Can debt collectors call my work? Can they call my family or boss?

Section 1692c of Title 15 of the U.S. Code relates to communications from debt collectors. In particular, subsection (b) deals with communications with third parties. It states:

Except as provided in section 1692b of this title, without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector, or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, or as reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy, a debt collector may not communicate, in connection with the collection of any debt, with any person other than the consumer, his attorney, a consumer reporting agency if otherwise permitted by law, the creditor, the attorney of the creditor, or the attorney of the debt collector.

Click here to review the exceptions allowed by section 1692b. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides information about federal laws that limit what debt collectors can do or say. Also see our research guide on debt collection.