What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Your credit will take a hit 2. The amount of debt could continue to increase 3. Family and friends might be contacted about your debt 4. Your stress and anxiety levels will probably increase 5. You will probably be sued What is SoloSuit? What if you are sued by a debt collector? What is the best way to respond to collectors? Decide what to do next The only way to hide from debt collectors 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

George Simons | December 06, 2023

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (1)

Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD-MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (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.

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (3)

Summary: Bad things will probably happen if you never answer debt collectors—lawsuits, poor credit scores, anxiety, and more. But with the right tools, you might dodge a bullet. Use SoloSuit to answer a collector in just a few minutes.

When it comes to communicating with a debt collector, the old adage, “you can run, but you can't hide” is applicable. The truth is that, nowadays, it is virtually impossible to ignore a debt collector entirely.

Even if you let all of their phone calls go to voicemail, debt collectors are relentless and may try to contact you online through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Ignoring or blocking a debt collector will likely result in a collections lawsuit filed against you in court. You can avoid a lawsuit by requesting a debt verification and sending a Debt Validation Letter.

Once a lawsuit is filed, the debt collector hopes that you won't respond in time so they can file a motion for default judgment against you. If the court grants this motion, the debt collector can garnish your wages and seize your property. This is why you need to be proactive and respond to the debt collector or debt collection lawsuit immediately. You may discover that the debt collector is suing the wrong person or that your debt is past the statute of limitations.

SoloSuit makes it easy to verify a debt is yours and prevent a lawsuit.

This article outlines five reasons why ignoring a debt collector can hurt you. We will also discuss what happens if you never pay collections. Let's jump right in.

1. Your credit will take a hit

The credit bureaus are a dangerous weapon in debt collectors' hands. When a debt goes into collections, there is a high chance that the creditor will report it to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Your repayment history plays a massive role in determining your credit worthiness. As soon as the delinquent account appears on your credit report, you can expect your credit score to take a nosedive. Even if you work out a payment plan with the creditor, there is a chance that the delinquent account will still ding your credit, even if just for a limited time. A collection account, like other negative marks, will stay on your credit score for up to seven years.

With bad credit, every aspect of your financial life suffers. You may have difficulty renting an apartment, accessing low interest credit, convincing prospective employers, etc. Sadly, many consumers ignore collections for amounts as low as $25, allowing it to negatively impact their credit score and cause long-term damage to their financial health.

SoloSuit helps you force the collector to report the debt as disputed.

2. The amount of debt could continue to increase

If you ignore a debt collector and do not repay the debt, not only will the principal amount remain the same, but the amount you owe will probably continue to increase because of accruing interest, late fees and penalties. Some debt collection companies even tack on the expenses they've incurred in an effort to collect on the debt. If you're sued for the debt, you will also have to pay for court costs and attorney fees.

3. Family and friends might be contacted about your debt

If you ignore a debt collector, they do not disappear. In fact, some aggressive debt collectors will reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors. You may be asking yourself, “Is that even legal?” Well, the Fair Debt Collectin Practice Act § 805 (3)(b) states:

“Except as provided in section 1692b of this title, without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector, or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, or as reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy, a debt collector may not communicate, in connection with the collection of any debt, with any person other than the consumer, his attorney, a consumer reporting agency if otherwise permitted by law, the creditor, the attorney of the creditor, or the attorney of the debt collector.”

See Also
How to Track Down Old Collection Debts | MMIYour Credit HistoryHow To Find Out What Debt Collectors You OweDebt Validation

This means that a debt collector can only contact you, your attorney, the creditor that's suing you and their attorney, or the attorney of the debt collector suing you. That being said, a debt collector can contact third parties such as neighbors, relatives, or even your employer—but only in an effort to track you down. The law does not allow a debt collector to disclose the fact that you owe a debt or to discuss your finances with third parties.

If a debt collector has discussed your debt with family members or friends, they are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and you may be entitled to compensation. Report this behavior to the CFPB, FTC, or your state's attorney general.

4. Your stress and anxiety levels will probably increase

Trying to avoid communicating with a debt collector often makes people anxious, concerned, and stressed out. It can be difficult to speak with a debt collector, but actively avoiding contact with the debt collector can be just as stress-inducing.

5. You will probably be sued

What happens if debt collectors can't find you? If a debt collector is unable to find you, don't think you are in the clear. If you continue to ignore communicating with the debt collector, they will likely file a collections lawsuit against you in court. If you are served with a lawsuit and ignore this court filing, the debt collection company will be able to get a default judgment against you. Once a default judgment is entered, the debt collector can garnish your wages, seize personal property, and have money taken out of your bank account..

Like we said earlier, you can run, but you cannot hide from debt collectors. Here is the bottom line: ignoring a debt collector is almost always a bad decision. Why? Because, as we discussed above, ignoring the debt collector typically worsens the situation and does not lead to a resolution. Ignoring the debt does not make it go away. This is why it is important to take action if you are contacted by a debt collector or served with a debt collections lawsuit.

SoloSuit makes it simple to respond to a debt lawsuit the right way

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

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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We have answers.
Join our community of over 40,000 people.

You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now or are just looking for support, we're here for you.

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

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (4)

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (5)

What if you are sued by a debt collector?

Here is an overview of what you need to do if you are sued by a debt collector:

  • Do not admit liability for the alleged debt since the burden is on the debt collector to establish that you, in fact, are responsible for the amount owed.
  • Be sure you file your Answer to the Complaint within the time the court provides. You have up to 35 days to respond to a debt collection lawsuit, depending on which state you live in.

In your Answer, make sure to raise any applicable affirmative defenses (e.g., the statute of limitations) and demand that the debt collection company prove that you are responsible for the specific amount owed. These are examples of strategies you can use to defeat a debt collector in court.

