By Rep. Allen West

Editor’s Note: America we want to introduce to you a person that we need to have run for President in 2012.

But because he is an honorable man, (which is what we need) he won’t run because his district sent him to Washington to do their work and has made a commitment to them.

We want to talk especially to those of voters of District 22 in Florida. Please tell him that it is ok if he runs in 2012.

We believe that he would beat Obama and do the people’s business. In Florida we know him and we want to introduce him to the rest of the country.

Today I provided the Legislative Branch remarks at the National Day of Prayer Observance celebration on Capitol Hill.

The 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer’s theme is, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” and is based on Psalm 91:2: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

I joined Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, and a host of others religious and political leaders for the observation this morning.

“This America is rooted in a Judeo-Christian faith tradition which finds its cornerstone of communication, prayer,” West said. “On this 60th Annual National Day of Prayer, I implore this Nation and all Americans to never forget, that before you stand strong, you must first kneel in prayer.”

Here is my entire National Day of Prayer speech:

“A Mighty Fortress is our God”

Psalm 91 “The Soldiers Psalm”……Verse 2; “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust”

Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea”.

Psalm 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

We have come here this morning on a day set aside to remember from whence our strength comes.  This week began with a great piece of news for America, the personification of evil; Osama Bin Laden was killed by our US Navy SEAL special operators.

On this National Day of Prayer, I can attest without any doubt that before those brave Warriors launched their mission, they prayed. Prayer is the means by which we can find refuge in our Lord God as we face trials, tribulations, and tumultuous times.

When the foundations of America were attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001 we found ourselves as a Nation doing that which is best, praying.  

We found ourselves doing as it says in Psalm 34:6, “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”

In our Congressional office there is a simple portrait hanging on the wall facing my desk. It is a portrait that reminds me where great leaders find strength in times of troubles.

It is a portrait which reminds me of the faith and conviction that enabled a rag tag bunch of 13 Colonies to come together and triumph.

It is the portrait of General George Washington kneeling beside his horse, hands clasped, and head bowed in the snow of Valley Forge.

It was a time characterized by the immortal words of Thomas Paine, “These are the times which try men’s souls.  The summer Soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that STANDS it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women”.

I know that before you can stand against the evils, trials, and challenges we all face…..we must first kneel in prayer.

As we trust in God through the power of prayer we can say as it says in Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us.”

This America is rooted in a Judeo-Christian faith tradition which finds its cornerstone of communication, prayer.

Thomas Jefferson stated, “Can the liberties of a Nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?

That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my Country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever”.

And George Washington stated, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more that the people of the United States…..We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious [favorable] smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a Nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself ordained”.

Psalm 11:3 asks us a simple question, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

The answer is simple, this Nation will pray when its foundations are being destroyed.

We must pray for our economic security and the blessings of long term sustainable job growth policies.

We must pray for our national security to ensure this great Republic; the grand experiment in individual liberty is preserved for future generations.

We must pray for the restoration of the American family and the sanctity of innocent life.

We must pray that the ideological chasm which now separates our America can be closed.

We must pray as it states in II Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and PRAY and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and HEAL their land.

Yes, I believe as it states in Jeremiah 29:11-13….”For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and PRAY to me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart”.

I know that this is a time when the restoration of our faith and belief in the power of prayer as a Nation will result in the promise of Romans 5:3-4, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope”….and not a hope in Man.

As it says in Phillipians 4:13…..”We can do ALL things” which is why I know the greatest days of America lie ahead as we remember this day and the power of Prayer.

In closing, I know that certain individuals and their media allies will be chomping to attack these words I share today.

They shall cry separation of church and State…..but that principle does not apply to separating me from my faith and belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the power of prayer.  

And it does not apply to separating this great Nation from its Judeo-Christian faith heritage.

We must never dwell in the realm of fear nor shy away from our convictions if we believe the simple admonition of Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which raises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me, says the Lord.”

I am not a perfect Man, but my daily prayer is the Lord’s prayer as found in Matthew Chapter 6 and the prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10, “O that you would bless Me indeed and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, to protect me from evil, so that I will not cause harm, and God granted him as he requested”.

Therefore, on this 60th Annual National Day of Prayer, I implore this Nation and all of you here to lift your eyes unto the Hills, where we shall find our strength.  Mount up with wings like Eagles. Run and never grow weary. Walk and never faint.

