Posted on May 24, 2009 at 4:48 pm It is true, contrary to what a lot of people think. However, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits collectors from contacting people at work if they have been informed that the employer does not allow such calls or that by calling the debtor at work they are putting that person's job in jeopardy. If you are getting calls at work I suggest you let the debt collector know that your employer does not allow calls like this to come in and that by continuing to call he or she is putting you at risk of losing your job.

Posted on May 24, 2009 at 4:57 pm Yes this is true. Debt collectors can also contact your family members and even neighbors if they can not track you down. This seems completely rediculous don't you think? I mean, I don't want my family to know that I have credit card debt, never mind my neighbors!

Posted on May 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm True, they can indeed. However, debt collectors are not supposed to reveal (again, under the FDCPA) the nature of the phone call in any way. The only thing they are supposed to be able to do if they are speaking with a family member or neighbor is try and get your contact information or basically find out where you can be reached. If asked as to the nature of the call, debt collectors are expected to respond, "it is a personal business matter" or something similar to that statement.  

Posted on May 25, 2009 at 8:35 am Here's my question then:  does it need to be in writing that your employer prohibits this?  I just told the collector who called, but I'm worried they'll call back.  

Posted on May 25, 2009 at 9:01 am The FDCPA supports verbal notification to a debt collector to cease calls at the debtor's place of employment. If the collector receives verbal notification they are supposed to stop calling there. However, it may be smartest to send something in writing as a lot of collectors unfortunately do not honor these requests.

Posted on June 9, 2009 at 12:41 am Debt collectors may also write to your employer, as part of their fact-finding process. They may choose to do so so confirm your current location as well as other information about you that are helpful in their search of you. They can send your employer a letter for employment and location verification purposes only. Anything else other than that is strictly prohibited by law.At the same time, debt collectors are also prohibited from sending written messages that third parties may have very easy access to. They are also not allowed to use the actual business name on visible written correspondence, such as a letter or envelope. If their name indicates or signifies any degree of collection activity, this is a big no-no.The debt collector is only allowed to verify your place of employment once. Multiple attempts of doing so are also a violation of federal law.

Posted on July 8, 2009 at 5:58 pm So it should be evident to everyone that a debt collector can contact you at work. If you are getting collection calls at work or at home, or if your family members are getting collection calls as well then it is clear that you are behind on payments and most likely need some assistance. If you are already past due, the realistic options are borrowing money from a family or friend, selling any valuable assets you may have to use the proceeds to pay off your debts, settling the debts (an alternative to filing bankruptcy) or filing bankruptcy. If you need professional assistance feel free to fill out a form on DestroyDebt.Com for a free consultation or to get matched up with a qualified provider.  

Posted on July 14, 2009 at 1:36 pm If a debt collector contacts my employer do they have to honor verbal requests to stop if I tell them over the phone?

Posted on July 21, 2009 at 12:31 pm My husband just bought a used car and gave a cash downpayment to the dealer.  The dealer called and left a message demanding the down payment!  It's been two weeks since the purchase!  Today someone from the dealer called my husbands work and went into detail about how he owes them money!!!  Now we are going to have to pay ANOTHER down payment!  My husband is a hard worker and honest and in today's economy his employer may very well decide to get ride of him because these people made him out to be the problem.  Isn't this agianst the law? 

Posted on July 21, 2009 at 12:36 pm Do you have any documented proof that you made the first down payment?