Creditors calling what do I tell them?

[janie]

My payments were due Nov 1st and they started calling today. I haven't picked up the phone, haven't filed, just turned in my packet of paperwork. What do I say at this point if I answer? I would rather deal with them at home than having them call my work!
Don't mention the BK until filed?

[backtoschool]

Do a search for "google voice" and download a free google app that will allow you to send all your calls to a free, new number and screen them. This way, you won't have to deal with the calls, and soon they will stop as the automatic stay goes into effect.

[free2breathe]

I wouldn't mention bk until you have a case number and can refer them to your attorney. You could do like so many of the rest of us have done and just don't answer the phone. This is where caller id comes in handy.

The other option is to answer, tell them you are unable to pay at this time, but you should know more in 30 days. Yet another option, if you want to go to the trouble, is to send a letter to each of them requesting that they do not contact you by phone. Many ways to handle this uncomfortable time period between stopping paying and actually filing...it just depends on what feels best to you.

[kartoons19]

When the calls started for me, which was after only being 4 days late, I tried to explain my situation. I had never been late in my life, but lost my job, etc. etc. While they were nice, they just kept asking me when can I pay. I found these conversations to be a waste of time, especially as it didn't stop them from calling, so I put my ringer on silent for four months. Once I retained an attorney, I gave the creditors her contract info. Within a few days, the calls stopped, and I had 9 creditors. I filed bk a month later. Some recommend not telling the creditors your filing because they may rush to file suit, but that wasn't my experience. If you are filing soon and working with an attorney, I would just give them your attorney's information. Otherwise silence the ringer or look into Google Voice. Good luck to you.

[lunasgal]

Don't answer any number you don't know... If you tell them you are filing they will then call you nonstop hoping to get a settlement agreed.. Thats what many of my credit card's did to me.. The work number thing sucked for me when I was working before I got laid off.. I just turned my work phone to silent and screened the calls that way..When they get notification of your filed BK they will stop calling immed..

The mortgage though if you have one might be a different story? I have read you want to stay in contact when them..

[janie]

I really appreciate the advice given here! It was embarrassing today when the calls began. My 8 yr old granddaughter was here and I told her not to answer the calls. She read the Caller ID everytime saying it was "Credit Card Services". I told her it was just telemarketers trying to sell me something. She asked if I wanted her to pick up the phone and just say "NO!" and hang up. I hope she doesn't go home & tell her parents about it. If I ever make it though this BK with a Ch 7, I will never get myself in this situation again!
I went online and removed my work number from the CC sites last week. I doubt that will help.

[BKlooker]

I am in a similar situation. I am about to give my attorney (who i have already retained) my packet sometime this week or early the follow, planning to file the second week of Dec. I have already passed the means test (coming in at -$185/month), so that hurdle is done, just need to go in and have all my schedules, etc. filled out and have my lawyer's paralegals check for anything else that might cause an issue.

He has instructed me to stop paying my creditors (both mortgage and ccs) because i am surrendering them both in my case. I have to stop paying the cc companies in order to finish paying off my lawyer before filing, but i may pay the mortgage this month just to prolong the foreclosure process if i can.

I am scared cause i have never paid a bill late before, always scraped by and cut out on personal care items and food to pay them instead. I am a worrier in general, and i know once the calls start, it will make my anxiety level reach new highs (even though i know i am filing very soon). I am thinking i will just unplug the home phone, because all my family and friends all call my cell anyway, so home phone is just for the sake of having it at this point. The cc companies don't have my work number, so i am not worried there.

Part of me has no problems giving my cc companies the finger, since it would still only be about 30 days late by the time i file on the 2 with the debt (in fact only 25 days late for one of them, if that much), but the other part of me is just...well...stressed. My lawyer assured me that it would be alright and once he gets all my paperwork in, i could refer them to him anytime and that should put a cork in them until we file.....but i am still worried.

God this is hard...i don't know how those of you with children, husbands, etc. have managed the stress...my hats off to you!

[tcreegan]

We told the person, very nicely, that we had nothing at the time, we were having a hard time putting food on the table and paying for medicine. And I would give them a date at which I could do something. The date was just after the BK filing date. They lower their sights and ask for a small payment, maybe $20, and offer to do it over the phone. Repeat, We have nothing, just enough to get food on the table and enough gas in the car to go get our mediciations from the pharmcy. Would you note on the computer that we can't do anything until (date) Can your call back at that time.?

Worked for us...

Tom in Colo

[wipetheslate]

Don't answer any number you don't know... If you tell them you are filing they will then call you nonstop hoping to get a settlement agreed.. Thats what many of my credit card's did to me.. The work number thing sucked for me when I was working before I got laid off.. I just turned my work phone to silent and screened the calls that way..When they get notification of your filed BK they will stop calling immed..

The mortgage though if you have one might be a different story? I have read you want to stay in contact when them..

It's worth saying not to go for a settlement. If you settle outside bankruptcy, you'll owe taxes on the part that was forgiven. Just don't do it.

When they called my work, where I don't have caller ID, I would answer the phone. It was usually really obvious it was a creditor because they use auto-dial (which they're not supposed to) and there would be a pause. If I heard the pause I would immediately hang up.