Can Garnish My Bank Account in PA?
Sponsored by Pittsburgh PA Consumer Attorney Greg Artim
This is the second most asked question that I get at my office. The answer is YES, but only if they have obtained a judgment against you in a court of law.
A collection agency cannot garnish your bank account without having filed a lawsuit against you, and without actually obtaining a final judgment, even though they may threaten to do so. They must file the lawsuit, win a judgment, and then hope that you do not appeal before they can begin any execution proceedings against your bank accounts or other assets.
Think about it, if they could garnish your account, wouldn't they do it immediately? A garnishment is a sure fire way of obtaining funds, if funds are available. Why would the Collection Agency make such a threat? They wouldn't, they would just garnish your account.
Contact our office at 412-823-8003 or toll free at 1-888-536-6644 for a free telephone consultation if you are being sued by a Collection Agency.