And never forget, that before you STAND strong, you must first kneel in prayer.

God bless you all, God bless America.

Steadfast and Loyal!

Source: Rep. Allen West

Editor’s Note: You can contact Allen West Washington DC Office 1708 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 ph: 202-225-3026 • fax: 202-225-8398 Fort Lauderdale 6300 NE 1st Avenue – Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 phone: 954-202-6211 • fax: 954-202-6212 West Palm Beach.

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By Bob Schneider

Is anyone surprised by this?  I’m not.  There were some noteworthy developments, though:

On the Israeli side: 

Netanyahu leaves town without having given up even so much as a handful of soil, let alone Jerusalem, as so many feared would happen. 

He came to town as the most politically strong of all the players, and leaves without having given up a thing. 

Settlement activity is not stopped, no real estate is given away, and the blockade remains in place. 

On the latter point, due to threats of violence by Hamas, and from criticizes tossed by Iran calling for more violence from Gaza; Netanyahu’s hand was actually strengthened.  

It is obvious to all; his nation is the nation under attack, rather than the aggressor state as the anti Semites tried to paint Israel in the flotilla fiasco. 

Abbas slithers out of town as the Emperor with no clothes.  It is obvious he does not control the territory, and clearly represents the citizens of West Bank and Gaza in title only.  

Hamas has emerged the clear leader in Gaza, with the impotent Abbas almost a comical charactiture of presumption. 

In fact, he owes Netanyahu for agreeing to meet him again in two weeks; The PM would have been well within his rights to walk away, rightly claiming he was in faux negotiations with someone with no authority. 

The first test of statehood: Control of territory and control of the territory still goes to the Israelis in Gaza, to a much greater extent than it does to the PA, who has no control in Gaza.

For Clinton and Obama: they were spared the embarrassment of Joe Biden, the talks “conveniently” held while he was away on other business. 

The talks are so widely ignored, to find if they had concluded one has to use Google, and search for stories. 

Contrast Camp David, and meetings during the Clinton years.  Those were events, where the media even covered story of the media, covering a world event.  This event generated about as much excitement with the media, as Curling generated during the Olympics. 

In fact, Curling may have generated more. 

So for the Obama Administration, rack up another in a growing list of failures, and more anticipation of this being a 1 Term Presidency. 

The White House certainly did nothing at all to help embattled Democrats in their elections, and the Democrats don’t seem to mind they were ignored.  

Obama not campaigning for them now that primaries are mostly over seems to be preferable to having him show up on the stump, as Harry Reid’s numbers post Obama-love-fest shows:  in large part Obama’s visit helped his opponent. 

However, there was a real winner: the White House Press office, which at least was consistent in their clichés.  Howard Cosell would have been proud.  

This was the Seinfeld Summit: the summit about nothing.   

Source: Bob Schneider     

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. If you would like to comment on this story and you are haven’t problems logging in.

Send your comment to dan@goldcoastchronicle.com and we will post it.

By Emmie Stanley

Is there life after abortion?

This online study talks about the answer.

“Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel” (Jeremiah 3:23 (NKJV).

The answer is Jesus. It doesn’t matter what the question is; the answer is Jesus!

He is the answer for every problem and every need. His death on the cross bought us eternal redemption, healing, deliverance, prosperity, peace, liberty and protection.

He is the one who rises up to provide for us and defend us. He is the one who calls to us when we are alone and His fellowships with us. He is the one who never lets us down or leaves us.

He is with us at every turn and His eyes are always on us. He sings over us, teaches us, nurtures us, protects us, and leads us. We are always safe in His arms and He does not disappoint.

Look to Him, trust Him, wait on Him, He will come through.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers o the diving nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:2-4 (NKJV).

Questions: Have you asked Jesus to help you with your problems?
This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from Truth Media Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines: Reprint Permission.

Source: Power to Change

Editor’s Note: Emmie Stanley is a Field Coach and Consultant with Breakthrough Prayer, a ministry of Power to Change.

We would like to know what you think. If you would like to comment on this story and you are haven’t problems logging in.

Send your comment to dan@goldcoastchronicle.com and we will post it.

