 TITLE: What to Do if You’re Sued by a Debt Collector CONTENT: What a Lawsuit From a Debt Collector Means\n------------------------------------------\nDebt collectors employ many different tactics to try to collect on a debt—and in many cases, they turn to lawsuits to make it happen.\nWhen a debt collector files a lawsuit against a consumer, they're trying to get a court to force collection. This can come in the form of wage garnishments, property liens and bank account freezes, all of which can have a serious negative impact on your life and financial well-being.\nIf you simply ignore the lawsuit, the court may enter a default judgment, which essentially gives the plaintiff—the collection agency, in this example—what they're asking for. As a result, it's crucial that you respond quickly when you've been sued by a debt collector.\nHere are four steps you can take to protect yourself in a lawsuit. END