Watch this video to learn more about how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit:

What is the best way to respond to collectors?

The best way to respond to a debt collector is with a Debt Validation Letter. A Debt Validation Letter is a powerful document that stops debt collectors in their tracks by citing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and requiring them to show validation of the debt. In the letter, you can also dispute the debt, force the collector to report the debt as disputed to the credit bureaus, and force them to stop contacting you. It's powerful.

Make your own Debt Validation Letter in minutes with SoloSuit.

All of SoloSuit's documents are designed with the average consumer in mind. When dealing with debt collectors, pick the document that best works for your situation. If you are unsure which is right, you reach out to our customer support line at support@solosuit.com.

  • Debt Validation Letter: As soon as the debt collector contacts you, before they go to court, send the Debt Validation Letter. Requesting a debt validation buys you time (at least 30 days) before collectors can sue you.
  • Answer: The time you have to file an Answer with the court and respond to the debt collectors complaints is limited. Depending on your state, it can be as short as 14 days. You don't need a lawyer to draft an acceptable answer. Just use SoloSuit; it's free.
  • Motion to Compel Arbitration: The presence of an arbitration clause in your contract can help you force the lawsuit out of court.
  • SoloSettle: It's not too late to settle a debt that has gone to court. If you can afford to settle out of court, use SoloSettle to send and receive debt settlement offers and reach an agreement with debt collectors. It's fast and easy.

Decide what to do next

This calculator is for educational purposes only.

The only way to hide from debt collectors

If you have to run from debt collectors, run to SoloSuit. The best way to fight against debt collection companies is to know your rights. SoloSuit compiles those rights for you while helping thousands of consumers win debt-collection lawsuits.

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.

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


It only takes 15 minutes.
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

Get Started

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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What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? (2024)

FAQs

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors? ›

If you receive a notice from a debt collector, it's important to respond as soon as possible—even if you do not owe the debt—because otherwise the collector may continue trying to collect the debt, report negative information to credit reporting companies, and even sue you.

Read On ›
What happens if you don't answer debt collectors? ›

If you receive a notice from a debt collector, it's important to respond as soon as possible—even if you do not owe the debt—because otherwise the collector may continue trying to collect the debt, report negative information to credit reporting companies, and even sue you.

Discover More Details ›
How long can I ignore debt collectors? ›

How Long Can You Ignore Debt Collections? While it's not wise to ignore a debt collector, you might be able to put them off long enough so that you don't end up in court. A debt collector has a certain period of time (typically three to six years) to file a lawsuit against you to collect the money you owe.

Continue Reading ›
Will debt go away if I ignore it? ›

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.

See Details ›
Why should you never pay a collection agency? ›

Paying an old collection debt can actually lower your credit score temporarily. That's because it re-ages the account, making it more recent again. This can hurt more than help in the short term. Even after it's paid, the negative status of “paid collection” will continue damaging your score for years.

Find Out More ›
What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›

Debt collectors are limited on when they can call you — typically, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They are not allowed to call you at work. They can't lie or harass you. Debt collectors can't make you pay more than you owe or threaten you with arrest, jail time, property liens or wage garnishment if you don't pay.

Tell Me More ›
How long before a debt is uncollectible? ›

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.

Show Me More ›
How to get rid of debt collectors without paying? ›

You can sue the debt collector for violating the FDCPA. If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney's fees and might also have to pay you damages. If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB.

Explore More ›
What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors? ›

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

Continue Reading ›
Will debt collectors 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.

Show Me More ›

What happens if debt collectors can't find you? ›

What happens if debt collectors can't find you? If a debt collector is unable to find you, don't think you are in the clear. If you continue to ignore communicating with the debt collector, they will likely file a collections lawsuit against you in court.

Read The Full Story ›
Will a debt collector sue me for $500? ›

Collection agencies usually won't sue you for a debt of less than $500. While every collection agency has a different policy regarding debt lawsuits, you should feel reasonably safe from a legal claim if you owe less than $500 on a debt. However, if you receive a court summons from a collection agency, don't ignore it.

See Details ›
Should I pay collections or wait 7 years? ›

How does paying off a collection account affect your credit report? According to most credit scoring models, paying off a collection account doesn't stop it from having an effect on your credit. You'll usually have to wait until they reach the end of their seven-year reporting window.

Get More Info Here ›
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.

Continue Reading ›
What should I not tell a collection agency? ›

Debt collectors may ask questions to verify your identity, but you should never provide sensitive or financial information, at least not until you've verified the debt and that it's not a scam.

View More ›
Why you shouldn't pay off your collection accounts? ›

Having a debt with a collection agency account will harm your credit score and can remain on your credit report for years, even if you pay it.

View Details ›
What happens if you dispute a collection and they don t respond? ›

If a debt collector does not respond to your dispute letter within five days of their initial communication with you, or if they continue to contact you or try to collect the debt without sending you verification, they are violating the FDCPA and you have several options to protect yourself and your rights.

See More ›
What happens if you are never contacted by a debt collector? ›

If a bill that's reported to debt collection never came to you first, you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus. In your dispute, say that you were never notified of the debt.

Learn More ›
What happens if you don't return a debt collectors call? ›

Stopping communication with a debt collector doesn't make the debt go away. In fact, they may find alternative ways to collect it from you. For example, they can file a lawsuit against you or report negative information to a credit reporting company, although that won't always happen.

Discover More Details ›
What happens if you refuse to pay a debt collector? ›

If you don't pay a debt collector or collection agency, you'll likely face increasing efforts to collect the debt via phone calls, letters, or even social media contact. Not paying a debt in collections will also hurt your credit score. If you don't pay, the collection agency can sue you to try to collect the debt.

Show Me More ›
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