Stop Debt Collector Harassment Today
Get Back to Your Life!Being in debt can be extremely stressful for most people, especially when there seems to be no way to repay what is owed. You know you owe creditors money and are well aware that you are behind on payments, but you just can’t do enough to get back on track.
Sound familiar?
What’s even worse is when creditors harass and embarrass debtors, and use a variety of cunning tactics to try and collect payments. This happens a lot, and it makes the situation even more stressful. I’ve had clients who find it traumatic to answer the phone or check their mail.
I am also aware that sometimes the tactics debt collectors use aren’t even legal. For instance, in terms of the law, debt collectors may not:
- Contact you at unreasonable times (before 8 in the morning and after 9 at night.)
- Call without identifying themselves as debt collectors.
- Use obscene language or threaten to use violence if you don’t pay.
- Claim to be attorneys unless they are.
- Claim that you will go to jail if you don’t pay.
- Claim that they have the right to seize your property.
- Send you documents that look like legal documents but aren’t.
- Add fees, charges, and interest that isn’t authorized.
- Contact any third party in connection with your debts except for your attorney, your spouse, the creditor, or a credit-reporting bureau, unless they are looking for information that relates to your whereabouts.
You have a right to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTA) that oversees collection agencies or sue a debt collector for consistent abusive behavior. But this doesn’t minimize the stress that constant harassment causes, particularly when you have very real debts that you cannot handle.
This is when it’s good to know that bankruptcy can put an instant stop to debt collection and harassment.
How Filing for Bankruptcy Stops Stressful Harassment
When debtors opt for bankruptcy there are two options, a Chapter 7 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, both of which result in an automatic stay that prevents creditors from taking any further action against you. Even if they have started the process to repossess your car, foreclose on your home, or apply for the garnishment of your wages, they cannot continue with the action they initiated. Additionally, they have to stop collection calls and letters of demand whether in the form of snail-mail or emails.
Once a bankruptcy attorney like me has filed for bankruptcy on your behalf, creditors and debt collectors may not make any further attempts to collect payment.
Of course, filing for bankruptcy doesn’t only stop harassment, it also:- Stops house foreclosures
- Prevents repossession of cars and other items bought on credit
- Stops the wage garnishment process
- Prevents utility services being disconnected
The Benefit of Filing for Bankruptcy to Stop Debt Collection
One of the reasons many people refuse to file for bankruptcy is because they are afraid that it will wreck their credit score. But while it certainly will affect your score, if you don’t take decisive action, the longer your debts remain unpaid, the more damage there will be to your credit long term.
Of course, the other great reason to file for bankruptcy is to stop the harassment and embarrassment that goes with debt. There is no doubt that many creditors can be relentless, and they won’t stop at anything to get paid. But you don’t need to be subjected to this kind of behavior. You can file for bankruptcy right now and stop any debt collection and the harassment that so often goes with it.
If you live in Georgia and want to stop debt collection and the accompanying harassment, contact The SJK Law Firm. One of my experienced team members will get the process started immediately.