Generally no, debt collectors can’t take your Social Security or VA benefits directly out of your bank account or prepaid card. After a debt collector sues you for the debt and wins a judgment, it can get a court order for your bank or credit union to turn over money from your account or prepaid card.
What information can a creditor ask you for?
A debt collector must tell you the name of the creditor, the amount owed, and that you can dispute the debt or seek verification of the debt. All debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Can a debt collector ask for your Social Security number?
If you choose not to verify your identity by providing the requested information, for example, your Social Security number, the debt collector generally will ask you for another form of identification.
Is it okay to give information to a debt collector?
It is always your choice whether to provide any information to a debt collector, even a legitimate one, including whether to verify your identity. There is information you can request to help you confirm that they are a legitimate debt collector and protect yourself from a debt collection or identity theft scam:
Can a family member call a debt collector?
Debt collectors must always identify themselves as such in every telephone conversation. They must inform you that any information will be used to collect the debt. Although collectors are only allowed to discuss a debt with the debtor, family members and friends may be called once, just to request information on how to locate you.
Can a debt collector garnish my Social Security benefits?
Your bank or credit union must automatically protects 2 months’ worth of benefits. If a collector tries to garnish money in your account, your bank must look at your account history to see if you received any of the above benefits by direct deposit in the last 2 months.
