Can debt collectors sue you in California?
Debt collectors may not be able to sue you to collect on old (time-barred) debts, but they may still try to collect on those debts. In California, there is generally a four-year limit for filing a lawsuit to collect a debt based on a written agreement.
How long can a debt be collected in California?
four years
California has a statute of limitations of four years for most types of debt (20 years for state tax debt). The only exception are debts taken on via an oral contract, which are subject to a statute of limitations of two years. Be careful about paying or promising to pay debts that exceed the statute of limitations.
Can a debt collector take my car in California?
If you have a personal vehicle, a debt collector can legally take your car, sell it, and use the money to settle the debt. There’s one crucial thing to keep in mind. If your debt is related to a property like a piece of land or defaulted on a car loan, these possessions can be repossessed to settle the debts.
Can I go to jail for debt in California?
No. California creditors and debt collectors, if they win a lawsuit, can get a court order to levy your bank accounts, place liens on your property, repossess your property, or garnish your wages, but they cannot ask the court to have you arrested.
Can you go to jail for debt in California?
How do you trick a debt collector?
Calling From Unknown Numbers The “unknown number” trick is one of the oldest debt collector tricks in the book. Collectors feel that a debtor is more likely to answer a call if they disguise or hide their number. Therefore, they will often call debtors from unknown or private numbers.
Is it OK to hang up on debt collectors?
FDCPA allows you to hang up on debt collectors. They have no recourse if you refuse to take their calls. Collectors violate FDCPA if they continue to call you. You can ask debt collectors to stop calling by requesting further communications in writing.