Going into Anonymity

[zactak]

Hey everyone!

So here's my story. I was planning to file bankruptcy last Tuesday. Last Monday, I ended up getting suspended from my job and on the following Wednesday, I quit. While the reasoning for quitting is a while different topic, I had some questions for everyone.

I currently have three judgments against me. One is satisfied. Another requested a wage garnishment today.. Obviously they're not going to get anything as I have no job. The third requested a transcript judgment. I still have about $21,000 in debt collections. Since I quit my job, I'm moving away from here to another state. I'm going to look for a new job there and save up for bankruptcy. Until the time when I can file bankruptcy, I want to become anonymous to the creditors. My parents think I should open a PO BOX near where I'm moving, but I've heard people can ask for a physical address from the post office and they'll release it. I think I should just not forward my address and move.

Do you all have suggestions on becoming anonymous just for enough time to file for bankruptcy?

[frogger]

So many levels of becoming anonymous, just how deep in the rabbit hole do you want to go? How long before you file bankruptcy? How willing are your parents to help? How willing are you to let your parents take the hits for you?

[Flamingo]

Your creditors can find you anywhere if you work and use your SS# and also file tax returns. Many states can also garnish tax refunds to pay for judgments. Also with wrecked credit you may find it very difficult to get a job especially if you move a lot (big red flag to employers). I would sit down with a BK attorney (most give free consultations) and go over your entire matter before making irrational moves.

[Charlie777]

Moving to another state will complicate filing bankruptcy, there are six month and two year hurdles - you must be a resident for at least six months in the jurisdiction where you file, and you may be restricted to Federal exemptions until you've lived in the state for two years.

If you move to another state it slightly complicates the process of garnishment, because the judgement holders will have to "domesticate" the judgements in your new state.

You can simply send cease communications letters to avoid being called or bothered by mail. But anyone intent on finding you will.

I agree, get a BK consult right away, and do things based on a plan not emotions.

[despritfreya]

you must be a resident for at least six months in the jurisdiction where you file. . ..

The requirement is "the better part of 180 days" which means 91 days not 6 months.

You can simply send cease communications letters to avoid being called or bothered by mail..

While OP states that there is $21k in collection, I just want to remind folks that the FDCPA does not apply to the original creditor. . .

15 USC 1692(a). . . "The term “debt collector. . . does not include. . . (F) any person collecting or attempting to collect any debt owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another to the extent such activity. . .(ii) concerns a debt which was originated by such person. . ."

Des.

[GoingDown]

Unfortunately, there really is no way to completely hide from them.

P.O. Boxes are a waste of money.

You can forestall them a bit if you...

-- do not forward any of your mail and do not tell anyone who currently sends you mail about your new address

-- do not open any new credit accounts and do not use any existing accounts at your new location

-- do not apply for any job at the new location that checks your credit

-- do not attempt to rent where they check your credit

-- do not tell any blabby relatives or friends about your new address


Obviously, this is not practical for most people.

So, just accept the fact that they will probably soon find your new address and prepare yourself for that eventuality. Forewarned is forearmed.

[zactak]

So many levels of becoming anonymous, just how deep in the rabbit hole do you want to go? How long before you file bankruptcy? How willing are your parents to help? How willing are you to let your parents take the hits for you?

I don't need to go too deep. I just have to go far enough in to stall them for a few months to get enough money to for for bankruptcy and establish residency to file there.

Also with wrecked credit you may find it very difficult to get a job especially if you move a lot (big red flag to employers). I would sit down with a BK attorney (most give free consultations) and go over your entire matter before making irrational moves.

The move isn't irrational, it's a necessity. While the quicker I get a job, the better I'll be, I don't have to find a job too quickly. This is the first major move I've made since 2004.

Moving to another state will complicate filing bankruptcy, there are six month and two year hurdles - you must be a resident for at least six months in the jurisdiction where you file, and you may be restricted to Federal exemptions until you've lived in the state for two years.

If you move to another state it slightly complicates the process of garnishment, because the judgement holders will have to "domesticate" the judgements in your new state.

You can simply send cease communications letters to avoid being called or bothered by mail. But anyone intent on finding you will.

I agree, get a BK consult right away, and do things based on a plan not emotions.

From what I understand the only time the six month and two year rules apply are when you are applying with exemptions. I have nothing to exempt. I have no assets. I owe more on my car than any threshold to make it an asset. I'm moving to a non-garnishment state, so I'm not concerned about the garnishment. And the cease and desist would only supply to third party creditors from what I understand.

I have spoken with a bk lawyer and was going to for bankruptcy the day after my suspension, but couldn't considering the circumstances.

This move isn't based off emotions, it's based off necessity and finances.

[AngelinaCatHub]

The Post Office is not allowed to give out your address except to proper legal authorities. A P.O. box is safe.

It is true that it is easy to skip trace. I have done this many times. The Internet is your worst enemy in this case. If you emailed me, I could find your approximate location within a minute. (NO don't email me.) Shred all your garbage NOW and keep doing that. I once found five account numbers, passwords, and a map to the new location of one I was attempting to find. Also phone numbers and names of every acquaintance they had, SS # . All in three bags of household garbage.

In this electronic age, there is no anonymity. One of by 'buddies' here on this forum, asked me to prove this theory in a PM. I had his City and state in an hour. I don't do this here at all as I respect others and have no real interest in all who pass here.

BTW, why worry about BK? If you have nothing, and you are moving, and are collection proof, just go to your state of your desire, find your job (if you can) and start a new life. Change your venue for legal reasons and collectors will give up if they cannot levy what you don't have. Make sure your IRS holds only the minimum amount so that your tax return will be zero. Even owe the IRS and pay it to zero on 4-15.

From what you described, BK later when you get something to lose. 'Hub

[frogger]

Moving, in and of itself, should give you enough time in your situation. Just do not give a forwarding address.

And 'hub..... PO Boxes are not safe.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Moving, in and of itself, should give you enough time in your situation. Just do not give a forwarding address.

And 'hub..... PO Boxes are not safe.

Mrs. Mother was a Postmaster 40 years, her gmother before her, her father head postal officer (passed away in P.O.) My daughter worked at a sorting center my son in law works at a sorting center. SOOooooo what could I say?? LOL 'Hub