Federal laws limit the ways in which a debt collector may communicate with you. In particular, Section 1692c, Title 15 of the U.S. Code governs communication from debt collectors. This law is part of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Can a debt collector call me at work?

A debt collector can call you at work unless they know or have a reason to know that your employer prohibits these kinds of calls. This law is in Section 1692c, Title 15(a)(3) of the U.S. Code.

Nolo, an legal encyclopedia, addresses this and other questions about debt collection laws in their FAQs about debt collection.

Can a debt collector call my family or boss?

Generally, debt collectors cannot discuss the details of your debt with anyone but you. There are some exceptions, though. A debt collector can contact:

• your spouse
• your parents (if you are a minor)
• a credit reporting agency
• the creditor
• the attorneys for the parties involved.

With some exceptions, a debt collector can’t discuss your debt with your spouse or parents if you have sent them a request to stop communication. See our Legal FAQ, Debt collectors keep calling me. What can I do?

Related FAQs & Guides

FAQs

• Debt collectors keep calling me. What can I do?
• What is the statute of limitations on debt?

Guides 

• Debt Collection