Contact from creditors is just one of the many consequences of overwhelming debt. You know that when you fall behind on your payments, it is normal to receive phone calls and deal with bills and late notices that come in the mail, but there are limits to what creditors can do. Even when in debt, you do not have to put up with certain types of harassing behaviors from debt collectors.
When Ohio creditors step over the line, you do not have to put up with it. In fact, you can move to protect yourself against illegal treatment. Additionally, you may find that by filing bankruptcy, you have a viable way to deal with your debt, also effectively silencing creditors in the process.
What can creditors do?
Creditors do have the right to pursue payment on an overdue account or balance. Creditors may call, send bills, and employ other reasonable ways of contact, even sending texts, but there are limits. Often, these methods escalate in severity and frequency over time. Debt collectors may do their jobs, but they may not violate your rights.
Examples of creditor harassment
You may be unsure if what you are experiencing qualifies as creditor harassment. Examples of behaviors commonly demonstrated by creditors and debt collectors that go over the line include the following:
- Calling you before 8 in the morning or late at night
- Contacting you at work after you tell them you cannot take those types of calls
- Threatening you with financial or physical harm
- Deceiving you or acting like someone else in order to get you on the phone
- Using rude or profane language
- Misrepresenting what you owe or the nature of the debt
- Calling you over and over in order to annoy you
These are just some of the ways that debt collectors may infringe upon your personal rights. These are annoying, disruptive, and can be traumatic for your family, but there are ways you can make it stop.
A permanent solution to creditor harassment
Filing for bankruptcy is more than just a way to deal with debt. By filing, you will enact the automatic stay, which halts all creditor contact immediately. However, if you believe that you are the victim of illegal or harassing collection practices, you would be wise to speak with a legal professional regarding your options.
Bankruptcy may not be your first choice, but it could be the most feasible way by which you can deal with most debts in an effective, permanent way, securing a future that is free from contact with creditors.