Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. I have been receiving nasty telephone calls from a collection agency. They are looking for my adult daughter who no longer lives with my husband and me. I have spoken several times to them explaining that she doesn’t live here but they refuse listen. I have told them repeatedly to stop calling us but, not only do they still call but then they go on to tell me that my daughter is a “deadbeat” and that I should pay her debt for her. Am I responsible for her debt? K.H., Langhorne
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A. No, you are not responsible for anyone’s debt except your own or if you are a co-signer on a loan for someone else. Unfortunately this is becoming a real problem for those bothered by calls from a collection agency because the law allows for collectors to call family members as well as third party people of those in default. While they are not allowed to discuss details of the debt, they can ask you to provide a new address or phone number for the loan holder. We have even heard from people that have gotten harassed at their workplace.
Yet, when our office has spoken to collectors, they never admit to any harassing, name-calling or intimidation tactics. The bottom line is, if the debt is not yours, and the debtor does not reside with you, you are not obligated and it is recommended that do not volunteer any information. What you can do is ask the caller to provide you with their company name, address and phone number. If they refuse, end the conversation. The law basically states that a collection agency may continue to call until they receive a certified letter from you stating that you do not want to receive any more phone calls or that the debt is not yours. Any subsequent calls from them after receipt of this letter will be considered harassment. The letter should be sent to the collection agency via “certified mail, return receipt requested”. Make sure that you keep a copy for your records.
For additional consumer tips and informational brochures please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection or you may email an investigator atconsumerprotection.co.bucks.pa.us or call 1-800-942-2669 for any consumer related questions or concerns you may have.
