Stimulus checks are now getting into the hands of Americans, but as of now, private debt collectors could garnish up to $1,400 dollars for unpaid medical and credit card bills.

If anyone is in this situation, a local financial advisor of Apprisen, Victor Russell, said the debt collecting company needs to take it to court first in order to take your stimulus money.

To find out if you're in the clear, you can access a free credit report and make sure there's no court order, known as a judgment, made against you by a debt collecting company.

If you find there is a judgment against you, you can contact a financial advisor who can provide you with legal assistance to address the problem. Russell recommends CommunityLegalAid.org

As it stands, stimulus payments are protected from outstanding federal debts, like student loans or tax debt.