Ask a FDCPA Lawyer: Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?

Dear FDCPA Lawyer:

I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A debt collector who has been calling me recently called my wife’s parents and asked to leave a message for me regarding my debt.  Can they do this?

Signed, Embarrassed Consumer

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Dear Tulsa Oklahoma debtor:

If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don’t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people – but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work.  If the collector already has valid contact information for you, and has recently contacted you, they may not contact others.  Also, collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.