Can a debt collector contact other people if I don’t pay my debt?

In California, the answer is generally yes; a debt collector may contact other people if you don’t pay your debt. However, the debt collector must abide by certain restrictions outlined in the state’s debt collection laws. Under California’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors in California are prohibited from contacting unauthorized third-parties about your debt. This means that a debt collector cannot contact people who are not responsible for the debt. The FDCPA states that a debt collector can only contact other people if he or she needs to determine your location or contact information. This includes a spouse or family member, but only if your debt collector has reasonable belief that you are not living at your usual address. The FDCPA also states that a debt collector cannot reveal any information regarding your debt to any other person. This includes friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. A debt collector can only discuss this information with you or your attorney. It is important to keep in mind that debt collectors in California are only allowed to contact other people if it is necessary to locate you. Although debt collectors may be persistent, it is important to know your rights and make sure they are not crossing any legal lines.

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Can a debt collector contact other people if I don’t pay my debt?

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