FDCPA Third-Party Contacts and Location Information

Question 1

When contacting a third party to locate a consumer, what must a debt collector state about themselves?

Accepted Answer

Their name and that they are confirming or correcting location information

Answer

Their name, employer, and the amount of the debt

Answer

Only that they are conducting a survey

Answer

Their full company name and the consumer's account number

Question 2

May a debt collector tell a third party the name of their employer when seeking location information?

Accepted Answer

Only if specifically asked by the third party

Answer

Yes, always

Answer

Never, employer name must be withheld

Answer

Only when contacting the consumer's attorney

Question 3

How many times may a debt collector contact a single third party to obtain location information about a consumer?

Accepted Answer

Only once, unless the third party has additional relevant information

Answer

As many times as necessary

Answer

Twice per month maximum

Answer

Once per quarter

Question 4

A debt collector contacts the consumer's neighbor to find out where the consumer works. Is this permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only to obtain location information, not employment details for garnishment purposes

Answer

Yes, employment information is considered location information

Answer

No, neighbors may never be contacted under any circumstances

Answer

Yes, without any restrictions on what may be asked

Question 5

When a debt collector is seeking location information from a third party, may they state that the consumer owes a debt?

Accepted Answer

No, disclosing the debt to a third party is prohibited

Answer

Yes, if the third party is a family member

Answer

Yes, to explain why they are looking for the consumer

Answer

No, unless the consumer has given written consent

Question 6

Which of the following third-party contacts is generally PERMITTED under the FDCPA?

Accepted Answer

Contacting the consumer's attorney if the consumer has legal representation

Answer

Contacting the consumer's employer to verify wages for garnishment

Answer

Contacting neighbors to disclose that the consumer owes a debt

Answer

Contacting creditors to report the consumer's refusal to pay