Expert warns consumers to stop avoiding their credit card debt

(InvestigateTV) — Around 58% of Americans with credit card balances have been in debt more than a year, according to a recent Bankrate study.

Leslie Tayne, a debt relief attorney with 25 years’ experience, recommended you not ignore debt and let it go into default.

“What happens to many consumers once they get into debt is they just emotionally don’t want to deal with it. It is common to not only feel a lot of stress from having debt, but as a result, ignore it,” Tayne commented. “It is probably one of the worst things you can do in your circumstances is to ignore any kind of debt that you have, good or bad.”

Tayne said those that ignore debt won’t be up to date on balances or other time sensitive information from credit card companies.

She said consumers who don’t pay their bills and get into debt can be sued. If that is ignored, a default judgement against them could occur.

“It’s not uncommon for me to get clients call me and say my bank account just got frozen or I just received wage garnishment notices,” Tayne shared. “That’s a result of ignoring your debt and not paying attention to what’s going on. If you’ve moved over the last several years, it’s really important to keep your address up to date. Again, you can run, but you really can’t hide from your debt.”

She said it is essential to update creditors with new addresses and contact information, so they receive notifications.

Opening the mail and seeing what companies send is a first step to getting out of debt.

Tayne urged people that need help with their debt to reach out to appropriate agencies, corporations, individuals, or attorneys that can help guide them.

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