Threatening debt collector

[chandlsm]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
Debt was made in Ohio. I now reside in Tennessee.

I am in debt to a bank. They have turned me in to DSC Attorneys at Law in CA. They will only allow me to pay them the entire sum within 3-6 months. So I worked out a payment plan for 6 months. I realize I can't afford this but I have already given them updated personal information and my checking acct. information. I am going to close the account to keep them from getting into it. As well as inform them of my decision. In the letter they sent, they are threatening to take me to court and garnish my wages! How can they do that when original debt was $300, but b/c of bank late fees and interst is now over $1000? And I am in the income poverty level. Are they gonna deny me the right to eat?

[cosine]

The aggressive debt collectors always push the limits and try to make you fear the absolute worst if you don't pay up in full immediately. Individual collectors work on commission, so they are not just motivated to collect, but motivated to collect as much as possible. They don't care if you eat or not. Their entire drive is all about collecting and nothing else.

Definitely close the bank account you had opened. You may have difficulty opening a different account at this point. You may have to be without a bank account.

If they call by phone again, just tell them that all communications must be in writing and that you will not discuss the matter by telephone any further. They can still call as this kind of request has no legal force (unlike requests such as validation). But at least they will have been given the information about your intentions.

If you are truly in poverty, then if they actually do sue you (they would win since you lack a defense), filing for bankruptcy would possibly not have much impact on you. For so little debt, bankruptcy is certainly overkill, so it should only be considered if the judgment is blocking your ability to recover financially.