Can debt collectors contact me through Social Media?
Back in October it emerged that debt collecting agencies were using Facebook and Twitter in order to harass debtors for money. The Office of Fair Trading issued a warning after receiving a number of complaints relating to the aggressive behaviour of some of the agencies. So what powers do they have when it comes to Social Media?
Gordon Ramsey from the OFT regards the latest tactic as a new take on the postcard through the door. “Using social media is a new take on an old practice of dropping off a postcard at someone’s property.”With him explaining that its purpose is to embarrass people.
The OFT have taken a new stance on this and deemed any activity that is likely to embarrass people either deliberately or negligently through lack of care will result in serious action against them, this includes using social networks in a way in which a person could be identified as being pursued for debt..
You can protect yourself from receiving such contact by following a few of these simple steps.
- Always keep your Social Media profiles set to private so that only your friends can see your information and send messages to you.
- Only accept requests from people that you know, if you are unsure then don’t accept.
- Do not engage in any conversation with any debt collection agency on Social Media.
- You can be searched by your email address on some Social Media sites, therefore try and refrain from giving this out to them and only correspond with them via letter.
Remember to always stay safe online.
Do you have any experience with debt collectors contacting your via Social Media?
Written by Gemma on February 8th, 2012
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