This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
How to Spot a Debt Collection Scam (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on your rights relating to debt collectors and how to avoid scammers. (2019)
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Repossessions
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
Creditor Harassment and Dealing With Debt Collectors
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on creditor harassment and dealing with debt collectors, what they are allowed to do and what they aren't allowed to do.
Debt Collection Practices
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on debt collection practices used against consumers.
Debt Collection Remedies for Consumers (Audio-MP3)
Episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 6/21/2008. Vince Brocki, Northwestern Legal Services Resource Developer interviews Andrea Amicangelo, Esq., NWLS Staff Attorney regarding remedies consumers have regarding debt collection efforts, an explanation of secured vs. unsecured debts, how a credit counselor can help, and info on filing bankruptcy. (22:05)
Defending an Action at the District Justice Office
Informational brochure from MidPenn Legal Services outlining the procedure in defending an action at district justice court in central Pennsylvania.
Defending Yourself Against a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit in Montgomery Court of Common Pleas
Information on how to prepare an Answer when you receive a Complaint filed against you to collect on a credit card debt in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County.
How to Appeal From District Justice Court
Self-Help Booklet from MidPenn Legal Services which provides information on how to appeal a district justice court decision.
Magisterial District Courts
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the operation of Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
Overwhelmed by Debts?
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for consumers with debt.
Repossessions
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
Sheriff Sales
Informational Brochure from MidPenn Legal Services on the Sheriff Sale process for collecting debts after a successful lawsuit.
The District Justice Hearing: North Penn Legal Services Landlord - Tenant Video Workshop
This video workshop from North Penn Legal Services features a typical hearing before a magisterial district Judge in a landlord-tenant case, followed by a panel discussion featuring several judges describing some best practices for you to use at your hearing, as well as some things to avoid. The process in the video is typical of any civil case brought before a magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania.
Surviving Debt
Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble is NCLC's bestselling guide for consumers. A leading resource for over 30 years, and recently named "the best all around guide to navigating debt" by Business Insider, this updated 2025 edition of Surviving Debt provides precise, practical, and hard-hitting advice from the nation’s consumer law experts on how to deal with crushing debt affecting millions of Americans.
Consumer Alert: What Pennsylvanians Need to Know about the New Debt Collection Regulations Set to Take Effect 11/30/21
The first comprehensive federal debt collection regulations interpreting the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) take effect November 30, 2021. With the new regulations set to take effect in the coming days, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, through this Consumer Alert, is encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn their legal rights when it comes to debt collection, and to carefully examine the conduct of debt collectors to make sure they are acting in compliance with federal and state laws.
Dealing with Debt Collectors (Video)
If you are behind in paying your bills, you can expect to hear from a debt collector. A debt collector is someone, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to someone else. In this video from the Federal Trade Commission learn your rights when dealing with a debt collector. (2009)
Five tips for when you can’t pay your bills (Video)
Information on tools that can help you evaluate your finances and make decisions about your budget. (2020)
Helping Clients Explore Their Personal Finance Rights (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers this prerecorded webinar, in four short modules, to help consumers know their rights and call out potential violations. (2022) The modules include: Module 1: Consumer Rights [18:21]; Module 2: Credit and Housing Rights [16:14]; Module 3: Financial Products and Identify Theft Rights [15:59]; and Module 4: How to Submit a Complaint or Tell your Story [10:06]
How to Spot a Debt Collection Scam (Video)
This video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on your rights relating to debt collectors and how to avoid scammers. (2019)
How to Start Saving for your Goals (Video)
This video provides information on how you can learn to start saving for your goals.
What is the best way to negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? (Video)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers tips on what to do when you are contacted by a debt collector seeking payment. (2019)
Debt Defense Videos
The National Association of Consumer Advocates has created a series of debt defense videos that give advice on how to handle interactions with debt collectors and other debt issues.