Can debt collectors not disclose their identity when calling to harass relatives of a debtor?
Basically, they’re required by law to NOT disclose their identity to relatives. This is in the debtor’s favor. Otherwise collectors could simply threaten to inform relatives and business relations about it. Breaking this law results in sizeable remedies for the debtor, so it’s drilled into every collector’s head what the law is. Hence the thing about getting “current on the law”.They are required to inform the debtor themselves who they are, though. Of course, this doesn’t apply to collections done by the creditor. Interesting note: several agencies are glad to operate as a “first party” collector. All the benefits of first party collections, with the cost savings of outsourcing to a third party! Another fun law: debt collectors can’t fax debtors forms without written permission first. The fastest way to give written permission is to fax a signed statement. Yes, you must send a fax to recieve one. I guess it beats the alternative of fax spamming.
