if I’m on orders, can a collection agency come after me?

2019-02-20T15:46:54-05:00

I’ve been In country for 9 months and just came home about 5 days ago. Suddenly I started getting calls ab an account that was supposed to be froze while I was over seas. What are my options

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 3:54 PM

2019-02-20T15:54:36-05:00

How was it "supposed to be frozen"? Did you contact the institution the account was with and do you have record of it? If so, you are afforded protections under the Service-members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) which you can peruse at your leisure with a quick Google search. Financial institutions must follow the letter of the law on this. Check over the SCRA and how it applies to your specific situation and you'll be on the path to success.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-02-20T20:24:11-05:00

Talk to your legal assistance attorney. There should be one there somewhere

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-02-20T21:21:55-05:00

What do you mean by, "come after you"? Being deployed doesn't absolve you of any debts. Debts that you had prior to going active can be reduced to 6% interest, but you're still required to freeze them. If you froze an account and it's not frozen, it means the agency doesn't know it was supposed to be frozen and believes you owe a valid debt. They are entitled to pursue all action to attempt to collect it. You'll have to contact the agency and show them when you had the account froze. Most companies are very willing to work with you. If you never contacted them to request a freeze on your account, and assumed it would happen on its own, then you made an expensive mistake. You can probably get the company to waive any late charges, though.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Feb 21 at 2019 8:55 AM

2019-02-21T08:55:29-05:00

Call the collectors, provide proof you were overseas. But don’t ignore it

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 8:45 PM

2019-02-21T20:45:39-05:00

Yes. You may seek lower interest rates from loans you entered into before joining the military. I think they’re obligated to lower your interest rate to 5% if you request it in writing.