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 Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:10 am Post subject: debt collection agency calling |
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Hi my name is amanda, I was wondering if it was illegal for a collection agency to call my neighbors and other people in my town that have the same last name to try to collect a debt? They are even leaving messages on their answering machines with companys name and callback numbers! Isn't this a violation of privacy?
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 gmakerley
Community Mentor
Joined: 09 Nov 2007
Posts: 7405
Location: bloomfield, ct
62.63 Dollars($)
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| Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: |
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it might be difficult for you to prove that they knew what they were doing. they could all too easily claim that they didn't know the other families with your last name were not in your family.
i agree that this is an egregious breach, however, in the confidentiality of business. you should, of course, respond to them in their collections effort and make arrangements to settle up whatever it is they're calling about; but you should also, at the same time, call to their attention your knowledge of the underhanded tactics they're using.
whenever there is a problem with a collector, you ought to reach out to the federal trade commission, which governs them. check out their site at ftc.gov. even if the creditor should claim that they're innocent in calling these other families in your town, they'll have the fear of God in them and that nonsense ought to cease.
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George M. Akerley
Loan Consultant
860-221-5044 |
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amanda
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| Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:46 am Post subject: debt collection agency calling |
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| But can they call neighbors and leave messages saying who the company is there number and that I need to call back by a certain time? I was under the impression that they couldn't discuss anything or even tell someone the company they are calloing from unless that person was me |
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gmakerley
Community Mentor
Joined: 09 Nov 2007
Posts: 7405
Location: bloomfield, ct
62.63 Dollars($)
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| Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:09 am Post subject: |
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no they are not allowed to correspond with other people who are not a party to the debt. feel free to contact the ftc and register your complaint. also, contact this agency and let them know you are aware of their tactics, that you've taken steps to file a grievance and that they must cease. pay the bill, too, if you can.
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George M. Akerley
Loan Consultant
860-221-5044 |
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