Yes, I confess. I hail as an absolute addict to my social media platforms, and data suggests I am not the only one. A study recently conducted by Pew Internet reveals user engagement on these platforms have almost doubled since 2008.
Social media has become a staple in our everyday lives—sharing our experiences has become effortless, entertaining, and downright addictive. But this raises the question, are we exposing ourselves to online predators such as identity thieves, stalkers, and even debt collectors?
It seems the torment of debt collectors has now extended from constantly ringing our phones to infiltrating our social spheres. So, is it legal? Ideally, the Fair Debt Collections Practice Act should oversee social media communications like conventional contacts, but debt collection agencies exploit the increased difficulty and low probability of enforcement. A fair few stretch the boundaries on social media, even if penalties loom on the horizon.
In the same way, they attempt to reach you or your acquaintances via phone or letters, don’t be surprised if they try connecting through social platforms. While bound by the law, remember, anything you post publicly may be fair game.
So, if debt collectors have started haunting your social channels, it’s crucial to understand your rights!
They cannot conceal their identity: By law, a creditor must make clear their intent to recover debt and cannot impersonate another individual.
Restricted communication: Creditors can only legally contact you, your lawyer, any co-debtors, and your spouse.
Written proof: Within five days, the creditors must provide you with a written notice of the amount owed, who it’s owed to, and their contact details.
Workplace contact: Upon your request, creditors must cease contact at your workplace. Although they can call to locate you, revealing information about your debt to colleagues or supervisors is a no-go.
Ceasing contact: Debtors have the right to request the cessation of contact from creditors.
Navigating this “social world” safely is paramount. Just like out there in the wild, predators thrive on ignorance and faults. Here are some tips to secure your profiles:
1. Privacy settings: Make your profiles private, because leaving them open for public viewing increases the likelihood of a collector keeping tabs.
2. Selective posts: Our public posts could become easy bait for stalkers. So, be careful of what and with whom you share.
3. Limit personal info: Avoid sharing identifiable information such as phone numbers, addresses, or workplaces. If posted, it’s public.
4. Avoid strangers: Do not friend people you don’t know, they may actually be collectors, identity thieves, or stalkers.
5. Monitor “likes”: Liking your financial institutions like a bank or a payday loan company (interesting!) may put forth more information than you may have hoped.
By understanding your rights and ensuring precautions, you can avoid being prey. For those grappling with debt, remember, there are ways to manage your debt and dodging collectors only worsens the scenario. Have you ever received a message from a debt collector on your social platforms?
