can they do this

I'm not sure, but I can possibly see that fact that maybe that didn't want to give info about the debt just in case they were speaking to the wrong person. Then I could also see the fact that they just want to make sure you still have the same address as what they have. How did they get your phone #?

When I was collecting we would always ask for the borrower to repeat their home address first, just to verify that they were the right person. If they say an address first, sometimes the person answering the phone will just say "yes" just to be nosey. Happened frequently!

Under the fdcpa,if they have no way to verify they are speaking with the right person,I would imagine the safe thing for them is to quit talking.

I do understand your point.Now let's look at their point.If they speak with the wrong person about an account,they will be legally liable on a federal lawsuit. I see no reason to not verify address.I would draw the line there though. No soc sec # or anything else until you see their proof.

I agree with Cajun on this point. I wouldn't give out your work information either or they might start calling you there. If they have your home address, they can send the proper papers to validate the debt.

If they call back, I would tell them "for my safety, I will only give out my house number" and just give them the numbers portion of your address. That, in my mind, is enough to confirm they called the right person. Maybe last four of social, but I prefer to never give any portion of my social unless I feel extremely safe.

If they have a problem, tell them that they had better send you a bill and stop calling until they want to act like grownups, then hang up.

I only give out my house number....I have never had any problems with that so far. It's always been enough. :)