Is it legal for a business to track a person down through their neighbors?

Question

I had no idea where to put this question so I went with the law.

Let me lay out the situation for you ... I just got off the phone with "Joanee" from JB Robinsons the jewelry store and she said she is trying to contact Mr.______________ my neighbor. My neighbors are good people no trouble with the law or anything like that we live in a nice neighborhood so you wouldn't expect anything weird. So anyway I immediately got a bit standoffish saying I don't understand why she would call me, I will not give out personal information - I won't even tell her if he is my neighbor or not etc. She tells me she has tried to contact him and he hasn't returned her calls (I don't know if that is true or not) because she also said she doesn't know if maybe he has moved or something. Basically I told her I didn't think she should be calling his neighbors that it's unprofessional and inappropriate and that I didn't feel I should be "taking messages" for neighbors etc.

She was a bit snippy but then again so was I. I asked for her number and what store she was from she got quiet and then finally asked why and I lied and said because if I decided to tell him I wanted to know who he needed to call (really I wanted to call the management at the store she was at) and she said she was from headquarters, part of management and gave me the number. A while back she called me and I just got off the phone with her. I feel it’s a bit harassing to get phone calls like this about a neighbor and it puts me in a really bad situation. I have no idea what the call is about it really could be nothing or a simple mistake on my neighbors part or it could be a big deal and none of my business. So I am just curious if this is appropriate conduct by management of a large company. Is there someone I should contact? And should I tell me neighbor about the call? If you have a suggestion for a better place for this question I’d be happy to hear that also?

I know I type way too much and don’t get to the point fast enough :), it’s a flaw I have!

I did ask how she got my number and she said off the internet. She said she was able to find people in his neighborhood that way.

Do I tell him I got the call?

Answer 1

What's happening, Courtney, is that they are probably trying to collect a debt and can't reach the debtors. However, federal law (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) prohibits them from discussing the debt with anyone else, and even from disclosing that they are with a debt collection agency. So while it's legal for them to try to collect a debt, there are limits on how they can go about doing it. Of course, you don't have to cooperate if you don't want to.

Answer 2

It is absolutely not legal for a company to track down a person through their neighbors; it is called "Invasion of Privacy".

You did the right thing by not giving any personal information to this lady. If i was you, i would go see your neighbor and tell him the story and give him the lady's phone number. Since this call was related to him, he will be the best person to judge if he should call her back or not (maybe he knows what this call is all about or maybe not). I recommend you not to get involve at all. If the lady calls you back, make her understand you dont want do anything with her.

Answer 3

You may not necessary have been listed as a reference by this neighbor. I had a call once from a bill collector looking for my neighbor who I didn't even know. I had been at my house for less than a month. They track you down by address, the one next to the person they are looking for, and can easily find phone numbers, names, home owners info, etc. It's scary how easy it is to find out "stuff" on people.

Answer 4

Have you ever filed out a form (from anyone, such as a doctors office, credit application, even a daycare ap?) and it ask for your next to kin, emergency contact, nearest neighbor who is not a relative? That's why! Them folks will hunt you down like water in a desert! But you're right it is unprofessional and very inappropriate!

Answer 5

The short answer is "yes." Many businesses, particularly those to extend loans to the public want to get their money back. Somewhat understandable, you'll agree. They are looking to ensure that you can be found if you default. On many applications for credit you are required to list some friends and relatives who will presumably know where you are at any time. Possibly, they gave you as a character reference for the purpose. It's inconvenient, but becoming increasingly inevitable.

Answer 6

Whenever your neighbor applied for credit and it asked for friends or relatives, they put down your number as one of the contacts so since he/she is avoiding them or just won't call back they will keep calling you in hopes you will get frustrated and let your neihbor know and they will call the Agency or store. it's not against the law unless you call the place back and say these calls are harrassing me and that should stop the calls.

Answer 7

Police, feds, and private investigators use this tactic to learn more details about people. It could be an investigation by a bill collector, an employer, or for some other reason. However, there are cons who play the game, too. I would suggest reporting them and not having any more discussions with them.

Answer 8

It sounds like a scam to me. If she would not give you the store number, and she got snippy, she needs to go back to customer service school. You have every right to be suspicious. Never give anyone any information unless you call them. You never know who you are talking to on the other end. It sounds like you used your head and did a good job.

Answer 9

Anyone can ASK a QUESTION of anyone else and the choise to answer is is up to the person questioned.....no-more...no-less....so it's always a good idea to be friendly with ones neighbours but at the same time limit the interaction....this way one won't de disposed of entering into confidiences .....or into 'fellowships that we wouldn't want to be a part of...and these 'things' have a way of SNOW-BALLING into other un-wanted OVERTURES....

Answer 10

Its a collection agency. That is something they do when they don't have contact with a debtor for awhile. Just hang up on them. Its basically someone calling you asking you to do their dirty work. I would never want my neighbor to do anything like that to me so I won't do it to him.