Can a debt collector contact yourneighbor?

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Can a debt collector contact yourneighbor?

Asked on June 25, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Tennessee

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Yes, a debt collector generally can.

First, distinguish between an "in-house" debt collector--so, someone who works for the creditor to whom you owe money--and an outside, third party collections agency. An in-house collector has almost no restrictions, other than don't break the law generally (so no fraud, no threats of violence, etc.). A third-party collector has more restrictions on what it can do, but even so, the main restrictions about contact apply to the debtor's family and workplace, not unrelated neighbors. And even even those restrictions don't prevent certain basic or initial contact, like trying to find out where you are or at what number you can be reached--at least some contact is almost always ok.

So it s most likely that the debt collector can contact your neighbor, though you may wish to re-post your question with more detail (how many times they've contacted; in-house or third party collector; what was said, if you know; etc.)


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