Can a debt collector contact third parties regarding my debt?
In Washington, debt collectors are not allowed to contact third parties regarding someone’s debt, including your family, friends, or neighbors. It is considered an invasion of privacy if a debt collector contacts third parties about someone’s debt without their permission. They are allowed to reach out to third parties to get your contact information, but once they have that, they are not allowed to discuss the debt. It is illegal to repeatedly contact or harass you about the debt. If a debt collector does contact a third party, you have the right to sue them for damages. The collector must also provide evidence that they sent you a written notice before they contacted the third party. If they can’t provide this evidence, they may be liable for damages. Under Washington Collection Defense Law, it is illegal to post any of your debt information on social media websites or other online sources. Additionally, they are not allowed to contact you at a time or place they know or should have known is inconvenient. If a debt collector violates Collection Defense Law in Washington, you have the right to report them. You should contact the Washington Department of Financial Institutions and file a complaint. You should include any evidence or documentation you have of the debt collector’s violation.
Related FAQs
What types of collection practices are illegal?What can I do if a debt collector is misrepresenting themselves?
What defenses are available to me in a collection defense law case?
What remedies are available if a debt collector does not follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
Can I settle my collection defense law case out-of-court?
What is a Creditor Bill of Rights?
What constitutes harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
What should I do if a debt collector is threatening to arrest me?
What are my rights when dealing with a debt collector?
What kind of proof do I need to file a collection defense lawsuit?
Related Blog Posts
A Beginner's Guide to Collection Defense: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and How Does It Affect Your Rights? - August 7, 2023
How to Challenge Unfair Collection Tactics - August 14, 2023
Common Collection Defense Strategies that Could Help Your Case - August 21, 2023
Understand Your Rights: What You Need to Know About Collection Defense Law - August 28, 2023