Debt collection basics

Can my bank or credit union charge me a fee for processing a garnishment if I receive Social Security or VA benefits?

Should I get a payday loan if I need money now?

Can a creditor refer my account to a collection agency before my debt is due? Do I have to be told before a debt is turned in to collections?

Can a debt collection agency try to have me arrested over a debt collection?

If someone dies owing a debt, does the debt go away when they die?

What are debt settlement/debt relief services and should I use them?

What is credit counseling?

What's the difference between a credit counselor and a debt settlement or debt relief company?

Can a debt collector garnish my federal benefits?

What may happen if I ignore or avoid a debt collector?

Can a debt collector try to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy?

Can a debt collector increase the interest rate on a debt I owe?

How do I get a debt collector to stop contacting me?

What is an "unfair" practice by a debt collector?

Is there a limit to how many times a debt collector can call me?

What is an original creditor and what is the difference between an original creditor and a debt collector?

I was asked to co-sign financing for a car. What am I being asked to do and what does this mean for me?

Can I be personally responsible for paying my deceased relative's debts and can a debt collector contact me about those debts?

Can I be responsible to pay off the debts of my deceased spouse?

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?

What does it mean to "default" on my federal student loans?

What does it mean to "default" on my private student loans?

How might a private student lender collect payments from me?

How might the U. S. Department of Education collect payments from me?

What are my options if a debt collection agency contacts me about my student loans?