Can a debt collector do this?

I had a debt collector call my house for my bf parents. He asked if I new them & he provided me with their names & address. He provided me with his phone number & business hours & told me that it was important that they call him or he would not "be able to help them." After they called him we found out it was about a debt they had. I have no idea how they got my number unless it was because we are neighbors & if this is the case what other neighbors did they call & leave this message with. I figured it was over a debt & I'm sure if this message was left with anyone else they probably figured it out too. I think this would be a little embarassing for them, especially since we have some neighbors who gossip a lot & if they got the message *wow* I just have a funny feeling that if they don't get this bill payed (which is none of my business) then they are going to harass me with calls all of the time & if so what can I do to stop it? I get enough telemarketing calls as it is!

Unfortunate situation, but it sounds like you handled the situation in a reasonable manner. As long as you didn't give the unknown third party any infomation about the bf's parents, they have no reason to be upset with you.

As for the collector, what he did was unethical, but probably not illegal.

However, given today's environment, with all kinds of stalkers, debt collectors, and ID thieves running around, its probably better to say nothing at all. I simply say "Sorry, no one here by that name" and hang up.

You can call whoever you want. Yes, they do use any method possible to cover the debt, including embarrassment. If it's at a debt collector, the person given the responsibility to get the debt collected gets a commission percentage of the recovery. They are worse than car salesmen.

Yeah. It's perfectly legal. I just watched the documentary "Maxed Out" and they interview two collectors that are some of the best. They looked like it was a big joke and so funny that they were embarrassing these people like that.
Yes, they will track you down. Your friends, your neighbors, your family, anything they can do to break you down and get their money.