Expert: Ray A Miller - 12/9/2008

Question
I'm wondering if it's a violation of the FDCPA if a collection agency calls a third party (my grandmother) trying to locate me if they already know where I am.

I know they're allowed to contact third parties to acquire my location provided they don't mention that it is in regard to a debt.  But I've had a collection agency call me, several times, send letters to my current home address, and after being told not to call anymore, THEN they call my family members.

To me, that seems like a violation.  They already know where I'm located.  

Is it?

Answer
Write the collection agency and tell them not to call any other number than yours.  Then if they call, if you stay in touch with them, they will be in violation. They can call your relatives even though they know your number as long as they do NOT mention the bill. Tell your relatives to tell the agency to STOP calling.  The phone is in there name and they can control who calls.  If they do not stop, the FTC and the FCC would be interested in knowing because they frown on this type activity.  Merry Christmas and good luck with this issue.