Expert: Letters from debt collection agencies shouldn't be ignored

According to many financial experts, consumers who fall behind on their credit card or other payments must take letters from debt collection agencies seriously. KTRT-TV reports that since the economy started to decline in 2008, many people have racked up large amounts of debt, resulting in an increase in the number of messages received from debt collectors telling them they must pay up. In some cases, the letters threaten legal action against the debtor if they don't comply with the demands. According to Texas attorney Michael Weston, rules for debt collection conduct vary from state to state. "With a judgment, creditors in Texas can actually garnish your bank account," Weston told the source. "They can clean out your bank account and some say, 'I don't have anything.' But maybe that is the mortgage payment for the month." Some Texas debt collection agencies have been taken to court by debtors in recent weeks. Gary Adams from Overton, recently filed a lawsuit against Hillcrest Davidson and Associates for failing to disclose the fact that he was disputing a debt on his credit report.