Can a credit card company legally contact a family member to get to account holder?

Question

I had a call out of the blue from a credit card company that I had not dealt with before asking for me to contact my sister on their behalf. She moved and changed her phone number almost a year ago. She is in a debt consolidation plan.

It freaked me out that somehow they could find me through her or visa versa. I tried to google this, but couldn't find out if a credit card company can legally contact a family member to pass on a message to get a hold of the account holder.

Answer 1

I don;t understand how they would know you even existed? - just tell them you can't and won;t help them and to take you off their contact list

Answer 2

They can do that until you tell them not to.  I would read the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.  This would be helpful.

Answer 3

Yes, it is legal.  But they can't keep contacting you repeatedly and they can't discuss the nature of the call.

This is a common tactic that many collection agencies use.  They contact neighbors and family in the hopes to put pressure on the person owing the debt to actually respond to their calls.

Answer 4

they can try to find out information that she provided to them when she filled out the application. this is why they ask for nearest not living with you relative. you can get their name and address and put it in writing that you wish them not to contact you any farther. or just lie and tell them they have a wrong person and not to bother you anymore..if she is in a repayment plan maybe she can have the company that she is working thru to contact them,..