Ok tonight my neighbor from across the street that I do not know at all came to my door and said that a lady called him on his phone and stated that they are trying to get ahold of me. She called him by name and everything. She left him a number which is a California number (I'm in Texas) and a name of which I have no clue who is. So I call this number and get a voice mail just saying her name and that she is unavailable. I have not received a call from this number on my cell phone, husbands cell phone, or my home phone. She also knew that I had just moved into this house. The only thing I could think of is a bill collector on my student loans. Is this a violation of privacy to go calling people's neighbors to collect a debt? What if this man was some type of child molester and showed up while my children were at home alone? Any help you guys can provide would be great!
2007-12-04 13:52:12 · 8 answers · asked by S_Clark 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It's ok, just as long they didn't discuss the reason for the call. It's not right, but its not illegal.
2007-12-04 13:59:01 · answer #1 · answered by WVAttorney 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the debt collector informed that neighbor that he/she was attempting to collect a debt, what the debt was for, or the amount of the debt, it could be a violation of federal law -- if the information was not revealed, then it probably isn't illegal -- but, if you're really concerned, see an attorney.
2007-12-04 14:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The actions of debt collectors are regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
BUT - it only applies to third party debt collectors. If the debt collector works for someone you owe money to, then the FDCPA doesn't apply, and she can contact anyone she wants. If she's a third party collector, she is regulated by the act.
I've linked to information about it below.
Richard
2007-12-04 14:02:48 · answer #3 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It actually may be illegal, even though other posters don't think it is. The fact that they did not disclose information may keep them within the law, but bill collectors are not allowed to harrass their customers or the neighbors of their customers. Call the police (non-emergency line) and ask them.
2007-12-04 14:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by Wildernessguy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's illegal in anyway in a criminal sense. I don't think it would be a criminal act even if they told the neighbor why they called. Any perceived violation of privacy would be more properly handled as a civil matter, not criminal. Even then I think unless they told something that was blatantly false and could be shown as having been done with the intent to harm your reputation, etc. you'd probably be hard pressed to be successful with a civil suit.
2007-12-04 14:01:31 · answer #5 · answered by justme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At one point when you signed for loan you mut have used them for a reference and that is why they are calling your neighbor. There are "skiptracing" services available to those companies looking to find you collect a debt. It is not illegal to try to contact you. It is, however, illegal to harass you. The only way to remove your neighbor from being called is to contact them and update your information with the the company you owe the debt to.
2007-12-04 14:03:01 · answer #6 · answered by vixxen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as they don't disclose information on why trying to reach you, they can leave a message with your neighbor. Now, if they gave information on why calling, that's illegal.
2007-12-04 13:56:26 · answer #7 · answered by bruiserkc2 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal, yes........................and as soon as you get hold of her, tell her that your neighbor will sue for harrassement if there are any more calls from the collector.
2007-12-04 14:44:10 · answer #8 · answered by Susan F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