One of the most common FDCPA violations is improper third-party disclosure.
Under federal law, a debt collector generally cannot communicate with anyone other than:
- You
- Your attorney
- A credit bureau (in certain contexts)
- A court (in litigation)
Disclosing your debt to others can violate the statute.
Examples of Illegal Third-Party Disclosure
1️⃣ Telling a Family Member You Owe Money
If a collector tells your parent, spouse (who is not a co-obligor), sibling, or roommate about your debt — that may be illegal.
2️⃣ Talking to Your Employer About the Debt
Unless legally required (like wage garnishment after judgment), discussing your debt with your employer is typically prohibited.
3️⃣ Posting on Social Media
Public posts about your debt are almost always unlawful.
4️⃣ Repeatedly Contacting a Third Party
Collectors are generally limited to one contact for location information. Repeated contact may violate the law.
5️⃣ Leaving Voicemails That Reveal the Debt to Others
If a voicemail can be heard by others and reveals the debt, it may be a violation.
What Is Allowed?
Collectors may contact third parties only to obtain location information, and they:
- Cannot disclose the debt.
- Cannot discuss details.
- Cannot contact repeatedly.
What Can You Recover?
If a collector improperly disclosed your debt, you may recover:
- Up to $1,000 statutory damages
- Emotional distress damages (in some cases)
- Attorney’s fees
FDCPA claims are often handled without upfront fees due to fee-shifting provisions.
The Bottom Line
Debt collectors have limited authority to contact third parties.
If your employer, parents, friends, or social media contacts learned about your debt from a collector, that may violate federal law.
If you believe a collector disclosed your debt improperly, act quickly — FDCPA claims must generally be filed within one year.
