Debt Collectors Are Using Social Media To Track Down People In Debt...posted on 25 October 2011 | posted in General Category | ( 0 ) CommentsA warning has been issued to debt collectors who use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to track down people in debt. The warning was issued by the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) who have updated their Debt Collection Guidance which sets out the standards expected of all consumer businesses engaging in the recovery of consumer credit debts. This includes banks and debt collection agents. The guidance sets out specific business practices that the OFT considers to be unfair such as using Facebook, Twitter and other social networking websites to trace and contact debtors. This also includes contacting debtors outside social times such as before 8am and after 8pm, and contacting them at inappropiate locations such as their workplace or if they are ill in hospital. Advisors at Integrity commented: "People in debt have a responsibility to pay their creditors back if they can. However creditors and debt collection agents also have a duty to follow OFT guidance. It is very concerning that this practice is becoming more and more common and people need to be aware of what information they post over the internet." "When people post updates they need to be aware of personal data protection. Broadcasting to the world that you are going on holiday or just got a lump sum of money may seem ok, but it may not be just your friends or followers who see this information......" Debtors already experience high levels of stress when dealing with finances and debt, and if debt collection agents are tracking them on social media websites then this is only going to make the problem worse. If you are in debt and have had debt collection agents contact you through social media, we strongly advise that you report this to the OFT. Integrity deal with creditors and debt collection agents on a daily basis and if you are facing mounting financial strain and pressure, then contact us now for independant and professional debt advice on 01743 272900 Share this blog entry:
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