Introduction: When the Collection Pressure Never Ends
The phone won’t stop ringing. Letters pile up. Maybe a lawsuit has already been filed, or your wages are being garnished. For many Minnesotans, this constant pressure from debt collectors feels impossible to escape.
Here’s the truth: Bankruptcy in Minnesota can stop all collection activity immediately. And if collectors cross the line into illegal harassment, powerful consumer protection laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) give you the right to fight back.
How Collection Activity Overwhelms Minnesota Consumers
Debt collection takes many forms:
Phone calls and letters demanding payment.
Lawsuits filed in Minnesota courts.
Wage garnishments taking up to 25% of your paycheck.
Bank levies that freeze or drain your accounts.
Even if each act is technically “legal,” the non-stop pressure can be overwhelming.
Bankruptcy: The Fastest Way to Stop All Collection Activity
When you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court issues an automatic stay, a legal order that instantly freezes all collection efforts.
That means:
No more calls, letters, or emails.
Lawsuits stop in their tracks.
Garnishments end immediately.
Bank levies are lifted.
Repossessions and foreclosures are halted.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Stops collections right away.
Wipes out most unsecured debts like credit cards, payday loans, and medical bills in about 3–4 months.
Provides a clean slate so collectors can’t chase you again.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Stops collections immediately.
Wraps debts into a 3–5-year repayment plan.
Protects your home, car, and wages while giving you time to reorganize.
No matter which chapter fits your situation, bankruptcy is the surest way to end non-stop collection activity.
When Collection Crosses the Line Into Harassment
Not all collection activity is legal. The FDCPA makes it illegal for debt collectors to:
Communicate with your family, friends, and co-workers
Collect debts or amounts that you don’t actually owe
Contact you at work.
Use threats, profanity, or intimidation.
Threaten actions they cannot legally take (like arrest or jail).
If a collector does any of these things, they’re not just bothering you, they’re breaking the law.
Bankruptcy + FDCPA: Double Protection for Minnesota Consumers
Think of it in two layers:
Bankruptcy stops the noise. Once you file, all collectors must immediately stop calling, suing, garnishing, or writing you.
FDCPA stops the harassment. If collectors illegally harass you before or after bankruptcy, you can sue them for damages, fees, and costs.
Together, bankruptcy and FDCPA give you both relief from the stress and recourse if collectors break the rules.
Common Myths About Collection and Bankruptcy
“Collectors will still find a way to contact me.” – False. Once you file, continued contact is illegal.
“I’ll lose everything if I file.” – False. Most Minnesotans keep their homes, cars, and essentials.
“Bankruptcy ruins credit forever.” – False. Many people see their credit scores start to improve within 12–24 months.
“Only irresponsible people file bankruptcy.” – False. Bankruptcy laws exist to help honest people in tough situations.
Conclusion: End the Stress, Protect Your Rights
If you’re facing non-stop collection activity in Minnesota, calls, letters, lawsuits, garnishments, you don’t have to endure it. Bankruptcy stops it all immediately. And if collectors cross the line into harassment, the FDCPA lets you fight back.
In Minnesota and ready to talk about stopping the collection harassment once and for all?
Schedule a free consult with bankruptcy lawyer Todd Murray.
Since 2009, Todd has helped hundreds of Minnesotans get out of debt. His work has saved his clients millions of dollars (and many sleepless nights) in the process. Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.