Debt collectors have added social media to their collection process. Collectors can use social media to locate people or see if they have any assets. Some collectors use social media to harass someone. Examples include posting messages that let the world know you owe a debt or contact friends and family. These are clear violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Collectors can use Facebook and other social media to locate people. There is debate as to whether it is time to rewrite the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to include social media and text messaging.
To read more, see
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42687734/ns/business-consumer_news/t/debt-collectors-troll-facebook-are-they-going-too-far/
Larry SmithConsumer Rights Attorney at SmithMarco, P.C.Larry P. Smith is a consumer attorney and the founder and Managing Partner at SmithMarco, P.C. He has tried dozens of consumer rights cases to verdict and has arbitrated over 700 cases. Additionally, he has amicably resolved over 3,000 consumer fraud, Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act cases via settlement. Mr. Smith has been a guest on multiple radio outlets including WLS and WGN in Chicago providing consumer advice. Mr. Smith also provides leadership and delivers lectures to the National Association of Consumer Advocates, The National Consumer Law Center, and the Chicago Bar Association. Latest posts by Larry Smith (see all)
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