Expert: Ray A Miller - 2/12/2011

Question
I am an Ohio resident and am trying to get information on a collections question. About a year and a half ago I made arrangements over the phone with Unifund CCR to try to repay a debt that was going to court soon. I made my first payment over the phone and the employee promised to send me information on how much my total owed was and an address to send my future payments to. In the next month I never received this letter. Instead I received a letter from the court saying they were suing me for total payment. I thought as long as I was attempting to pay my debt they wouldn't take it to court? Anyway, now they are garnishing my bank account and I cannnot get ahold of them to find out how much my total debt is currently. I am a full time college student who makes only about $200-$300 a month and can't even pay my own bills. I am getting the rest of my student loan money soon and need this money to get more supplies and other things for school. Is it legal for me to open a new bank account? Also, how would I go about trying to find out how much I owe this company? I have heard many bad things about them. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Answer
First, look up Unifund CCR on Google and see who you are dealing with.  You can open another checking account but if you do not keep money in your current account, they will find the new one and garnish it.  Your best bet may be to use cash and money orders for your school supplies.

You can demand from Unifund validation of the debt but since they already have a judgment they may not have to send it.  You can ask the clerk of court for a balance and hope for the best.  Either way, I wish you the best.