Why do they call ME for HIS bills?

[napi21]

I got this info in an email message from a web site "everyday cheapskate. I have gotten calls on how to contact a relative too. Even though they aren't allowed to tell you it's regarding a collection, you know that;s what it is. I think I won't ever claim relatives again! Who to contact in case of an emergency? Sorry, just let me croke.

My husband receives calls from debt collectors looking for one of his relatives who has fallen behind on payments. These calls aren't harassing or seeking money from us, but they are a nuisance. This has happened with at least three different relatives. None of them have ever lived with us. How do the lenders find us? Erika T., email

Dear Erika,
You know when you go to the doctor or other care provider how they always ask for an emergency contact that does not live with you? You think that's so they will know who to call if you become unconscious or need medical help. You provide the phone number and address of a relative or someone who knows you well. The real reason they ask for this information is so they can find out what happened to you if you are unreachable and skip out on your bill.

[Lasher]

1. I tell them if they can't tell me what the call is about, I won't tell them anything

or relay any messages.

[Hekate]

2. Phone calls? We've had a few...

We're not the Palins, thank God, but we've had our little troubles like everyone else, so if this is about a situation you're having, here is what we've done over the years:

1. He doesn't live here. This is not his phone number. Sorry, I can't take a message. (This is for my con-artist brother in law whose name is in the phone book next to ours.)

2. He's not here right now. Sure I'll take a message. Sorry, there's no other number or address. (This was for my son. 10+ years ago he lost his job and almost had his car repo'd, but they could never find him because in fact he didn't live with us. The calls were very persistent. When he got a job again he paid everything off.)

And just in case my daughter's ex should ever call:

3. Hey, long time no see! How the hell are you? What are you doing these days for a job? Oh she's fine, and so is the kid. No, no I can't give out her number but I can sure take a message. Uh-huh--and your phone number is? And your address is? Any message? Oh sure, I'll pass that along. (He hasn't seen his 4 1/2 y.o. son since shortly after birth, so screw him. My daughter has married a nice guy since then, and has moved several times.)

It's not that hard to be the iron gate, really. And you can be very nice about it too.

Hekate