many debt collectors will simply give up after receiving it.

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Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up? (2024)

FAQs

Do debt collectors ever just give up? ›

If the debt is not collected, then the debt collector does not make money. In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless. Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well.

Get More Info ›
What is the lowest a debt collector will settle for? ›

"Every creditor is different. Some creditors will accept pennies on the dollar, others will not settle for less than 80% in a lump sum payment," says Jessika Arce Graham, partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Keep Reading ›
What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›

Even if you owe money, debt collectors aren't allowed to threaten, harass, or publicly shame you. You have the right to order a debt collector to stop contacting you, and they must comply. If there's a mistake, and you really don't owe the debt, you can take steps to remedy the error.

Learn More Now ›
What is the success rate of debt collectors? ›

According to recent statistics, the average success rate for debt collection agencies in the United States is around 20-30%. Therefore, it is reasonable to estimate that a typical debt collection agency will recover an average of $20-30 for every $100 in outstanding debt.

Find Out More ›
At what point do debt collectors give up? ›

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

Explore More ›
Can a 10 year old debt still be collected? ›

Can a Debt Collector Collect After 10 Years? In most cases, the statute of limitations for a debt will have passed after 10 years. This means a debt collector may still attempt to pursue it (and you technically do still owe it), but they can't typically take legal action against you.

Read The Full Story ›
How to get out of collections without paying? ›

You cannot remove collections from your credit report without paying if the information is accurate, but a collection account will fall off your credit report after 7 years whether you pay the balance or not.

Keep Reading ›
What happens if a debt collector won't negotiate? ›

If the collector refuses to negotiate

That creditor might be willing to compromise with you. You could also suggest to the debt collector that if he or she refuses to settle, you will be forced to file for bankruptcy. This could motivate them to negotiate and settle your debt for less than you owe.

Keep Reading ›
Can I pay the original creditor instead of the collection agency? ›

Generally, paying the original creditor rather than a debt collector is better. The creditor has more discretion and flexibility in negotiating payment terms with you. And because that company might see you as a former and possibly future customer, it might be more willing to offer you a deal.

Tell Me More ›
What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do? ›

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.

Explore More ›

Why should you never pay a collection agency? ›

A collection account can significantly damage your credit score, but the impact lessens over time. Paying off a collection might not immediately improve your credit score, but some newer credit scoring models give less weight to paid collections.

Keep Reading ›
How do you outsmart a debt collector? ›

You can outsmart debt collectors by following these tips:
  1. Keep a record of all communication with debt collectors.
  2. Send a Debt Validation Letter and force them to verify your debt.
  3. Write a cease and desist letter.
  4. Explain the debt is not legitimate.
  5. Review your credit reports.
  6. Explain that you cannot afford to pay.
Mar 11, 2024

Know More ›
How many years can a debt collector collect for? ›

The statute of limitations on debt in California is four years, as stated in the state's Code of Civil Procedure § 337, with the clock starting to tick as soon as you miss a payment.

Get More Info Here ›
What percentage of debt collectors sue? ›

How likely is it that you will be sued for a debt? According to one Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report, 1 in 7 — or about 15% — of consumers contacted about a debt in collections were sued. But the likelihood of a debt collection lawsuit depends on several factors.

View Details ›
Is it worth paying a debt collector? ›

Not necessarily. It's not always wise to pay a debt collection agency, even though that may be your first instinct. Depending on your circ*mstances, doing so may only worsen your financial situation and compound your problems.

Read The Full Story ›
What happens if you have no money to pay debt collectors? ›

If you don't pay, the collection agency can sue you to try to collect the debt. If successful, the court may grant them the authority to garnish your wages or bank account or place a lien on your property. You can defend yourself in a debt collection lawsuit or file bankruptcy to stop collection actions.

Show Me More ›
What happens if you ignore debt collectors forever? ›

Ignoring or avoiding a debt collector, though, is unlikely to make the debt collector stop contacting you. They may find other ways to contact you, including filing a lawsuit. While being contacted by a debt collector might feel overwhelming, talking with them can help you get more information about the debt.

Read More ›
What happens after 7 years of not paying debt? ›

The debt will likely fall off of your credit report after seven years. In some states, the statute of limitations could last longer, so make a note of the start date as soon as you can.

See More ›
How likely is it that a collection agency will sue? ›

How likely is it that you will be sued for a debt? According to one Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report, 1 in 7 — or about 15% — of consumers contacted about a debt in collections were sued. But the likelihood of a debt collection lawsuit depends on several factors.

Discover More ›
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