Can a rent-a-center issue a warrant for my arrest for missing a couple of payments?
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Can a rent-a-center issue a warrant for my arrest for missing a couple of payments?
They want it back. I just started new job and will be paying what’s owed in about 2 weeks. They are harassing my son while I am at work and saying I will go to jail.
Asked on May 21, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In this day and age people do not go to jail for owing money; debtor's prison wnet out about the time of Dickens. The fact is that person who has borrowed money cannot be threatened with arrest for non-payment. The only exception would be if fraud was committed in obtaining the money, then that would be a crime. For example, if you scammed someone into lending money and you had no intention of repaying.
Additionally, neither a debt collector or creditor may threaten you with criminal charges. If they do you could actually sue them. Additionally, they can not harass or otherwise intimidate you. It's the law - the "Fair Debt Collections Practices Act" (FDCPA).
Bottom line, you still owe the money do try to set-up a repayment plan. However, in doing so just be careful in just what information that you give them (especially banking information).
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