Falling behind on bills can trigger an overwhelming amount of stress anxiety, but at least you are the only one who knows about your financial predicament. At least, that is what you hope.
The truth is far too many debt collection agencies ignore a longstanding federal consumer protection law by contacting third parties regarding outstanding credit card and personal loan accounts.
Passed by the United States Congress on September 20, 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) outlaws dozens of previously legal debt collection tactics.
Under the FDCPA, a third party debt collector such as I.Q. Data International, Inc. cannot harass and intimidate you into settling a delinquent consumer debt. Harassment and intimidation can involve threatening to seize your property to liquidate the property into cash.
The FDCPA also prohibits deceptive debt collection practices, which includes contacting a third party regarding your debt.
Does the FDCPA Give Collectors a Legal Out?
Like most laws, the FDCPA is not absolute when it comes to banning the practice of contacting third parties regarding consumer debts. The most common exception to the third party rule involves instances when there are two parties that have signed a credit card or a personal loan application.
For example, if your spouse also signed a loan application for the purchase of a new car, a debt collection agency is fully within its rights to contact the spouse to discuss issues pertaining to the outstanding auto loan.
The FDCPA does not clearly forbid third party debt collectors from contacting your employer, However, you can avoid the sensitive situation by explaining to the bill collector that you do not want to be contacted about a debt while you are at work.
It is a good idea to tape record such a conversation with a debt collection agency to have the physical evidence you need to file a claim in a civil court.
![I.Q. Data International Contact A Third Party About Your Debt?*]()
When Contacting a Third Party Violates the FDCPA
Third party debt collectors contact third parties primarily to embarrass consumers into taking action on the debt in question. Nonetheless, the FDCPA does not allow bill collectors to contact your friends, family members, or even your professional colleagues. I.Q. Data International, Inc. must keep any communication between you and the company a private matter.
You do not have to put up with a debt collection agency reaching out to a neighbor for the sole purpose of exerting pressure on you to take care of an outstanding consumer debt.
Work with a Licensed Consumer Protection Attorney
Despite your insistence that a third party debt collector refrain from contacting third parties regarding your debt, the company continues to violate the FDCPA by reaching out to friends and family members.
The most effective remedy you have to stop the harassment involves speaking with a state licensed consumer protection lawyer who specializes in handling FDCPA cases. Your attorney will conduct an exhaustive investigation to determine whether enough evidence exists to move forward with a claim.
Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced FDCPA attorney to see if I.Q. Data International, Inc. has violated the FDCPA by contacting a third party regarding your debt.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against I.Q. Data International, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to compensation.