2006-08-11 04:25:19 · 10 answers · asked by LisaT 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
This relative was not named on the loan in any way - it is a medical bill and was not cosigned by anyone.
2006-08-11 04:47:15 · update #1
No it is not! Especially for medical bills. If you are your own Guarantor (the only signer on the account) then they can only collect from you.
If they are calling your relatives then your relatives should ask them to stop calling.
You should talk to the debt collector and tell them to stop harassing you. Remind them of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act which does not allow for harassing phone calls.
Try to work out a payment schedule with them. Even if you can only pay $20.00 per month start doing it now. Many times hospitals will take a reduced payment (a percentage of the amount owed) to settle the bill. You should talk to them and ask them "how much would it cost me to settle this debt with you"? Most medical facilities are willing to take about 40% or less of what is owed just to get the debt off of their books. It is worth a try.
Check out this web site for more information:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.htm
2006-08-11 07:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by Lodiju 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if your relatives names and phone numbers are on your loan. If they co signed with you the collectors can call them. But if they are not co signers and are only contacts then they can call them but they cant tell them anything. They can only ask for you and leave a message to call them. They are not legally allowed to tell them your business. If they are you need to get this on tape.
2006-08-11 04:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by bree30 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states it is only done when a child is a minnor (like 17 years old) ... or you're married without a pre-nuptual agreement.
A bankrupcy attorney should be able to give you specific advise ... You could try 'Pre-Paid Legal'.
2006-08-11 07:22:22 · answer #3 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends, are those relatives names on your account. Because if they are then definitely, in fact they can go after them to collect.
2006-08-11 04:30:40 · answer #4 · answered by cmott84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's a bunch of crap. I just tell them do not call me anymore, I wouldn't help them if I could. It is usually to find someone that is not responding to phone calls and letters. I also tell them to go pound sand.
2006-08-11 04:30:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, especially if you are ducking answering them and relatives are listed by you as references for credit or as next-of-kin contacts you willingly listed on applications.
2006-08-11 04:41:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
credit laws are governed by each state - they're all unique. check a local credit company for the law in your area
2006-08-11 04:28:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want the calls to stop - PAY OFF YOUR DEBT.
2006-08-11 04:31:17 · answer #8 · answered by Miranda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all, not in any way
2006-08-11 04:29:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't think so....UNLESS they are also on your account.
2006-08-11 04:30:49 · answer #10 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