SingaporeA debt collector called my family about my debt. Is this allowed?
No, a debt collector generally cannot contact your family about your debt without your consent, as it likely breaches the Personal Data Protection Act 2012.
What the Law Says
The Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) controls how organisations — including debt collection agencies — may collect, use, or disclose personal data. Contacting your family about your debt typically involves disclosing your personal information without your permission, which is prohibited.
Under the PDPA, an organisation must not disclose personal data about an individual to a third party — such as a family member — unless the individual has given consent, or an exception in the law applies.
Debt collectors are considered 'organisations' under the PDPA. If they call your family to discuss your debt, they are likely disclosing your personal data (e.g., that you owe money, the amount, or repayment status) without your knowledge or consent.
There are limited exceptions — for example, if disclosure is required by law or necessary to respond to an emergency threatening life or safety — but routine debt collection does not qualify.
Statutory TextAn organisation shall not disclose personal data about an individual to a third party without the individual’s consent, unless an exception in this Act applies.
— Personal Data Protection Act 2012, s. 18 — Disclosure of personal data
What to Do
Tell the debt collector in writing to stop contacting your family.
File a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) at https://www.pdpc.gov.sg.
Keep records of all calls, dates, names, and what was said.
If harassment continues, consider seeking legal advice or reporting to the police if threats or intimidation occur.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.