the Bureau of Consumer Protection
What can I do to enforce these rights? If a collection agency or creditor breaks the law, you can make a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1 (800) 441-2555. You also have the right to sue in court. You may have as little as one year from the violation to sue.
Do you need a license to collect debt in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania Collection Licensing: Pennsylvania does not require collection companies to be licensed as a collection company. Collection companies must still comply with federal, state and local collection laws. Other licenses or permits may be required depending on the nature of each particular business.
How do I collect a debt in PA?
In order to collect debt in Pennsylvania, a creditor typically needs to obtain a money judgment first. This is a legal determination that money is legally owed. Once a judgment is obtained, a creditor then has certain legal abilities to enforce or execute on the judgment in order to get paid.
What is the statute of limitations for debt collection in Pennsylvania?
six years
Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations of six years for typical debts. If it’s been more than six years since a credit card debt or contractual loan obligation became due, the creditor can no longer take collection actions for that debt.
What personal property can be seized in a Judgement in Pennsylvania?
In addition to seizing bank accounts, you can also have the sheriff levy and sell personal assets of the debtor to collect a judgment in Pennsylvania. Personal assets can include furniture, tv’s, jewelry, guns and firearms, other valuables or antiques. Typically, you cannot seize retirement accounts or pensions.
Can credit card companies take your house in Pennsylvania?
A creditor or debt collector cannot take your real or personal property with out first suing you and obtaining a judgment. However, once a creditor has a judgment, the creditor has several options for collecting on the judgment.
Can a debt collector freeze your bank account in PA?
They can freeze (garnish) your bank account. The PA constable or sheriff can also sell your property. If you own a house or a car that has value, a creditor may decide that it is worthwhile to spend money to sue you and to ask a constable or sheriff to sell those items. If this happens, you can call NLS.
Can a Judgement lien be placed on jointly owned property in PA?
Judgment liens attach to the undivided share of the property owned by the judgment debtor. If multiple owners jointly own property in Pennsylvania under a joint tenancy with common law right of survivorship, the judgment lien also attaches to the portion of the property owned by the debtor.
Can a credit card company freeze your bank account in Pennsylvania?
PENNSYLVANIA LAWS FOR FREEZING BANK ACCOUNTS First, the creditor must obtain a money judgment. After the judgment is obtained, the creditor must find a bank account that is in the name of the debtor. Adding the bank as a garnishee directs the bank to immediately place a freeze on the account.
Can my bank account be garnished in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does permit what is called “bank garnishment.” This means if you have money in a bank, a creditor may obtain a judgment against you in court and garnish whatever money is deposited there – even if that money is from a direct deposit of wages. Once the money is in the bank, it is subject to garnishment.
