Although there are no specific laws covering debt collection via social media, creditors must abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). That means they can't harass you or your family or friends. A creditor is also prevented from contacting a third-party if it already has your contact information.
If a creditor is contacting your friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, the creditor most likely intends to be extremely aggressive in collecting a debt. Further, the creditor may be in violation of the FDCPA if they contact your friends and family on social networks despite already knowing how to contact you. Certainly if a creditor can find your family and friends online, they can locate you as well.
Under the FDCPA, a creditor can't contact your family and friends over and over again. This is considered harassment. If a creditor continues to contact your friends and family despite knowing your contact information, it's in violation of the FDCPA. Keep a log of each attempted contact and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If a creditor is being particularly aggressive or engaging in harassing collection methods, or if you just want the calls to stop for good, it may be time to consult a bankruptcy attorney. Castle Law Office has been handling bankruptcies for Kansas City clients from more than 14 years. If you need the fresh start bankruptcy can provide, call us today at 816-842-6200 to speak with an attorney. Or click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.