If you find you're having to deal with creditors who are harassing you because you're behind on your payments, there are several strategies for dealing with them. The most drastic, of course, is to file for bankruptcy, either a Chapter Seven liquidation or Chapter 13 repayment plan. Once you file, creditors are formally notified you are in bankruptcy, and collection immediately ceases until your case has been discharged. However, bankruptcy can have serious, long-term consequences, so it shouldn't be undertaken lightly. Short of filing for bankruptcy, you might want to consider some other options to get creditors off your back. First, pay your bills. If you're having financial difficulties, you may want to negotiate with your creditors for more time or other eased terms. Under federal law, bill collectors can't threaten you or invade your privacy. Even if you owe them money, you can demand that they stop phoning or writing you without having to file bankruptcy. For information or help in dealing with creditor harassment, contact a financial adviser or an attorney.
