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

Yes, a debt collector can contact other people if you don’t pay your debt in Washington. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a debt collector may contact other people in order to verify the debt, such as relatives and employers. They may also contact your neighbors and other acquaintances, though only to ask for information on your whereabouts. However, debt collectors may not disclose the fact that they are collecting a debt to a third party, unless they are asking them to locate you. They must also tell the third party to not disclose their conversation to you. Additionally, they may not use threats, profane language, or threats to contact other people if they are attempting to collect a debt from you. Finally, debt collectors are not allowed to contact other people repeatedly, regardless of why they are contacting them. If they continue to contact other people, it can be considered harassment. If you believe that a debt collector has been harassing you or any other people, you may want to contact your local consumer protection office, or a lawyer to find out more about your rights.

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