If you use social media to keep tabs on your friends and relatives, you may appreciate the escape online forums give you. After all, when you log into your social media accounts, you can forget about your unpaid debts for a while. That all may be changing sooner than you expect, though.
According to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, debt collectors cannot harass or threaten you. Still, because they have a job to do, debt collectors can contact you to try to secure payment. In addition to calling you on the phone, collectors also can contact you on social media.
No public shaming
Many social media platforms allow your followers to post information about you in a publically viewable place. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about debt collectors shaming you in public. This is because they can only contact you through direct or private messaging on social media. If a debt collector posts to your wall, you may be able to lodge an official complaint.
Clear communication
When contacting you through private messages on the social media platforms you use, debt collectors must communicate clearly. They specifically must tell you who they are and what debt they are trying to collect. Furthermore, a debt collector should make this information readily available to you in the first message or two.
You have the option of ignoring or blocking any debt collector who is trying to reach you through your social media platforms, of course. Ultimately, though, if you constantly worry a debt collector is about to take over your social media, it may be time to look into your available debt-relief options.