Why? What is the benefit to calling them as opposed to sending it back to them marked Not Known At This Address?
You may be talking yourself into additional calls and letters if your son and daughter in law don't pay and the collector has any reason to think you are connected to them. And it's very doubtful that the person you reach on the phone will even know how your name came up.
But it's your call.
Coincidentally my wife got an email today requesting information for our son from the Fed Loan Servicing. Seems their information is not up to date. I think that is code for "where do we find your son so we can squeeze him".
They won't tell you. Most likely they used one of the internet background engines that gives "possible known relations" links.
For example, looking up my name lists all by brothers and sisters and my parents, my ex-girlfriend (she used to live with me three houses ago), and three people I have no clue who they are or how they are linked up with me.
You want to help the slime covered, scum sucking debt collectors? Unless you have positive knowledge of where the deadbeat is, nothing is going to help them.2) To help them in any way possible with addresses, phone numbers, employers. Whatever I can do to help them
Further, communicating with them just encourages them to think you know something about the hiding deadbeat and will not stop them from furhter harassing you. Note that the FDCPA protects the deadbeat, not innocent bystanders like you.
But he does know where they live and if they've ever ripped him off I could understand why he would let them know.
A few decades ago back when I was a landlady (and stupid) I had a deadbeat roommate skip out without paying rent. I tracked him down to his parent's place and when the debt collectors called the house looking for him, I just gave them the contact info for his parents and let them know he had moved in with them. I was never contacted again by any of them afterward.
That only happened because the deadbeat addressed the debt. If the deadbeat ignores them, they'll likely wait a month and come back after you. I had to change my cell number to get away from one of these horse posterior collectors.
Exactly. My son owes me and wife over $16K. My wife won't let me send the wolves out on him. He reneged on a contract to pay back $100 a month after only 2 months, that was 17 months ago. He is a deadbeat, my DIL may or may not be but I am sure my son is telling his new wife its all good, he has it under control.
I am quite happy to provide addresses, phones numbers for both and employment information and locations to the debt collectors.
I agree, debt collectors are in a slimy business and many use questionable and often illegal methods but does that really excuse the debtors? If your being hounded by debt collectors then likely there is a good reason for it. I feel little sympathy for those that run away from their responsibilities.
On your own head be it. But when your son and daughter in law don't pay, and the debt collectors continue to hound you because you've made it clear to them that you know where the actual debtor are, remember, you heard it here first.