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

(Q) I would like to know if I make a payment to my credit card 15 days before its due date every month, will I have to pay interest.

(A) Interest accrues every day that you carry a balance on your credit card. By making a payment early, interest will not accrue on the amount that is paid.

(Q) Can a credit card company cancel a card if I don’t use the card?

(A) Yes, credit card companies can cancel a card if you don’t use the card for a period of time. 

If you don’t want the credit card company to cancel the card, you should use the card every couple of months and pay off the balance each month. This will keep the card active.

(Q) If I have an account closed, do they have the right to continue to charge interest and penalties?

(A) Even if you close your account, you will still accrue interest and fees on the outstanding balance at the time you closed the account. 

Interest and fees will continue to accrue until you pay off the full amount of the balance owed to the credit card company.

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

By Ask Doctor Debt

(Q) Am I responsible for my spouse’s debts?

(A) State requirements established in statute or case law determine if one spouse may be held liable for providing the “necessaries” of life (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or education for minor children) to the other spouse.

These requirements are based on the common law “doctrine of necessaries”, a rule of law which first emerged in the courts of England more than 300 years ago.

From its beginning, the doctrine allowed a wife to buy her necessaries on her husband’s credit even if the husband had refused or neglected to provide for her necessaries.

he common law served to protect married women from spousal neglect since the laws prohibited them from owning property, entering into contracts or receiving credit on their own behalf.

Like other common-law principles, the “doctrine” was transplanted from England and was applied in the United States. Many states have taken the original doctrine and have expanded its scope.

In most instances, state statutes or court decisions have established that both spouses are liable for the debts of the other, when those debts were incurred during the marriage to provide “necessaries.”

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

By Doctor Debit

Technology makes it easy and convenient for you to make payments on your debt. There are three types of Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) payment options:

Regardless of what method you use, the important thing is to make the payment in a timely manner to ensure that your credit rating is not affected. Here are some helpful tips to consider when using each of the EFT payment options.

Consider Timing.

Be aware that EFTs are debited from your account quite quickly. Therefore, it is important you have enough funds in your account to cover the transaction at the time of the purchase.

Failure to have enough funds could result in a service fee that could be recorded negatively on your consumer report.

Be Secure.

To avoid fraudulent use of your account, you must keep your personal information, such as your personal identification number (PIN), secure.

It is also important not to choose a PIN that another person could easily obtain, such as the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your birthday.

To avoid fraudulent withdrawals from your account, be extremely cautious when sharing your banking information over the phone, the Internet or e-mail. Ensure you know with whom you are dealing.

Whenever giving out account information over the phone, make sure you initiated the call. Do not, under any circumstances, give account information over the phone when you have received a call, even when the caller claims to be from your financial institution.

Take their number and call them back to verify that it is a legitimate call. Protect yourself and your money. Don’t let scam artists use your financial information to commit fraud or identity theft.

Your payment will appear on your monthly bank statement. The payment information should include the name of the merchant or business, the payment amount, the date the payment was transferred from your account and the location of the transaction.

You should verify this information with your receipts or canceled checks to ensure the payment was processed accurately.

If you see an error, such as the amount was debited twice from your account, you have 60 days from the date your statement was sent to notify the financial institution of any errors. Your financial institution then has a duty to investigate the error and has 45 days to do so.

Read the Documents.

It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding EFTs. This can be accomplished by reading the documents that come from your financial institutions regarding your accounts.

For instance, a merchant is required by law to notify you if your check will be processed electronically. When a merchant processes your check electronically in person (at the point of sale), the merchant is required to either post a sign at the register or provide you with a written notice that your check will be converted into an electronic transaction.

For mailed checks, the merchant must include a notice in your statement or in its terms and conditions. In addition, the law requires the merchant to give you notice if the merchant will electronically collect a service fee if you do not have enough funds in your account to cover the transaction.

You may not be able to obtain duplicate or canceled copies of your check from your financial institution, so it is important to retain either the voided check or the receipt for proof of payment and your own records.

Additionally, you should compare your records of your transactions with your monthly statements to ensure accuracy.

Pay-by-phone

A pay-by-phone transaction is often referred to as a Telephone-Initiated Entry, or TEL. TEL transactions allow a business to process your payment over the telephone.

In order for the business to remove money from your account, you must provide verbal authorization to the business.

