Stopped paying bills. What to say to the vulures when they call?

[CCsAreEvil]

Well, once I officially filed, I gave them my attorney's info. After that, they stopped calling. Sometimes, they'll try asking for a case #, but tell them you don't know. They can just call the attorney for that info.

[flyinbroke]

Here is what I did: the second I decided to stop paying, I went to T-Mobile. I bought a 15 dollar prepaid phone. I recorded my VM to state my name and number and to leave a message. I also immediately went to the CC websites and changed my phone numbers to this number only. I did take the first couple of calls, but they will get combative (GE Money) or "forget" the conversation (BoA) and try to badger you for an immediate payment, so I stopped talking to anyone. I shut the ringer off, and I don't bother with anyone who comes in "no number" or "private call" or whatever blocked mechanism is in place. I just got my first CA letter, so I can get one out of my hair with a DV/C&D letter.

Talking to them is pointless. I did that so they would know they had the right number. My VM clearly states that, so there is no point in chatting...unless you can change the subject to fly fishing or whether the bikini baristas in Seattle are breaking laws.

[Dannmcg357]

I have read posts from people on here having bad experiences with their vehicle getting repod and the repo company wanting a big fee to get personal belongins back. So yes, if a car note is one of the bills your not paying, get your personals out of the vehicle. If you want to stave of a repo, park it in a garage or a friends house. I hid mine at work untill I filed, pretty sure I was followed to and from work a couple of times from someone but I could have just been paranoid. (I kept the truck I was keeping current and drive it)
Good luck, that was the second big step for me, stop paying creditors. The first being the decision to file. Very very liberating and scary and guilt ridden all at the same time. But I am rambling so I will shut up now.

Oh one more thing, tell them to go pound sand!

[frogger]

An answering machine or voice mail with your correct name and phone number is your best friend.

[uncrunner]

I have yet to file BK Chap 7 but probably will when I settle my separation. I have been told to stop paying. Even though I haven't filed should I still not tell them anything and send a letter? Much appreciated by the way.

[tigergem]

Don't talk to creditors. When they call you can identify yourself so they know they have the correct person. You can send them a cease and desist letter so they don't call your work or your friends and neighbors. Beyond that, if you give them any additional information, they will use it against you or accelerate the collection process. So just don't offer them anything by way of informing them of your intentions.

[uncrunner]

Hello again and I can't tell you how glad I am I found this place!

I need help from you all that have stopped paying mortgage, cc's, and car payments? When they start burning up my phone wire what should you say to them? Anything? Should I take all my possesions out of my car in case they do a late night repo? I have just stopped paying my bills so, yes, I am a bigtime newbie on the boards. Any advice would be great.