Do you have to inform your creditors

For my part, I think I'd let them find out the hard way, unless you're wanting to use filing BK as a bargaining chip with them. They're not generally shy about blindsiding you.

Thanks, I'll go with your way. I just can't stand the calls

For the calls, send them a 'partial cease-and-desist' letter. Just write that you're revoking their right to ring your phone, and that all communications will have to be by mail from now on. Just make certain you leave them the out to mail you letters. If you cut them off completely, they'll sue, sure as the sun comes up in the morning.

One in particular keeps calling, I am already paying them monthly, but recently they are insisting they never got the payment and that they will start searching my assets.

How are you making the payments?

with a prepaid card, I have receipts.

Not sure how the pre-paid cards work but if the pre-paid cards do not show who you paid and when you paid them maybe your best bet would be to get money orders and send payment that way and even mail it certfied return receipt. That way there will be no question. It sounds like this creditor is either not very organized or is trying to pull one over on you. Get everything in writing with these guys.

Money orders actually are useless...unless you a copy of of the paid draft from the money order company that it was cashed and they can take up to 6 weeks to get. A money order receipt is no proof of payment.....money orders can be turned in to be cashed at any time by the person who purchased it.

I would assume that a prepaid credit card has an online log or statement like any credit card...I would say that is very good proof. .

Start searching your assets?

I might be confused; however, I would think they would have to sue you in court, and more importantly win, in order to even get to the point of "searching your assets." Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

If you have online bill-pay with your bank, you can pay them through that. If the payment goes out as a paper check, you would then be able to print out a copy of the front and back of the check once it's cleared. You also don't have to worry about them getting your banking information either, since the checks have a completely different routing/transit number and account number printed on it; not your actual banking information. It's easier and cheaper than buying money orders or cashier's checks.

Since you are filing BK, though, it's not really an issue as your attorney will be dealing with the creditors for you.

Thanks for everyone's advice. That's what I thought, how can they search my assets if they don't have any judgment. Just concerned about this and thinking the worst, which is, what if I'm not able to file chapter 7, but according to all the info I have read online, it seems that I am. I won't be filing with the help of an attorney, I am going to get help with this through legal aid.

"Searching assets" is a meaningless collection term bordering on an fdcpa violation. Basically most collectors only have access to a credit report so they might be able to see if you own a home or car but since they do not have the ability to sue, the information really does nothing. It is just a threat.