When Can a Debt Collector Contact Someone Other than You?

There are only four circumstances in which a debt collector can contact, or threaten to contact, a third-party in connection with the collection of a consumer debt: (1) to acquire location information about you; (2) with the your prior consent given directly to the debt collector; (3) as reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy; or (4) with the permission of a court. However, note that your spouse is not considered a third party. There can be disagreement about, for example, what is reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment remedy (although the existence of judgment would be required), but these are the basic parameters of third-party contacts.

For more about abusive debt collection and FDCPA rights with a Massachusetts
perspective visit www.fair-debt.com