As we’ve covered in previous stories, debt collectors have started to use Facebook and other social media websites to track down people who owe money. The Federal Trade Commission has noticed this trend, too. The agency announced last week that it will hold a workshop to discuss the topic on April 28. Titled “Debt Collection 2.0: Protecting Consumers as Technologies Change,” the workshop will focus on new technologies debt collectors have at their disposal, including social media. The commission will ask consumer advocates, industry officials, technology experts and consumers what they think about this trend, and what the FTC and Congress should do to protect consumers from overzealous collectors.
[Consumer Resource: Understanding Your Debt Collection Rights]
Image: Franco Bouly
Christopher Maag Contributing writer for Credit.com, Chris graduated with honors from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and has reported for a number of publications including The New York Times, TIME magazine and Popular Mechanics. Have a question for our experts? Email them at CreditExperts@Credit.com.
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