Once you have provided proper authorization, the merchant will request your account information which will be used to debit your account (remove the funds) only for the amount that you have authorized.

The business is required to provide you with this information during the telephone call:

• the date on or after which your account will be debited
• the amount of the debit to your account
• your name
• a telephone number for the business that is available and answered during normal business hours
• the date of your oral authorization
• a statement that the authorization obtained from you will be used to originate an ACH (Automatic Clearing House) debit entry.

Additional Facts Regarding TELs

• A TEL entry is a one-time debit. You cannot authorize a series of TEL entries.
• You must give a separate authorization to a business for each TEL transaction.
• Because a TEL takes place over the phone, there is no paper check created.
• Record each transaction and request a receipt from the business. This will allow you to maintain accurate records of your financial account.

Pay Over the Internet

An Internet transaction is often referred to as an Internet-Initiated Entry, or WEB. These transactions allow a merchant or business to debit your account based on information provided over the Internet.

In order for the merchant to debit your account, you must provide authorization, in writing and signed or similarly authenticated by you over the Internet. Even if you authenticate yourself when logging onto a Web site, a separate authentication must take place when you authorize the transaction.

Such authentication could be provided by asking you to re-enter your personal identification number (PIN) or password to authenticate your identity when authorizing the debit.

Generally, existing customers can be authenticated by a shared secret PIN, password or previous transaction history between you and the merchant.

The merchant or business is required to provide you with particular information during the transaction over the Internet.

The following information must be provided:

• express authorization language
• amount of the transaction
• the name of your financial institution
• your account number
• your financial institution’s routing number
• information regarding revoking authorization (for purposes of recurring payments only)

A WEB entry can be a series of debits or a one-time debit, depending upon the number of debits authorized. Similar to TEL debits, you will not create a paper check for the transaction, as the debit is processed over the Internet.

Thus, it is important to record each transaction and request a receipt from the merchant to maintain accurate records of your financial account.

The business or merchant must provide you with a hard copy of the authorization upon your request.

Conversion of Paper Check

Paper checks can be converted to an electronic transaction through a variety of methods. Each of the following types of check conversion is a one-time debit.

You may not authorize a series of these debits, as you must provide a new paper check to be converted for each debit.

Point-of-Purchase (POP).

One type of check conversion is commonly called a point-of-purchase (POP) entry. A POP entry is a debit to a consumer’s account for a purchase made in person at the point of sale.

A POP entry occurs when you give your check to a cashier, and the check is processed through an electronic system that captures your bank account information and the amount of the check.

In order for a merchant to debit your account, the merchant must first obtain your written authorization.

The merchant must provide you with a copy of the authorization. A common practice for obtaining your written authorization is to print a receipt similar to a credit card receipt and have you sign the top copy, while the bottom copy is returned to you.

The receipt must contain the following information:

• name of the merchant
• telephone number of the merchant or the third-party service provider
• date of the transaction
• amount of the transaction
• serial number of the check
• merchant number
• city and state where the transaction takes place

Your complete account number and identification should not be printed on the receipt. If this information is included, for security reasons only a few digits should appear for you to recognize that it is your number.

Finally, the merchant must void or mark your paper check, as it may not be used again, and return the original paper check to you.

Accounts Receivable (ARC).

Check conversion can also occur when you mail a check to pay for a purchase or to make a payment on an account.

Such transactions are often referred to as Accounts Receivable (ARC) entries.

These transactions occur when a merchant or business converts your check to an electronic debit when the check is received via the U.S. mail or at a drop box location.

The merchant or business is required to provide you with notice that your check will be converted into an electronic transaction. The notice must be provided before you mail your check or place it in a drop box. Additionally, the notice must state that the receipt of the consumer’s check will be accepted as the authorization to debit the consumer’s account using an ARC entry. Such notice can be included in a billing statement, collection letter, or other similar document. In addition, the merchant or business must afford you the right to opt out of having your check converted into an electronic transaction.

Once the check has been converted, the merchant or business must destroy your check within 14 days of the settlement date on the entry. So it’s important to record each transaction.

Back Office Conversion (BOC).

