Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: South Carolina
I have received many calls from debt collectors, and I'm pretty sure they may have broken laws in the process.
Almost all of these calls have gone through my Google Voice number, and I'm pretty sure Google has kept extensive records of them and any related voicemails.
Throughout the period of calls, I have at times had Google Voice set to ring my house phone, my cell phone, my house phone and my cell phone at the same time, or no phone at all.
What I don't know is how the laws that govern debt collectors treat Google Voice numbers and if the laws that govern debt collector calls to house phones and cell phones even apply to them.
Anyone know and have any links to materials discussing this issue?
Re: Are Debt Collector Calls to Google Voice Considered House Phone, Cell Phone, or W
Your google voice number is neither a residential line nor a cell phone REGARDLESS of what you've forwarded it to.
Furhter, I think you're sadly mistaken if you think your cell phone has much additional restriction from debt callers over other phone lines you may have.
Re: Are Debt Collector Calls to Google Voice Considered House Phone, Cell Phone, or W
How did the debt collectors get your GV number in the first place? I'm betting you provided it at some point to the original debtor.
Re: Are Debt Collector Calls to Google Voice Considered House Phone, Cell Phone, or W
Yes, I gave it to them. Which type of phone I listed it as, I'm not sure. Maybe both house and cell.
Re: Are Debt Collector Calls to Google Voice Considered House Phone, Cell Phone, or W
Quote:
Quoting
ransomedbyfire
Yes, I gave it to them. Which type of phone I listed it as, I'm not sure. Maybe both house and cell.
Doesn't matter A) because there is not a difference between what type of phone they call you on and even if there were B) You gave them the number.
Re: Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
If you have not asked the debt collector not to contact you, they can contact you on the telephone numbers (including Google voice numbers) available to them. If you instruct a debt collector to stop contacting you, they should not again do so except (if they choose) within the context of a lawsuit to collect the debt.
Re: Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) does not prohibit collection phone calls to cell phone numbers nor does it regulate in any way the type of phone the collector may call to contact the debtor. You may be thinking of laws on unsolicited sales calls and the do not call phone list program of the FTC, but neither of those apply to calls from debt collectors. You gave them the number and they are free to call you at that number (or at any other number where you may be reached) so long as they make the calls at reasonable times of the day and do not call you at a place they know that such calls are not permitted (e.g. calling you at work when your employer does not permit such calls). Whether your phone is a landline, cell phone, VOIP, or whatever does not make any difference.
You may, however, contact the debt collector in writing and tell them not to contact you any further about the debt if you want the calls to stop. Once they get that request they cannot further contact you to collect the debt other than to notify you of actions that are about to be taken to collect. And, of course, you may always be sued for a judgment on the debt.
You might also consider bankruptcy if you have a lot of debts that you cannot pay.
Re: Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
To clarify, I spoke to a lawyer in my county - the county where I am being sued - about my situation. She said that it is illegal for debt collectors to call more than once in one day. Whether this is under federal law, state law, or what I'm not sure. She mentioned something about cell phones and debt collection regulations, but I can't remember what. I'm also wondering, if I managed to countersue based on harassment by this creditor, if the creditor could weasel out of the regulation due solely to the fact that the number I gave them was a call forwarding number.
Re: Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
There is no such restriction under federal law. I haven't found any such law for South Carolina but, if one exists, you can ask your lawyer to identify the statute for you.
Re: Are a Debt Collector's Calls to Google Voice Considered to be Telephone Contacts
You can write them and tell them not to call you period. Not much point in further phone conversation if they're suing you. Let your lawyer handle it.
Their violation of the FDCPA however won't magically cancel your debt.