Collection Question

No. The only thing they're allowed to ask your co-worker is how to get in contact with you. They are not allowed to tell anyone but you anything about your case. If you doubt the validity of the collection agency send them a verification letter.

No, they aren't suppose to disclose any information to anyone else besides the debtor. If you could get your co-worker to sign a statement and have it notarized then you could sue them for violating the FDCPA for up to $1000.00. You also need to file a complaint against them with the FTC, they could also be fined for violating the FDCPA, I think I have a link which explains how this works but I need to locate it, I will be back as soon as I locate it, and post it for you.

Before I begin my search, here's another link for a fair debt attorney, just locate your link below, I think this is worth pursuing.
http://www.fairdebtforconsumers.com/

See the link below for various subjects on the FDCPA:
http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/rules/fair-debt-collection-act.html

Thank you for all your help! I was really taken back when my coworker told me that, and I knew that had to go against fair debt practices.