Authorization to discuss debt

[wdwood71]

What is the name of your state? GA

My wife had an account with a Credit Card company. Due to an stint of unemployment, we were unable to make payments and the debt was sold to a collection agency/law firm called Schreiber and Associates.
These guys have used some vile tactics, including harrasing phone calls to my parents.
My wife and I are in a credit counseling service that the debt collectors refuse to work with.
The account was in my wife's name, however, the debt collection agency has been dealing with me directly. It occurs to me that they never got authorization from my wife, the account holder, to discuss the details of this account with me. They have even sent me a settlement letter for the account.
Is this legal? Are they allowed to discuss this debt with someone other than the account owner without legal consent from the account holder?
I know its a technicality, but these guys have been so underhanded, I am not really ashamed to try some legal maneuvering of my own if I have the means.

 

[wdwood71]

Well...

I think I found my own answer. According to the FTC website, the owner of the debt is referred to as the consumer. Their definition of consumer appears to include the spouse.
If I am misreading this or am just flat out wrong please let me know.

 

[stevek3]

I think I found my own answer. According to the FTC website, the owner of the debt is referred to as the consumer. Their definition of consumer appears to include the spouse.
If I am misreading this or am just flat out wrong please let me know.

Spouses are included in everything in life, including the law. It's one of the many lousy things about spouses. Let the gays get married. They should be as miserable as the rest of us.