Debt collectors chasing unlisted relative

Just got home and found a message on the answering machine someone named mark looking for my sister in law, said he found our number in the white pages.

Now knowing michelle and also knowing she's just moved and hasn't paid anything on her car loan this year I'm 99% sure its a debt collector.

My problem is if I don't tell them the details I know can it come back to bite me on the bum? If for some reason she was taken to court over it something? I'm honestly more inclined to tell them because she needs a bloody wake up call but if I don't is that ok? And if I don't and they keep calling what are my rights?

Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

We're also the only one in my husbands family (very unique last name, only ones in the country lol) listed and this has happened before.

You cannot be chased for debt that is in someone else's name, unless you are a guarantor to their loan. Don't sweat, the debt collector is probably just exploring all avenues to try and track down the debtor. It's completely up to you if you pass on your cousin's details or not.

Nope, you don't have to tell a debt collector anything about anyone.

thanks :)

My mum has had a few call lately as someone is looking for my cousin regarding a debt. We also have an unusual surname so was easy to find. She gave out the details that she knew about and thought nothing of it. Another call months later so she asked why they were looking for him. Turns out he owes money in NZ and it sounds like he has also changed his surname to avoid being found.
They will eventually find her through a few avenues but it's really up to you if you want to give out her details. You are only responsible for debts that have your name on them not debt the other members of the family collect
Just hope your details are nowhere on any of her documents :)

oh goodness no! Our names are no where near any of his families bills/finances/etc. Like I said, this isn't the first time we have had it happen, they all have silent numbers to avoid being found and we get the calls looking for them. One of he's sisters in particular is shocking, we stupidly loaned her money when he was meant to be getting her life back on track and over 4 years later we still haven't seen a single cent and never will. Was something like $1500 for her bond, we sold her a car we owned, said she could pay us back X amount per month, we had one payment, let it slide for 6months, then took the car off her and had to pay $7000 to have all the damage she had done repaired.

It's not like they are young either, both are 28 this year and they have spent their whole adult lives racking up debts and not repaying them. We've had telstra and all sort of places call chasing them.

Its amazing how people think differently about things - it would never cross my mind to run from a debt. DH and I have a lot of debt and are going to be a bit strapped when I finish work (next week lol) but we are just focussed on how we are going to get by, while meeting all our financial commitments.

I would never think to change my name or move to avoid paying something. I always feel terrible if I am late paying something or someone.

That just struck me as I read your last post... nothing to do with the initial question really sorry :redface:

I have had a LOT of experience with this unfortunately and I just tell them that this isn't "so and so's" number and to please stop calling as it is none of my business :)

It's possible they have put you down as a contact. When I applied for my car loan I had to give three names or contacts in case I was uncontactable

oh yeah, def not your problem & you don't have to tell them anything. they can't tell you anything either unless they have a signed consent from your SIL. if you don't return the call or they can't get hold of you (and you don't have to return the call or anything), they may end up sending someone round to the house to see if she's there or you can help with forwarding details. again, you're not obliged to help/tell them anything & they should act in a professional manner (i.e not threatening). sorry - that's not meant to freak you out, just as a 'what may happen' ...all depends on how much she owes really!

she would be thousands behind on her car payments, but anyway..Not going to return their call and hopefully they don't call again.

DH has called his parents to let his sister know they are looking for her and to contact them because we don't want to be dealing with her/their crap.