ORLANDO, Fla. — From emails to private messages to friends on social media, we send all sorts of messages from our computers.
Now, debt collectors can send a reminder in that private social media inbox.
“If you’re trying to avoid a debt collector, you know not to check the mailbox, you know not to check your voicemail. And so, oftentimes, social media is your last escape if you will,” Holly Salmons, CEO from the local Better Business Bureau said.
A new law allows debt collectors to reach out to you on social media platforms if you have an unpaid debt. The message will not be placed where anyone else can see it.
“Now people are troubled that debt collectors can reach them there as well and they may feel harassed, but at the end of the day if there’s a legitimate debt that needs to be collected, they’re going to work to contact you any way possible,” Salmons said.
The days of only phone calls and old-fashioned mail from debt collectors weren’t keeping up with the times. Now messages can come in emails and texts as well.
The debt collector has to be transparent in the message, telling you who they are and the purpose of the message. You can also opt-out of getting more messages that way.
The Better Business Bureau suggests you don’t let your debt get that far.
“Before the debt goes to a debt collection agency, reach out and make payment arrangements with the company directly. Communicate. Don’t put your head in the sand and expect the debt is going to go away. If you don’t want to be reached through social media, you don’t want to be reached on your cellphone, in your inbox or in your mailbox, you’re going to have to pay that debt,” Salmons said.
