Use of an Alias as an internal collector

[rperez1231]

New Jersey

My question is as follows: I am an internal collector for an "original creditor" of a direct marketing company and I do some of there in-house collections for them under the alias "Anthony Savino." (I am employed by the marketing company and not by a third party collection agency.) When I call customers, I use my Alias name and not my legal name to identify myself. Is this prohibited under the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) or under New Jersey State law?? I'm not talking about misleading people in to thinking I'm an attorney or gov't agent. I use an Alias instead of my real name, but I do disclose to the customer what company I'm calling from. Am I doing anything illegal or anything that might cause my employer problems in the future by using an alias? Do other in-house collectors use such practice or is it frowned upon? Can you direct me to where I might find such information? Any help or information you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

 

[seniorjudge]

Tell us what your employer said when you asked your questions.

 

[TigerD]

New Jersey

My question is as follows: I am an internal collector for an "original creditor" of a direct marketing company and I do some of there in-house collections for them under the alias "Anthony Savino." (I am employed by the marketing company and not by a third party collection agency.) When I call customers, I use my Alias name and not my legal name to identify myself. Is this prohibited under the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) or under New Jersey State law?? I'm not talking about misleading people in to thinking I'm an attorney or gov't agent. I use an Alias instead of my real name, but I do disclose to the customer what company I'm calling from. Am I doing anything illegal or anything that might cause my employer problems in the future by using an alias? Do other in-house collectors use such practice or is it frowned upon? Can you direct me to where I might find such information? Any help or information you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

As Seniorjudge pointed out -- you really should be asking your employer these questions.

1. Using a desk name: No it isn't illegal. It is a very common practice and I recommend it for security and safety of the collectors. Frankly, there are a lot of nutjobs out there and I have listened to collectors being threatened and even had one debtor make a scene at the office door.
2. I am only going to post one link for you here. If you want more, PM me. http://acainternational.com/

DC

 

[shannon-cl]

There is nothing illegal taking place with what you described. Collectors will use some sly tactics in order to try & collect on a debt. However, it is nothing that will get you in to trouble. I guess the collectors adapt the attitude, if you don't want us calling you, then pay up!

 

[prplegal]

alias

You may only use one alias.

You can't call one day as Joe Schmoe and the next time as Pete Dewy.

FDCPA explains this.

 

[Ladynred]

FDCPA is not applicable, as the OP works for the original creditor.

 

[justalayman]

FDCPA is not applicable, as the OP works for the original creditor.

if the OP represents themselves as the original creditor, correct.

If they represent themselves as some other entity, then they are liable to follow the FDCPA even if they actually work for the original creditor.

(I know you have it right LNR. this is just a point of clarification)

 

[quincy]

This thread is from 2006.