How a Debt Collector Can Find a Personal Bank Account

Debt collectors have several ways to collect judgments on debt within their agency. If a debtor refuses to pay the collection agency voluntarily, the debt collector will have to find other ways to collect the debt. The debt collector may access the debtor's bank account to get money to pay the original debt.

Getting a Judgment

Collection agencies cannot file for property liens, take money out of a debtor's bank account or garnish wages without a court-ordered judgment against the debtor. If the debtor does not voluntarily pay the judgment, the collection agency can seize the debtor's assets, which includes bank accounts and wages.

Bank Account Levy

To levy a debtor's bank account, the creditor or collection agency must first locate the debtor's bank account. After the bank account is located, the agency must ask the local sheriff to seize the money in that account. A collection agency cannot take money from an account on their own, only a sheriff can ask to turn over money in a bank account.

Court Examination

If a debt collector or collection agency takes a debtor to court, the creditor can question the debtor under oath about the location of their accounts. The information can then be used by the debt collector to levy the account for money owed.

Public Records

Divorces, evictions and bankruptcies are part of the public record. A collection agency may research these records to see what financial institutions have been used by the debtor. The collection agency can use any of this information to levy accounts and get money owed.

Checks, Creditor Records and Subpoenas

Checks contain the name of the bank, the routing and account numbers and can used to levy accounts. If a debtor has paid on the bill once with a personal check, the collection agency will then have this information on record. A collection agency may also subpoena banks and other creditors in an attempt to obtain the name of the bank of the debtor. Credit applications often ask for bank account information, which the debt collector can use to get money from the debtor.