Posted on May 20, 2009 at 8:08 am I have received two phone calls already today from a collection agency who says I owe them the full balance by the end of the day. Can they legally do this? Is there any way I can try and prevent this from happening in the future, I don't want people at work to know my situation!

Posted on May 20, 2009 at 8:19 am ErickJ- Debtors are protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Under section 805 (a)(3), a debt collector may not contact a debtor at their place of employment if they have been made aware that the employer does not allow this form of communication. I recommend that if you have yet to do so, send a written letter to the collection agency informing them that they are not allowed to contact you at your workplace as it is forbidden by the employer. In addition, you can let them know that any future calls to the place of employment would essentially be putting your job in jeopardy. I hope that helps!

Posted on May 20, 2009 at 8:23 am Yeah the last thing they want is for you to lose your job - then you'll never pay em!   

Posted on May 20, 2009 at 2:14 pm I have had this problem in the past as well, and I agree with Green Key Vet, you need to take advantage of the laws that protect you under the FDCPA. I know that before with my situation, I would tell them not to call me at work over the phone. However, they kept calling me back saying that they didn't remember me telling them that, so make sure anything you tell them is in writing! I recommend following up with the collection agency several days later to make sure they received your written request too. That way they can't pull a fast one on you!

Posted on May 21, 2009 at 10:07 am Thank you everyone for your help. Another quick question- what about collection calls to my relatives? Are they allowed to do this? My brother said he got a call from a collector the other day looking for...needless to say I am not happy!

Posted on May 21, 2009 at 10:14 am ErickJ, to answer your question - yes, they can call your relatives, but only for "location information", which is to find your whereabouts.  Did they discuss the debt with them or just ask where you were?  

Posted on May 21, 2009 at 11:05 am The guy who called my brother basically told him the I better call him by the end of the day "or else"...whatever that means? What is he going to come and kill me or something? Anyway, my brother said the guy was really rude, and he knew it was probably a collector because I have talked to my brother about my situation before. Can you believe these collectors though? What jerks!

Posted on August 3, 2009 at 11:26 am Yeah that makes sense. They often use that threat to get you to believe your life is ending if you do not cough up the dough asap. Now- one thing to keep in mind- while these debt collectors can try and call you at work- if it is the original creditor calling and you are only 3-6 payments behind, giving you a timeline may be a warning that the debt is charging off (must happen after 180 days past due). For some creditors, I.e. Bank of America, this is an optimum time to try and settle the debt. So be aware of how far past due you are and who is calling!