Frozen Account > Unpaid Rent. Is it legal?

I am a single mother who has just lost her job. I also have some debts that I have been unable to pay. I tried to make arrangements with the collection agency to make payments, but they refused to work with me. They wanted a $1200 payment, which I didn't have. I had a basic checking account in which my last check went into to pay my rent. I found out that the collection company put a freeze on my account, which has left me with unpaid rent, a late charge and not a penny of cash to my name. They also froze my debit card. The account only had $378 in it. Is this legal.

They normally had to sue you first. Was there a case you lost or did not attend?

See also http://www.worldlawdirect.com/article/935 -- Collecting on a court judgment. --

There was no court action that I know of. I spoke with some guy from a collection trying to make arrangements, but he was so nasty you could't talk to him.

Ask the bank by what order they froze the account or took funds.

See also:

http://www.worldlawdirect.com/article/935 -- Collecting on a court judgment.