Why Are Debt Collectors Calling My Relatives?

One well-known fact about debt collectors is that they can be relentless. They will often try every method of contacting you about debt, whether that be via email, text, or phone call. Although all such means of contact are legal, there are a few other debt collection tactics that cross the line. Debt collectors cannot call you multiple times a day, use aggressive language or threaten you to make a payment, but can they contact your relatives in regards to your debt?

The Reason Behind Debt Collector Calls to Family Members

The responsibility of a debt collector is to get you to make the necessary payments on your delinquent account. The primary way they will go about doing so is by calling your cell phone. Many people are unlikely to answer calls from unknown numbers, while others recognize the number and choose to ignore the call. After multiple unsuccessful contact attempts, the debt collector may assume that they have the wrong number and contact your relatives to find out a better way of getting in touch with you. This is perfectly legal.

Debt collectors can reach out to family members to collect information on you but cannot give out any information unless you are a minor (under 18) or your relative cosigned for the debt with you. They also cannot expose their identity as a debt collector to your relative unless he or she expressly requests such information. If the debt collector has your updated phone number and address, they cannot contact your family members at all. Furthermore, if a debt collector contacts a relative or friend and tells them that you owe a debt, the debt collector would be violating the FDCPA and you would be entitled to damages.

In review, debt collectors:

  • Can call your relatives
  • Cannot identify themselves as a debt collector (unless asked)
  • Can request your contact information from relatives
  • Cannot disclose any information regarding your debt (unless you’re underage or have a family member as a cosigner)

How to Stop Debt Collection Calls to Relatives

The goal of many debt collectors who contact relatives is to embarrass you into paying the debt, but they often violate the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) in doing so. You may believe paying the debt is the simplest way to get them to stop calling, but this may reset the statute of limitations on debt collection for the account. The most efficient method of stopping calls from a debt collector who has violated your consumer rights is through the acquisition of an experienced FDCPA attorney.

The Florida FDCPA attorneys at The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi can analyze your case and make you aware of all violations committed by the creditor or debt collector. Per FDCPA law, you are entitled to up to $1000 for debt harassment and paid attorney fees. Put an end to the intrusive debt collection calls today! Contact us for a free case evaluation. Remember, you will never need to pay our lawyers to pursue an FDCPA case. We get paid by the debt collectors.

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