Can collection agencies

I would think if they had something legal in writing about it, yes. But if it was just a verbal, they would have a hard time collecting on it if you fight it. I don't know how to get them not to call your family though? Why do they have your families numbers?

the easy answer is NO, they cannot. Legally, anyways, they cannot. It is a violation of the fdcpa, a federal law, for a third party debt collector to contact anyone other than you except for when they are making a genuine attempt to locate you. Even then, they can only call that specific person once, and only if they dont have a way to contact you.

What state do you live in? You have grounds for a lawsuit at this point, seriously. Depending on your state you may be able to record them calling and put them in a corner over it.

Of course, you can also send them a certified cease and desist letter telling them that they are not allowed to contact you or any of your family members about this matter--if they get that letter and keep calling anyways its another violation of the FDCPA....

Is this in regards to a canceled Dr's appt? Most Dr's offices have a policy that unless you cancel your appt 24 hours in advance, then they charge for non-cancelation. Best way to handle it is to contact the Dr's office and work it out with them. Make sure they call off the CA before you pay.