What can debt collectors do if you have no income?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 25, 2026
What can happen if I do not make a payment or re-pay an unsecured debt? The creditor will try to collect the bill by suing you and then garnishing your paycheck, if you have one. If you do not have a job or are not employed for wages, then your creditors can try to garnish your paycheck.
What happens to credit card debt when you die with no assets?
If the deceased has no assets, loved ones won’t be directly responsible for paying the debt unless they are a joint account holder on the deceased’s credit card, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Authorized users are generally not held responsible for the deceased’s unpaid balances.
What happens if you get sued for credit card debt?
If it isn’t resolved, a lawsuit is only a matter of time. Credit card companies write off millions each year in uncollectible debt. If a lawsuit is filed, you MUST respond. If you don’t show up for the court proceeding, the judge automatically rules against you and will order you to pay the full amount.
Can a credit card company get a judgment against you?
If you are in default on a credit card account, the credit card company can try to get a credit card debt judgment against you by filing a lawsuit. If the credit card company gets a judgment, it can use all sorts of collection methods against you to get paid.
What do I need to file a lawsuit against a credit company?
Most states require credit companies or the debt collector collecting on the account to attach to the complaint a complete set of documents. These documents usually consist of the original contract and any document showing that the company suing you actually owns the debt.
What happens if you ignore a credit card debt summons?
If you ignore your summons, the court is likely to rule in the debt collector’s favor and your wages could be garnished until you pay back the amount of money that the court rules you owe. If you are sued for credit card debt, your first step is to verify that the debt is actually yours.
