"Can Debt Collectors Call Your Family" Discussion

Upsolve Community Member
they aren't supposed to call your work, but it's only if you're not allowed to receive calls there 

Upsolve Community Member
https://upsolve.org/learn/when-can-debt-collectors-call/

Upsolve Community Member
It depends, Isaiah shared a great article that explains the rules under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act! 

Upsolve Community Member
This sounds stressful, Athena. https://help.upsolve.org/hc/en-us/articles/360019367693-How-does-bankruptcy-work-if-I-m-retired- Does this help? 

Upsolve Community Member
You might want to consider your different options for dealing with the debt- some options include debt consolidation, negotiating with the creditors, and filing for bankruptcy. You can learn more here if you want :) https://upsolve.org/learn/debt-consolidation-vs-bankruptcy/

Upsolve Community Member
After you file they can't call you anymore. I decided to file bankruptcy because they were calling so many times every day and I still couldn't pay them

Upsolve Community Member
Hi Joseph, Good question. Here is an article to help you out: https://upsolve.org/learn/do-not-remember-creditors-owed-chapter-seven-bankruptcy/

Upsolve Community Member
Another way that information is to get a current copy of your credit report. https://upsolve.org/learn/get-your-free-credit-report/ Please reach out with any other questions.

Upsolve Community Member
Erin's links will be helpful. Looking at your credit report is an easy way to get the amounts you need. You can also contact the lender or collection agency and ask what is the total amount due. (Personally, I'd keep the conversation short and to the point and not engage in small talk or answer unnecessary questions.) If a creditor files a claim, they'll have to provide updated information. If you do call, be sure to take a look at the Upsolve article https://upsolve.org/learn/debt-collector-scams/ before you call, and review debt collection protections in the article https://upsolve.org/learn/fdcpa// But the links Erin posted will be the most helpful to you I think!

Upsolve Community Member
All of the https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ available on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB's) site is really helpful. Definitely check it out! 

Upsolve Community Member
That's of course not to say that the Upsolve Learning Center (https://upsolve.org/learn) shouldn't be your first stop for helpful information😉

Upsolve Community Member
Heads up fellow Upsolvers! After reading the article, the contact has to be via DM, they need to identify themselves and other rules --- so READ IT because, thanks to Andrea's briefing, apparently we are "fair game" on social media ---- which includes FACEBOOK ---- which underscores the importance of this COMMUNITY within the safe confines of Upsolve! :-). 

Upsolve Community Member
Such a good point, Mark!! 

Upsolve Community Member
Hi Patrice, thanks so much for your question! Generally speaking, debt collectors are not allowed to sue someone for the debt discharged in bankruptcy. Our team created an article that might help you learn more! You can read it here: https://upsolve.org/learn/debt-collection-after-discharge/

Upsolve Community Member
Even if you don't have your discharge yet, the automatic stay will prevent creditors from filing a new lawsuit. This article has more: https://upsolve.org/learn/the-automatic-stay/

Upsolve Community Member
Once bankruptcy is filed there is an automatic stay that prevents creditor from trying to collect / harass you