Expert: Apex Credit Services, LLC - 12/28/2007

Question
I opened a Citibank credit card in December of 2006.  The balance on the card is upwards of $5000.  I have been receiving calls from creditors for the past 6 months attempting to collect my debt.  They have been harassing both me and my parents (calling both houses, neither of which I live at) even after I told them not to contact them.  I am a student and have been unemployed for the past year.  Today I received a call from a creditor demanding that I pay the full amount of my debt in the next couple of days or CRIMINAL actions will be taken against me, and I could possibly be taken to jail.  He told me I can settle by paying $4104.60 immediately, otherwise legal actions will be taken.  As most creditors are, he was very forceful and intimidating...  I expressed to him that I am ruthlessly searching for a job to attempt to pay off my debts, but nothing mattered.  I was just wondering what legal actions can really be taken, and if the cops will show up at my door one day to take me to jail?!

Answer
Caroline:

    I will presume that you mean "collector" rather than "creditor."  In any event, you cannot be placed in jail for a debt which you cannot pay.  There is no such thing as debtor prison any longer.

    If you do not wish to be bothered by debt collectors, simply write to them and tell them that all communication must be reduced to writing.  Be forewarned that Citi is likely to sue you but, this will at least keep their hounds from calling and threatening you.

        Apex Credit Services, LLC