What happens when you don't pay a collection agency?
If the person has made an agreement to render payment and then
defaults, the agency will probably initiate legal proceedings. The
majority of CA's are not attorney's and therefore cannot themselves
enter into litigation. They usually refer the account to a
collection attorney who will then file a lawsuit against the
debtor. The lawsuit must be filed in the debtor's state of
residency and the state statutes will apply to all legal
procedures. There are however collection agencies/law firms who now
have the ability to file for arbirtration, the debtor/consumer
should be very cautious in either case and if possible seek legal
counsel. If the agency feels the debtor is "judgment proof" they
may return the account to the original creditor who will then
decide to resubmit for collection or close the account as
uncollectible debt. macky83@juno.com