Will an account freeze keep the wolves away temporarily?

So did you put your account on "deposit only" status? That would be the best thing until you can close it. As to what you can expect next, it depends on the companies you're dealing with. I'm sure there's more qualified people here than I who can explain the legal aspects of it all, but if my experience is anything to go by (PDL's are prohibited here in MD), you'll get pesty phone calls and e-mails. Some of them will try scare tactics, like, "we're coming to get you," that sort of thing; I had one company use this line on me, even though they're based in India! Then they said they were going to take me to the British courts! Just "hang tough!"

Pachacutec is exactly right, they will try tricks. Some will eventually sell you to a third party collector. Make sure you tell your payroll not to honor any "wage assignments" that may come through. You nmust send out letters to the payday loan companies revoking any that you may have agreed to. Cash Transfer Centers wil get that out immediately if you have them as one of your loans.