The Strong Arm Collection Agency had a number of debts to collect from Sam, a delinquent debtor. The agency sent Harry to see Sam and present him with a demand for payment that was drawn to resemble a court summons. Harry delivered the demand, but before he departed, threatened to "beat up" Sam, and inform Sam's employer that he was a "deadbeat," if he did not pay the debt promptly. If Sam does not pay the debt, Harry is entitled to demand payment of the debt from other members of Sam's immediate family.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Debt collectors, including those from the Strong Arm Collection Agency, are not legally entitled to demand payment from a debtor's immediate family members unless those family members have co-signed or are legally responsible for the debt. Additionally, the tactics described (threatening physical harm, impersonating court documents, and threatening to disclose the debt to an employer) are illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in the United States.

The Strong Arm Collection Agency Had a Number of Debts