 TITLE: What Should I Do When My Account Goes to Collections? CONTENT: What Happens if You Don't Pay a Debt Collector?\n-----------------------------------------------\nIn some cases, a debt collector might take you to court and request that a judge order you to pay the debt. You can represent yourself in court or hire an attorney.\nAs part of the legal case, the debt collector must show that the debt is valid and that you're the one who owes it. Based on that and other evidence, a judge will rule whether you do or do not owe the debt.\nWhile it's scary to go to court, it's not wise to ignore the lawsuit. In fact, ignoring a suit against you often worsens your situation. Typically, a judge will rule against you if you don't respond to the legal action. That could let a debt collector:\n*   Garnish (take) your wages\n*   Freeze or garnish money in your bank accounts\n*   Put a lien on any property you own\nTo stay out of legal hot water, face the consequences rather than hoping the lawsuit will simply go away.\nOn a positive note, a debt collector might not be able to take you to court over old debts. Why? Debt collectors have a certain window of time to sue you. In most states, that window is three to six years. END