Social Media Sites Banned For Debt Collectors

In the past, debt collectors only had home phone lines and the mail system to contact debtors to collect on debts. As times have evolved, many have begun to call cell phones, send text messages and even email collection notices to debtors. With increased regulation of debt collection practices comes innovative ways to collect. Many debt collection companies have turned to Facebook and Twitter as avenues for collecting on unpaid debts.

Another Unfair Collection Practice

The Federal Trade Commission and The Office of Fair Trading have been stepping up efforts to better police debt collection practices. A recent surge of complaints has hit the offices of both agencies, whereby consumers are filing violation notifications to report the unfair or abusive practices of many collectors.

The OFT has recently ruled that using Facebook or Twitter as a tool for contacting debtors in efforts to collect on a debt is unfair and is banned from use. The OFT has also updated their Debt Collection Guidelines, which outlines the expectations of debt collection companies and the rules they are required to follow.  Anyone experiencing unfair collection practices is urged to contact the FTC or OFT to report the agency and type of violation.