Hi everyone, This is my first post here, but I've been lurking for a few months. I'm about to file for ch. 7 (haven't filed yet but have spoken with an attorney), so I haven't been returning any calls from any debt collectors. Basically if my caller ID doesn't show a name I know, I don't answer the phone and I just let my voicemail pick up. One guy who's left several messages actually called one of my NEIGHBORS today. He didn't tell her why he was calling (ie, that he was a debt collector), just that he was having trouble reaching me, so could she pass me a message? I don't even know this lady (my neighbor) -- but she was at least nice enough to call me and leave the message. Bear in mind she called the exact same number the CA has been calling -- and my outgoing voicemail message has my first name, so he KNOWS it's my number. I don't know if she looked up my number (it's listed) or if he gave it to her. He must have given her my name either way. I'm just furious. Even though he didn't tell her why he was calling, is he allowed to do this?
Please tell me I can sue him and/or the company he works for. They're collecting on behalf of Amex, who wouldn't work with me at ALL when I lost my job and couldn't pay them in full (they wouldn't even accept smaller payments, so I haven't given them a dime), so it would make me very happy to haul their chosen CA into court for a violation. The only reason I haven't picked up the phone and given this guy an earful is because I'm sure that's why he did this in the first place -- so I'd finally return his calls!
Well, I'm not an expert like LizardKing, but I know that there is a simple letter that you can send to have him cease and decist or something like that, and he will not be able to contact you unless they're going to sue you. Its some simple letter that I'm sure someone on here will know about......I would definitely post something asking for Lizard's help, as I recall seeing him do battle with these credit agency bastards. As far as the suit against this guy for calling your neighbor....I'm not too sure what you can do, but it doesn't sound right for him to be calling the whole block advising everyone of your financial troubles. Again, I would seek the help of Lizard for any legal action you may want to bring up or scare the hell out of the guy.
OK, the letter I was talking about is in the "sample letters" section...Its been a while since I've been here, and the letter section is great!
