Calls to Work or Family Members

Debt collectors and collection agencies run credit checks on debtors that provide different telephone numbers for a person: work numbers, old cell phone numbers, family member numbers, etc. Rather than spending time/money to ensure they have information where they can lawfully contact you, these bill collectors will call every number they can reach you at. Debt collectors will also make calls to work or call family members in an attempt to embarrass you into paying debts.

North Carolina law and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provide protections to prevent debt collectors from contacting third parties. Collection agencies/creditors cannot speak with any third party, other than your spouse or guardian, regarding your debt, whether it’s your significant other, brother, boss, work receptionist, or anyone else who might answer the phone.

Debt collectors and collection agencies can only call third parties for your location information. Collection agencies can only call that person one time. Debt collectors cannot state that you owe a debt or suggest they are in the debt collection business. Of course, creditors cannot contact you if you’ve informed them that an attorney represents you. They cannot contact you at your place of employment if you’ve told them they should not call you at work.

If you are aware that a creditor or collection agency is making calls to work, calling family members, or contacting third parties and discussing alleged debts, Maginnis Howard may be able to help you. Try to note the date and time of these calls and who the collection agency spoke with. That will be helpful as the case progresses. The firm offers free consultations on these issues and takes these matters on a contingency basis. That means that no fees are owed unless we recover some compensation for you. We have three offices across North Carolina in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville. Contact us today.