2007-09-11 05:11:59 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
where are you?
debtor's prisons disappeared in the United States many decades ago.
Now, if your creditors go searching and discover that your application included false information, they might try to file a fraud complaint. This seems pretty unlikely; what they really want is their money and sometimes one might get angry.
If there are enough creditors who are owed enough, they might also file an involuntary petition against you in bankruptcy court. If the court concludes you should be making payments it would then issue an order that you do so.
GL
2007-09-11 05:15:47 · answer #1 · answered by Spock (rhp) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't have debtors's prisons in this country. Owing money is not a criminal issue; it's a civil issue.
The worst that can happen is that your credit rating will be poor, especially if you declare bankruptcy, and you will not qualify for a loan or further credit.
You should do everything you can to pay off your debts. If you own property, you might consider taking out a bank loan at a lower interest rate than what you are being charged on your credit cards, and then pay off the credit cards. Don't charge another thing on the credit cards until your bank loan is paid off.
If you are living beyond your means, do a merciless evaluation of your expenses and life-style and see what you can cut out. Live as simply as possible until you can get your debts paid off and then live a lifestyle that allows you to pay your living expenses plus put some money into savings and retirement. I once knew a college student who gave up having a car (no gas, insurance, maintenance, car payments) while he was in school - he walked to work and took a bus to school.
Once you can eliminate your debts, you will be amazed at the weight lifted from your shoulders. You are a prisoner when you owe money and you aren't free to make choices such as moving or changing jobs. Good luck to you.
2007-09-11 12:27:21 · answer #2 · answered by majormomma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey you can not be arrested for not paying a credit card bill. But it will only appear on your credit history and on your bank statement stating you had a late payment or did not make payment. Try affording the minimun payment.
2007-09-11 12:20:57 · answer #3 · answered by problemsolver86 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - you will just get fined for late payments by the credit card companies.
Call them and let them know your problem - they should have ways of helping
2007-09-11 12:15:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We don't have debtor's prison in the US. The credit card company can only sue and win a judgment. With the judgment they can garnish your wages, attach your bank accounts, and lein your property. But they cannot send you to jail.
2007-09-11 12:16:52 · answer #5 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They can place a judgement against in small claims court.
But before they can do they they have to validate the date
in the writing and not be past the statue of limitations.
www.creditinfocenter.com
2007-09-11 12:47:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can not be sent to jail for being in debt. If you could, most of the country would be in "big house."
2007-09-11 22:38:31 · answer #7 · answered by CivPro1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i doubt arrested. just pay the minimum balance at least and pay the rest off asap
2007-09-11 12:15:26 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no they will only put you in collections and tou will recive a letter from law offices to shake you up a bit nothing to worry about excepted your credit score please don't mess that up you will have to pay to get that in order
2007-09-11 12:18:06 · answer #9 · answered by boy i 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Not paying your bills is not a crime.
2007-09-11 12:19:58 · answer #10 · answered by patrick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