If you owe money to a mortgage lender, credit card company or Florida hospital, you’ll likely be obligated to repay that debt in monthly installments. In the event that you stop making payments, the balance might be sold to a collection agency. Typically, debt collectors will contact you about an outstanding balance by phone or mail. However, starting in November 2021, they will be allowed to send private messages to any social media accounts that you own.
Only private messages can be sent
A debt collector is not allowed to post information that might be seen by your social media followers. Furthermore, you must be given a chance to opt-out of receiving further messages from any entity attempting to collect a past due balance. It’s important to note that these rules only apply to debt collectors. Your attorney may be able to provide more insight into what you should do if you’re contacted by the original holder of a mortgage, auto or credit card balance.
Collection agencies aren’t allowed to use harassing or deceptive language
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) already prohibits debt collectors from using language that may be perceived as threatening or deceptive. This rule will continue to be in effect after it is updated to allow for digital communications from collection agencies.
You cannot be contacted after filing for bankruptcy
If you have recently filed for bankruptcy, you will likely be given an automatic stay of collection activities. This means that debt collectors cannot contact you about a debt by phone, mail or other methods. Instead, they must direct their queries to your attorney. It is important to note that your attorney may give a collection agency permission to talk to you directly about a debt.
Filing for bankruptcy may put a temporary end to collection letters and calls. In the future, it may be an effective way to put an end to collection text messages, emails or social media messages. An attorney may be able to talk more about the other potential benefits of seeking protection from creditors.
