debt collection in pa.

[velvet passion]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania....my neighbor got a call from a debt collection lawyer in georgia for me today..first i dont think this is even legal and they said i gave his number as a contact number...then when i called the company and told them i didnt appreciate them calling my neighbors they said they are allowed by state law to get ahold of me any way they can...THEN she said they would proceed and garnish my wages and sherrif sale my home...is this legal and what can i do? im going crazy here...

[ihatearizona]

Originally Posted by velvet passion

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania....my neighbor got a call from a debt collection lawyer in georgia for me today..first i dont think this is even legal and they said i gave his number as a contact number...then when i called the company and told them i didnt appreciate them calling my neighbors they said they are allowed by state law to get ahold of me any way they can...THEN she said they would proceed and garnish my wages and sherrif sale my home...is this legal and what can i do? im going crazy here...

Collectors can call your neighbors but they cannot give any information to your neighbor that would indicate they are trying to collect on a debt.

They cannot garnish your wages without going before a judge and receiving a judgment.

They cannot force you to sell your home without going before a judge and receiving a judgment. Even with a judgment it is likely that they would not be able to force the sale of your home.

[mo99]

Wage garnishment is illegal in the state of PA.Your house can not be sheriff saled either.At best,they can file for a judgement against you,in which you have an opportunity to respond to.Also,they may contact a neighbor for the sole reason of locating you.They can not indulge particulars or threaten the neighbor.Document the day,time and content of the phone call with you.They are in violation, as I am sure other members on this forum will help you with.Sounds like you have another infamous bottom feeder make illegal threats.

[mo99]

I believe your home is protected if you are occupying it in the state of PA.I am assuming this is an unsecured loan and not a home equity loan.

[Tayla]

My suggestion:
Get the employee's name each time they call. (although most times they give bogus names anyways).Request that all correspondence be in the form of Letter. State you will be glad to correspond on matters via written form. Then save all papertrails. naturally you'lll want to send a debt validation letter followed by a cease and desist letter if indeed the debt isnt yours or cannot be properly validated.SOL will also play a role on this debt.

[Ladynred]

Calling other people ONE TIME is allowed per the FTC, to obtain location information. Anything after that is a violation of the FDCPA. If they already HAVE your location info AND phone, then calling any 3rd party at all is a violation of the law !