What are my legal rights against creditors who harass me in attempts to collect a debt?
• Filing a bankruptcy petition in the California Bankruptcy Court stops all collection efforts by creditors. However, if creditors are harassing you, before your decision to file for bankruptcy relief is finalized, you have the following options: • Write a cease & desist letter. If explaining the situation doesn’t stop collection efforts, the simplest way to stop contacts is to write the collector a cease & desist letter. Federal Law requires collection agencies to stop contacts with you after they receive a written request to stop. It’s a good idea to include in the letter why you can’t pay right now and what your expectations are for the future, though this is not necessary. You should also note in the letter any billing errors and/or abusive tactics debt collectors have used in their contacts with you. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records. • Complain about billing errors. Collection letters are sometimes wrong. If a letter contains a mistake, you should write and re
