When you receive calls and letters from debt collectors, it can be difficult to tell which actions are legal and which are not. But when they contact family members, friends, neighbors or co-workers about your debt, be aware that your consumer rights may have been violated.
Debt collectors may not disclose details about your debt, such as payment history and amounts owed, to anyone but your. They may ask someone where you live or your phone number, but they may not reveal any information about the debt.
Consumer Law offer protections
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits third party contact from debt collectors without your consent. Even if you owe the debt, collectors may not use practices to intimidate or harass you by contacting someone else about your debt.
If you discover that someone you know has been contacted about your debt, ask that person to document the contact. He or she should create a statement which includes the following:
-Date
-Time of day
-Name of caller
-Name of Collection Agency
-Caller ID
-Phone number where the call was received
-Details of the phone conversation
If the collector calls multiple times, documentation of each contact should be recorded.
Get Free Legal Help
Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of a debt collector’s abusive tactics. Contact Us for a free evaluation of your matter. Whether or not the debt is owed, the debt collector must follow the law.
