Do you know about zombie debt collectors? Try to imagine this scenario. First, you’re served with a lawsuit in Kentucky. But, this is after you file bankruptcy for a debt that is 20 years old which you might not remember. Now, some attorneys and companies are suing you. So, you ignore it and they get a default judgment. Bad idea. Because a default judgment is just as good as any other judgment and default judgments can be extremely difficult to overturn as they get older.
What You Need to Know About Default Judgments And Zombie Debts
But zombie debt collectors buy bad debts from credit card companies and then attempt to collect from people that have similar names. In fact, they often don’t have enough documentation to prove that debt ever existed. This is a billion-dollar industry in Kentucky where large mortgage companies, banks, and credit card companies sell charged-off debts to companies that buy “uncollectible” debts for pennies on the dollar.
When Zombie Debt Collectors Are at Your Door
Why would someone purchase such debt? Answer: to collect the principal interest and attorney fees that often double or triple the debt from people that will repay just to stop the harassment. Often the zombie debt collector has no proof that you even owe the debt but they will put it on your credit report. All the zombie debt collectors will have is just a computer record with a name, account number, and balance.
However, they have no contract between you and Chase bank or whatever the company was. They also have no proof of your identity that it was you that signed for the debt. Additionally, there is no record of what the charges were or what payments were applied. There is also no ability to break down the principal, interest, late charges, or any accounting of how the total balance was calculated.
Speak to Your Bankruptcy Attorney When You Hear from a Zombie Debt Collector
The only way to win such lawsuits in Kentucky is to rely on you allowing a default judgment. If you fight such debts they have a difficult or impossible time proving that you owe the debt. But zombie debt buyers don’t care. Most people do not respond to lawsuits in Kentucky. If there you fail to answer the zombie debt will win by default judgment and may collect by garnishment attaching a home or it is possible for you to even go to jail for contempt and the failure to respond. Zombie debt buyers rely on your failure to respond. So, when you get served with a lawsuit, contact an attorney. Just because you are being sued doesn’t mean that you owe the debt.
Resources for Bankruptcy
Louisville Kentucky Bankruptcy Forms
Other Related Information
Contempt of Court for Default Judgements
Chapter 7 Attorney Fees in Louisville Kentucky
Kentucky Foreclosure Law Process
If you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, don’t delay because timing is crucial. I am here to help you. So, contact my office right away to start the conversation. Nick C. Thompson, Bankruptcy Lawyer: 502-625-0905.
