If a debt collector is trying to find you to collect on an unpaid debt and you haven't applied for credit for years so they don't have your current address, can they find you when you maybe apply for credit or apply to rent a home or apartment?
2006-11-29 16:41:37 · 8 answers · asked by insertnamehere 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Yes they can easily find you if you rent a home/apartment, you 'd be surprised what kind of sources they have nowadays, they can easily do this, as technology keeps advancing and if you were to see certain websites, it would probably scare you to see how easy is for people to know where you are and who you are, I happen to use them to find out several facts about people, people's background, finances, etc., because of the nature of my business.
So even if you haven't applied for credit for years, they can still find you and come after the money for the outstanding debt. Best wishes.
( If you have utilities in your name or the apartment is being rented by you, they'll know where you are.)
2006-11-29 18:10:44 · answer #1 · answered by You are loved 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not just your ssn number or an implant or anything like that.
A good bill collector can find you even if they have an old number or address or anything at all. Thats called cross tracing or skip tracing, depending on how detailed they want to get.
Your information is stored in a data base which that bill collector has access too. How does your information get there? heheh. STOP APPLYING FOR CREDIT!!!!
Otherwise, you can unlist your number or address, you can move, hide under a rock, switch the numbers in your ss when applying for credit. Whatever. A GOOD bill collector will always find you. Its just a matter of how much effort they are willing to put into it.
Also, depends on the amount of the debt. Sometimes its not worth the effort. Other times it is.
2006-11-30 00:55:09 · answer #2 · answered by smile4cobra 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sure - they can check your credit, perform what they call "skip trace" calls, where they call your current creditors and/or employers/former employers listed on your credit to track you down. the credit report leaves past and present addresses and every inquiry made into your credit leaves a trail. they could call a company you applied with and get your new contact information. they can also pursue legal action, small claims court to obtain judgement and garnish your wages, future wages, assets (checking, savings accounts) and even future tax refunds. it depends on how aggressive they want to be. try calling them and negotiating a "settlement". this is when they accept a payment in full for less than the full amount owed. at least you get the situation resolved forever that way. just make sure you get the offer and receipt in writing! good luck!
2006-11-30 00:48:51 · answer #3 · answered by abcdgoodall 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What Kevin fails to mention in the previous answer is if you tell a creditor to "cease and desist" it basically tells him to "put up or shut up". Sue you or leave you alone.
Guess what? He may sue you. If that happens, and he gets a judgment, they can just sit and wait until you surface, then go after you. The SOL on judgements runs a very long time.
To answer the question....
A good creditor can locate you. I do process serving on the side and there are dozens of ways to locate people. It just depends on how much money they want to spend in the process. So if it's a small debt, they won't usually mess with it.
One other source of info nobody mentioned is drivers license records. If you drive, your address is there for all to see...and easily obtain.
2006-11-30 13:16:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to run from bill collectors. There are laws to protect consumers in this country, specifically the FCRA and FDCPA that tell bill collectors to leave you alone.
All you have to do is send a "cease and desist" letter (C&D) to them and they are barred by law from contacting you again via phone or through mail. Just write: "Based upon my rights via the FCRA and FDCPA I am demanding that you cease any and all communication with me regarding this debt."
That's it.
2006-11-30 06:54:52 · answer #5 · answered by Kevin K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
debt collector will find you with your social security #, name search, or when you apply for new credit you update info w/new lender, and....that is how you are found. debt collectors are persistent & they sell accounts to another debt collector..so the cycle continues.
2006-11-30 00:56:54 · answer #6 · answered by amronh a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that little implant behind your ear
2006-11-30 00:43:49 · answer #7 · answered by timmer 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You SSN....that's all they need!!!!
2006-11-30 00:43:25 · answer #8 · answered by heavenlea_7 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