BOC transactions occur when you provide your check at the point of sale and the merchant converts your check to an electronic transaction in the back office of the business, away from the retail operations. Similar to ARC, the merchant or business is required to provide you with notice that your check will be converted into an electronic transaction. This notice must be posted at the point of purchase or at the bill payment location. In addition, the business is required to provide a copy of this notice to you at the time of the transaction. Once the check has been converted, the merchant or business may either retain or destroy your paper check. Finally, the merchant or business must afford you the right to opt out of having your check converted into an electronic transaction.

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

(Q) We have recently lost my husband’s income. He qualifies for Social Security. However, until he registers for Social Security and begins receiving payments, we find ourselves stretched too thin. We would like to protect our credit rating. Is there any way we can legitimately and effectively re-negotiate our credit card obligations, car loan and mortgage to help us get through this tough time?

(A) You should contact your credit card companies and any other creditors immediately. Explain the situation to them before you miss payments or start making late payments. They may be able to work out a payment arrangement with you so you can stay current on your obligations. You can also contact your financial institution to discuss available options for consolidating your debts into one payment.

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

(Q) Can debt collectors continue to try to collect a debt after the statute of limitations period has expired?    

(A) The statute of limitations dictates the amount of time within which a lawsuit may be filed against a consumer to collect a debt. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and the time frame may be different if the contract creating the debt is in writing, is verbal, or if the debt is a credit card debt or other kind of debt.Statutes of limitation start running usually on an account’s last activity.

Statutes of limitation may also stop and can be revived, depending on state law, with a partial payment or a written promise to repay the debt. In addition, the statute of limitations is often suspended if a consumer leaves the state, resides within the state under an assumed name, or is incarcerated.

According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), when the statute of limitations has expired, a collector may continue to request payment on the debt, but the collector cannot threaten the consumer with legal action because the collector can no longer sue the consumer for the debt.

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

(Q)  I recently went through a divorce which left me with credit card debt. On top of that I have a student loan and monthly child support to pay. Most of my salary goes toward rent and other bills.

What should I do? My sister belongs to a credit union so I’m going to try to get a loan from them. I’ve heard the interest rate could be 10 percent or higher on a loan. Is bankruptcy an option?

(A) You should first contact the credit union to determine if they can consolidate your debts into one loan with one interest rate or refinance your existing debts at lower interest rates. If you financed your car through a dealership, the credit union may be able to refinance that loan at a lower interest rate. The credit union can calculate what your monthly payment will be so you can figure out if it’s less than the amount you pay now. Bankruptcy is a last resort.

It will have a negative impact on your credit for several years. Also, your student loan would not be dischargeable in a bankruptcy unless you can prove that paying the student loan would be a substantial hardship. In order to maintain good credit, make sure to pay your bills each month on time. It’s to your advantage to pay your bills early, if possible, as that may result in an increase in your credit score.

Source: Ask Doctor Debt

By Dan Samaria

Editor’s Note: There are many sites that can help you with dealing with debt. This site we use weekly with advice it called The Ask Doctor Debt.

They have answers to many frequently asked questions regarding debt and credit problems.

This week we will be giving you some FAQ that have been sent to their site. We hope that this will help you, in dealing with debt.

If you have any questions, you can reach us dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

By Ask Doctor Debt

(Q) How do I get debt collectors to stop calling, when I’m not the one they want; they’ve looking for my former roommate?

(A) It can be frustrating when debt collectors call looking for a roommate, neighbor, relative or someone you don’t even know. Here’s what may be happening: Debt collectors are generally not allowed to discuss a consumer debt with the consumer’s employer, coworkers, friends, neighbors or relatives (excluding the consumer’s spouse) but they may contact those same employers, coworkers, friends and neighbors for the purpose of acquiring location information on the consumer.

This practice, called “skiptracing, ” is legal but is the only reason debt collectors can contact third parties.In attempting to obtain location information, a debt collector may not communicate with a third party more than once unless the third party requests the debt collector contact them again, or if the debt collector reasonably believes the third party’s response was erroneous or incomplete and the third party now has correct or complete information.

Therefore, if the debt collector believes that the third party’s response was incomplete, but has no reason to believe they now have updated information, the debt collector may not contact the third party again.)You should tell the collector you don’t know where the consumer they are looking for is located or how to reach them, if that is the case, and ask the collector to stop contacting you.

Source: As Doctor Debt