Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania
Sued for credit card dept
I'm being sued for an old credit card dept. What should I do to protect myself. I own nothing but do have a job, can they attach my wages? Thanks
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Sued for credit card dept
How old a debt (since you last made any payment)? Is it on your current credit report? Since when? If over 6 years, they are out of time, and all you need to do is send them a letter saying you dispute the debt, and that the original claim is over 6 years old, and NEVER to contact you again, and if they report it to any reporting agencies, it will be defamation fo credit, and that you will sue. There are people out there buying old worthless debt and trying to collect on it, and they do it bceause people don't know their rights, and they make lots-o-money doing it - they are bottom feeders.
Re: Sued for credit card dept
Typically these suits are filed with a Magisterial District Justice. If that's the case, the first thing that you should do is call the Office listed on the summons and tell them that you intend to defend. If it is filed in Arbitration or in Common Pleas Court, you should get an attorney as soon as possible and have them file an Answer to the Complaint. Do not let it go to a default judgment. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is Four (4) years from accrual of the cause of action. With respect to credit cards, most Attorneys view the cause of action as starting from the date of the last payment.