Hi, certain states have protections in place such as California and for Federal student loans. You may Google this article:

Which States Are Protecting Citizens From Wage Garnishment?

Hi there, thanks so much for replying! I did Google it and found some great info. Now I  have a starting point to resolve this. You're the best!

Hi,, I know they can do it,, I live in NJ.com and I did receive paperwork about they were gonna garnish my wages,, I just didn’t do anything,, I did not go to court on the date,, I was supposed to go,, and that’s when they got the court order to garnish my paycheck, well they won, in court because I DID NOT SHOW UP,, and they took $50.00 per week out until it was paid off,, I really didn’t think they would go to that extent,, but they did,, got the money I owed,, plus a lot more,, court fees and lawyer fees,, in the end ,,, yes I got screwed,, so if nothing else,, go to court,, then maybe, depending on your story,, it will be your word against theirs,, whoever is the better talker,, good Luck and don’t do what I did,,

Do they have a judgement against you? If they do not then they would have to sue you for the debt which then you would go to court and be found guilty of the debt, then a judgement would be issued and then they can garnish your wages to collect on that judgement.