How would a creditor/lawyer find out where you bank or work? I have since changed banks and jobs since I've had a voluntary repo-August 2002. (I know, silly of me to think I didn't owe the remainder of the payments.) In December, I filed a motion/order to show cause to vacate the judgment due to improper service. The lawyer then sent an affirmation in opposition and I answered that.

In between all of this, the lawyer then wanted to settle out of court so it raised a red flag and made me realize that I do not owe even half of what they are saying.

I was told it would take another 2 months for there to be either a decision or a hearing/conference. In the meantime, on January 15th there was a "motion returnable" but the clerk was not allowed to tell me what it was or who it was from.

I'm just afraid that the lawyer might try something to freeze my bank account in the meantime, BEFORE there is a decision or hearing. Can they do that? And how do they find out where you bank or are employed if at all??

Thanks very much to all of you! This is an excellent site. It is very helpful in many areas.

There are several ways they can find you job or bank.

No they can't touch your assets until they get a judgement.

Just curious as to how they find out where you bank and work. Thanks very much!

Credit bureaus, PIs, private databases, etc.

Your employment and banking information is readily available on your credit reports they are readily available to any and all creditors and collections agencies. If you haven't pulled your free copies this year, I suggest you do so... if nothing else to see what information is available to any would be collectors.

Use www.annualcreditreport.com as other sites are not part of the legally mandated free report program Your Access to Free Credit Reports (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.shtm)

Several ways first if they take you to court to get a judgement they may file a request for information and merely ask you.

Next where you work shows up normally on your credit report, and anytime you open a new bank account they run a credit check, so that will show up as someone doing a credit check.
There are also pay services ( data bases) that provide utility services and other info a PI often uses.

Hi everyone. Thanks so much ScottGem, LadyB, and Fr_Chuck! You're all always very helpful (with other areas as well that I do not post/answer, I just read.)

Lady B, Thank you very much. I had trouble getting my own credit report. Back in 2002, 911 changed the address to where I was living at that time and I thought that any mail to the old address was forwarded or they were informed of the new address. I think that's where the problem originally occurred. Either way, thanks for the info. I will use the site you provided.

All in all, I believe I'm going to settle with the case (so long as Toyota and my records match). I'm still waiting for a court date from when I filed a motion to vacate. In the meantime, I figure I can still work on it and possible settle. The lawyer said they would at least vacate the judgment as long as we agree. I don't run from it even though it stinks!
Thanks again all and happy holidays to you!