Elderly parents are being harrassed/Please Help

[lovingmom]

Parents live in Illinois-My brother,who carrries my fathers name,owes thousands of dollars in student loans.My father is being harrassed to pay. Brother,at the time of loans,was 38 years old.For the past 2 years and to this date, my parents are being told they are responsible for this debt.As a matter of fact, my parents are being threatened.I told my folks(im from MS)will handle the situation and for them not to worry anymore.I have always received excellent advice from this forum, and I pray you will help me again. Are my parents obligated to pay this old debt? And how do I go about stopping this unfortunate harrassment? My brother has nothing and is a deadbeat( sorry to say, but true) and my father is well off. While I was home, I asked my dad if he ever sent them money.He stated"No"! Also, when I first saw the letter/bill the name that appeared on the front didnt state SR or JR ...Any info will be much appreciated...Thank you.. A daughter looking out for her parents well-being....

 

[JETX]

My suggestions:

Read the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collections Practices Act) at http://www.ftc.gov. You will see what your rights are, and more importantly, what these vermin debt collectors CANNOT do. Then, very simply, make sure that you get a name and phone number of the callers (harrassers) and have your parents advise them to cease all further contact. If they contact your parents again, document the violation and file a complaint with the FTC (online at the site above). You could also consider taking legal action against the collection dweebs.

Finally, you might also take a look at the Bud Hibbs website (http://www.budhibbs.com). It has a lot of good information on how to put these collection dweebs 'on the ropes'!