Yes. In fact, it is a violation of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for a debt collector to contact you at work if your employer disapproves and they are informed of this fact by you or your employer. You or the employee can tell the debt collector to stop. Simply interrupt him and say, "This is my work number. Do not call me here again." And then hang up. 99% of the time, that will take care of it.
"If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter - even if you don't think you owe the debt, can't repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don't want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector - in writing - to stop contacting you. Here's how to do that: Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a "return receipt" so you'll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt. "
To get a bill collector to stop calling you, pay the overdue bill. You could also see a credit counselor or write to the bank holding the debt and ask them for relief.
You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by tell them not to contact you again. Failure to honor your request would be a violation of the law.
The simple answer is yes. You are creating then more paperwork, more opportunities for the payment to get lost, and less of a guarantee that the debt collector will adjust your credit bureau information. It is best to just send payments to the collector.
The right to notify a debt collector in writing to cease further communication is covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This request, commonly known as a cease and desist letter, requires the debt collector to stop contacting you except to inform you that further efforts to collect the debt have ceased or that specific actions may be taken.
Federal law, and most State laws forbid giving any information about a debt to anyone other than the debtor, or the debtors spouse in some States. The person who works with you could file a complaint with the FTC and possibly sue through a consumer rights attorney for violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Of course, your testimony as to what information the debt collector gave you about them would be helpful.
Send a written request asking that the debt be validated, if you have any doubts it is legitimate. Check to see how the SOL for the type of debt and the laws of your state apply. It could be the debt is no longer collectible...don't count on it though.
Yes. The new debt collector bought the entire debt, including interest that was added on. You will be responsible for the entire debt.
No.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to protect consumers against overly aggressive debt collectors. This act makes it illegal for collectors to threaten consumers, call excessively, or harass debtors. Harassment is considered calling too early in the morning, calling late at night, using profanity, or telling third parties about the debt. If a debt collector breaks these rules, the consumer may file a complaint with the FTC. If a collector has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they may be forced to forfeit the debt. This gives consumers a way to protect themselves against aggressive debt collections.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 15 USC, Section 1692c(C) CEASING COMMUNICATION reads "If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or the consumer writes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer..." So the magic phrase is "in writing". This type of letter is known as a "cease & desist" letter or C&D. Collection agencies only have to obey this provision of the law when it is in writing. Send your letter via certified mail, return receipt requested. If the collection agency contacts you again, you can sue them for violation of the law. You might also want to dispute this debt at the same time.