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credit card debt
I am 80 years old and have a credit card with a balance of over $7,000. I have been unable to keep up the payments. My total monthly income is $640 a month. I do not own a home, a car, or have life insurance. They have turned my account over to a collection agency who is threatenin to throw me in jail or garnish my social security check. What do I do? I have offered to pay them $25 a month, but they will not accept anything but a settlement of one payment of 50% of the balance.
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talk to a family member, i doubt they can throw u in jail if u offer to make monthly payments
and i don't think it's so legal to HARASS and elderly woman
And I AM TRULY SORRY about your late husband :(:(
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I believe it is illegal to garnish social security. I do know for certain there is no such thing as "debtors prison" in the US, so you can't be thrown in jail for debts. It is also illegal for collection agencies to harrass you. It sounds like you may have a disreputable collection agency that is actually going over the legal limit.
I think if you don't answer their phone calls (if you have an answering machine to screen calls) or reply to their letters they can't legally do anything to you. Don't even pay $25 a month.
You might try calling a consumer advocate group to ask questions. Start with your state and city information lines, or even crisis lines might be able to refer you somewhere. They usually have a list of phone numbers for referrals.
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As long as you are paying them something, I don't think that they can throw you in jail. It takes a long period of time for them to actually garnish your check. You might check into a charitable agency to help with your problem. If you can't talk to your family, then try talking to your church. There may be a member than can help you, or maybe the church itself can assist. You need a lawyer who can assist you in some capacity. Good luck.
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I would do some looking around for non-profit debt counceling services, like [Link](Mouse over link to see full location) . Often times these agencies will have toll-free numbers you can call for advice. Sadly, your situation isn't unique, so there are lots of people who've dealt with issues like yours before who can help you out.
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