Can collection agencies finde my social security number?

by Sandra
(Garden City, NY)

Hello,
I moved from Germany to NY two years ago. One year ago I had an accident and end up with a huge emergency bill. I really do my best but right now I'm not able to pay it.

My question is if a collection agency can find out my social security number ones I have it and affect my credit score?
Thank you
Sandra

Comments for Can collection agencies finde my social security number?

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 27, 2010
 social security number and collection agency
by: Gerri

A collection agency is allowed under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act to review your credit reports in conjunction with collecting a debt. They are also allowed to report the account to the credit reporting agencies, and yes it will affect your credit.

Under federal law, a collection account may be reported for 7 1/2 years from the date you first fell behind with the original creditor. I believe New York state law limits the reporting of negative information to five years, however.

It sounds like your biggest problem here is not really the credit reports, but finding a way to deal with this debt. If you don't, you may be sued and that will create additional problems for you.

I would encourage you to read our e-book Debt Collection Answers for advice on how to deal with collection accounts. At a minimum, read the first chapter of Debt Collection Answers online for free so you at least have an overview of your rights.

I hope you can find a solution for this.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Debt Collection Questions.

Learn how debt collection laws can help you!
This website does not provide legal advice.
All information is for educational purposes only.
Copyright 2007 - 2018 by Mary Reed and Gerri Detweiler.
All rights reserved.
Read our Privacy Policy here