Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
received a message stating a mans name, that it was important to call them back, and a phone number. Thinking it had to do with my health insurance (I had just applied) I called them back. When they answered they immediatly asked for my personal information, I asked who they were but they would not give me a straight answer, stating "for you protection we need to verify your identification", still under the belief they had to do with health insurance I confirmed my identification, they then informed me they were attempting to collect a debt. I feel as though I was tricked into calling them, I asked if they had to leave a message stating they were attempting to collect a debt and the would not answer, instead only asking me questions, including where I worked and contact number for them, and whether or not they were allowed to call me.. even though they already called me. Is this a legal tactic?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Your experience with a collection agency is a typical tactic to deceive, to obtain
personal information which will help them collect a debt, and to never be honest
about their objective. They are supposed to identify themselves and the reason
for their information under FL law. Advice: be cautious whenever asked personal
information in such circumstances. Next, you may receive a threat to pay some
debt or a lawsuit will be filed.
Actually, you were not tricked into anything. Collection agencies must be very careful about releasing any Information until they can confirm that they are speaking to the person they are seeking. They cannot leave any identifying information on an answering machine, lest someone else hears it. They dont know who is returning a call until they can verify its the person they are looking for, hence asking for personal info. If they revealed the fact they were debt collectors to an unauthorized 3d party (a roommate, your sister, your mother, as examples), they'd be in hot water with lawyers like Mr Martin for violation of Florida and federal debt collection and privacy laws. The very laws which protect your information from being released willy-nilly to just anyone, are the same laws which make it appear that bona fide debt collection agencies are being deceptive.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
