A lien needs a lawsuit first. Then a judgment. Then a filing. You would be notified at every step. A billing desk cannot do any of that; it can only say it. A collector threatening what it cannot or will not do is breaking federal law. Write down who said it, the date, and the exact words. Then ask them to put it in writing. Actually served with court papers? That is the day for a lawyer or legal aid. Not before. Not never.
Got the letter with the threat in it? Upload it. This checks what they sent and writes the response.
Check your bill — freeThe check is free. The letter is the paid part: you print and mail it yourself, or we send it by certified mail for you. No account needed to start.
This is the general rule, in plain words. BillFighter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. If you have been served with court papers, that is the day for a lawyer or legal aid.