We knew it would happen sooner or later, but recent changes to the federal rules that govern the conduct of debt collectors have given them clearance to contact you through text, email, and social media accounts. If you owe money that you are unable to pay, bill collectors now have the right to intrude upon your privacy even more than before. Someone may try to friend you on Facebook with the sole purpose of seeking money from you.
If you’re wondering how you can avoid debt collectors on social media and other direct forms of contact, we can help! Keep reading to learn more about your rights and the debt relief services available to you today.
Debt Collectors on Social Media: What Are Your Rights?
Unfortunately, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act still leaves debt collectors multiple ways to contact you and increase the pressure. If you have a considerable amount of debt, it’s best to be prepared for an elevated number of scam emails and text messages by criminals trying to steal money from you. With the frequency with which debts change hands nowadays, it’s challenging to tell the difference between a legitimate solicitation and an outright fraud. This makes it nearly impossible to avoid debt collectors on social media. However, knowing your rights will allow you to take action when a debt collector takes it a step too far.
If you get messages from debt collectors on social media, the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule requires that:
- They must identify themselves. Debt collectors attempting to send you a private message and/or those who send a friend request must inform you that they are, in fact, debt collectors.
- The message they send you must be private. Debt collectors can only send you messages over social media if the message is private. They are not permitted to contact you about debt if anyone else is able to view the message in a public capacity. This includes your profile page or any other part of the platform where more people are able to view the message.
- They must offer a way for you to opt-out of receiving messages. Even if they have notified you that they are a debt collector and kept it in an area private to you, they must make it easy for you to stop receiving messages.
Contact Us for Debt Relief Services
Debt collectors will always find ways to get in touch with you. Luckily, the bankruptcy laws remain fully intact and as powerful as ever. If you have debts that you are unable to pay, you do not need to be subjected to intrusive and stressful contact from debt collectors on social media. You have rights too. People don’t intentionally end up in such dire debt that they need to file for bankruptcy, but with the right support, it’s the best way to go. Bankruptcy provides a fresh start and immediate relief to those suffering from too much debt.
Contact Bankruptcy Law Center today to learn more about our debt relief services.
