I work for a department store that has a credit card. I have fallen behind on my payments. This week, when I received my paycheck, there was $177 taken out for garnishment. I had no idea this was happening, was never notified, and as far as I know was never taken to court over it. Is this legal?:(

If this card is from the same store where you worked, it is slightly possible, but unlikely you signed something when you got the card that said they could do that.

The company is required to show you proof of the legal obligation and legal action that allowed them to deduct money from your check.
** they have to show you a paper you signed or a court order.

To get a court order they had to have gotten a judgement at some time in the past. And you should have been notified, So ask to see what allowed them to do this.

Some states have differing laws concerning debtors. In KY it's fairly easy for a debtor to get a garnishment... and no... they do not have to notify you in advance. I'm not sure why... but have seen it happen. The person I know who had this done was in fact notified by his employer ahead of time to be nice. The person had no real recourse.