I Filed for Bankruptcy and Creditors Are Still Calling – What Do I Do?

Bankruptcy is meant to give people a clean slate and remove the stresses of debt—including frequent and harassing calls and letters from creditors. After filing for bankruptcy, this should stop. However, in some cases, creditors and debt collectors keep making contact. Why does this happen, and what can you do? Our law firm in Edmonds has the answers.

Typically, the reason why you continue hearing from collectors after filing for bankruptcy is that the court’s notice has not been fully processed yet. Even in today’s fast-paced world, legal processes can sometimes be slow like this. Once the creditors are informed about the filing, all contact from them should stop. In atypical cases, unscrupulous debt collectors may keep calling or mailing you after filing because they hope to squeeze payment out of you anyway.

Know Your Rights

Make sure you know your rights; it is illegal for creditors to continue collection attempts after you file for bankruptcy. If they persist, you can pursue legal action against them. Depending on the situation, they may be forced to pay your law firm fees and provide other monetary compensation to you.

Here is what you should do if a debt collector contacts you post-filing:

1. Inform Them That You Have Filed for Bankruptcy

2. Give Them Your Case Number and Filing Date

3. Record the Creditor’s Name, Date and Time of Contact, and Name or Employee Number of the Person with Whom You Spoke

Contact your law firm to learn more about further actions you can take if collection contact continues.