New rule lets debt collectors contact you on social media

New federal rules that took effect in late November allow debt collectors to text and email you as well as send you direct messages on social media.

Debt collectors will be allowed to message you on apps like Facebook and Instagram, but they won’t be able to post publicly on your pages. according to Business Insider.

They may also try to join your network by sending you a friend request, according to NRP.

Debt collectors are required to identify themselves as debt collectors and they must give you the option to opt out of being contacted online, NPR said. Collectors must give the option to opt out if they also text or email you.

Industry officials hailed the move as a welcome change from outdated methods currently used by the collections industry, NPR said.

Consumer advocates have argued that the new rules expose people to increased harassment from unscrupulous lenders, according to CNBC.

“Contacting borrowers on social media is very invasive, beyond just catching up with the technology we have right now,” said Andrea Bopp Stark, an attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, according to CNBC. “I think it could encourage misconduct by allowing debt collectors to search private social media accounts.”

Federal officials said the updated rules were needed. Collection agents previously worked with standards that haven’t changed since 1977, CNBC said.

The new rules better reflect modern technologies, officials said.

In addition to identification and opt-out requirements for online contacts, the rules also provide clarity with respect to phone calls, according to CNBC. The new rule clarifies that phone calls that go straight to voicemail are counted as one of seven call collectors allowed within seven days.

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