Question


Cierra

Jail for not paying a payday loan?

I had steady been taking out a payday loan for almost a year. I ALWAYS paid it back on time and most of the time early. it was a visciuous cycle that I could not seem to get away from. Well when I lost my job I didn't pay back the loan and the check i wrote bounced. this was about two months ago and nothing really happened except yesterday the payday loan lady knocked on my door. I didn't answer. I really need to know If I can go to jail for this? I have a one month old child and a four year old and I am worried sick over this? Does anyone know from experience, thats who i'd like to hear from. Thanks a lot!

1 month ago - 7 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

No, you will not go to jail. Some payday lenders will call and threaten that they are sending over the police or other authority if you do not hand over a credit card # or come and pay them by the end of the day..but, they are full of hot air. They will report you to ChexSystem or whatever bad check registry they belong to which will make it impossible for you to write checks for purchases and may even jeopardize your ability to have a bank account. They will probably visit you again in person and you can choose to not answer the door, but the problem isn't going to evaporate because you don't talk to them. What it will do is escalate to the point of them sending your account to collections and if that doesn't work, they will sue you eventually and garnish any wages you earn or freeze your bank account when you do get a job again. A judgment will also appear on your credit report and kill your chances of getting loans etc until you pay it off.

by My Take on It

1 month ago

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Other Answers

Jail? doubt it. Suggest you call them and tell them you lost your job and right now have no way of getting it paid back. Tell them you are looking for work and to give you an extension to get things worked out. You need to have family help you right now. You must be getting help from your husband? Father of the child? parents? brothers? sisters? anyone???

by thunder2sys- 1 month ago

No jail, just bad credit. They were not forced to give you money, you didn't rob them. Your credit will be to pieces and they will hound you I assume but that's about it.

by charx2- 1 month ago

For one bounced check and not paying back a loan, you'll get into trouble, but going jail I don't think so. Your best bet is talk to them, avoiding them just makes this whole much worst! You really need to take care of that check some how or another. Do not play games with this matter, and do not bounce any more checks because then you could end up in jail, it has happen to people. Call this payday place and explain to them what is going on and work something out with them. We all have rough times in life but you need to face them and work it out. Avoiding things is not good and the worst thing you can do.

by Christopher- 1 month ago

call the DA in your area and see what their policy is on bad checks. You should get an idea of what to expect. I think they have to prove that you intended to write a bad check in order to prosecute for theft by check. It doesn't sound like you did. I doubt the DA would waste their time. Just call them and find out. Your credit will take a hit though.

by timothy p- 1 month ago

Honestly its probably not best and it can be a lot of interest payments. But sometimes its the only choice. Best of luck.

by Elisabeth D- 1 month ago

no jail, but the longer you ignore it the more your interest will add up, and those loans have humungo interest rates, often like 300%!! you need to call them and work something out, otherwise they can sue you for some insane amount.

by I gotz that wicked clown love- 1 month ago