FDCPA Offers Protection To Debtors
They can't advertise a debt for the purpose of sale, or make a list of debtors for sale to others. They are not permitted to leave messages with third parties asking that the debtor to call them. The outside of envelopes sent by bill collectors should not indicate the purpose of the letter in any way. Postcards are always prohibited.
A collector is allowed to send mail in care of another person only if you live at that address or if you get your mail at that address. If you share your address with others the mail must be labeled "private" or personal. Basically, the letter can't give any appearance alluding to the fact that it is a collections bill.
A debt collector that knows your name and phone number and thus can contact you yourself is not allowed to contact your family or neighbors. If they can't find you and they do call your family members or neighbors, the collector has to identify themselves by name but not tell the third party that they are a debt collector.
They can't tell others you owe a debt or talk to them about account details. They cannot contact the person more than once, can not leave information about a debt on a third party's voicemail and they must provide the name of the collection agency only if asked.
If you are being contacted by a collector seeking your old roommate, relative or neighbor, the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act states a debt collector can only get in touch with you to determine the location of the person who owes the money. Only if the collector thinks you have new information are they permitted to contact you again. If a collector contacts you on multiple occassions about a third party that can be considered harassment and you can file a complaint.
