What Happens If You Ignore Debt Collectors?
Ignoring debt collectors does not make the debt disappear. If you do not respond, the creditor may proceed to legal action, obtain judgment, and enforce it through measures such as a garnishee order on your salary or repossession of assets. Engaging early — verifying the debt and seeking help — generally gives you more options and can prevent the matter from escalating.
Key Points
- Ignoring collectors does not erase the debt.
- Unresolved debts can lead to judgment and enforcement.
- Engaging early preserves more options.
- Verify the debt and seek help promptly.
This article provides general consumer information and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances differ. If legal proceedings have already started, obtain advice relevant to your specific circumstances.
Why ignoring makes things worse
If you do not respond to collection demands, the creditor may conclude that you will not pay voluntarily and proceed to legal action. Once a judgment is obtained, enforcement steps such as salary deductions and asset attachment become possible, and your options narrow significantly.
Ignoring the problem also allows interest and collection costs to accumulate, increasing the total amount owed.
The better approach
When contacted, request written details of the debt and verify that it is yours and that the amount is correct. If the debt is unaffordable, consider a financial assessment to determine whether debt review is appropriate. If you are already under debt review, refer the collector to your debt counsellor.
Engaging does not mean you must pay immediately — it means you take control of the situation before it escalates.
Special case: prescribed debt
The one situation where you should be careful about engaging is old, dormant debt that may have prescribed. Acknowledging a prescribed debt can revive the creditor's rights. If you are contacted about a very old debt, check whether it has prescribed before responding.
For recent, active debts, however, engaging early is almost always the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Worried That Your Debt Has Become Unaffordable?
Debt Guidance can assess your income, essential expenses and debt commitments to determine whether debt review may be appropriate.
Reviewed by Carolina Guevara Harris
Registered Debt Counsellor · NCRDC3152
Last updated: 17 September 2025
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