troubleshooter

New rules could mean texts and emails from bill collectors

ByDiane Wilson and Tonya Simpson WTVD logo

Friday, May 24, 2019

New rules could mean texts and emails from bill collectors

A new proposal could give debt collectors more access to your cellphone and your inbox.

A new proposal could allow debt collectors to text and email you.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking to update the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Officials said the new proposal would protect consumers from harassment. It would cap the number of calls collectors can make about a specific debt to no more than seven in a week, but it would also allow the debt collectors to now leave voicemails, send emails, private social media messages and even texts. Those forms of communication are not capped, so if you don't have unlimited texting, you could be forced to pay for some of the messages.

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Your opinion could make or break this proposal passing. Click here to send the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau your thoughts. The agency is accepting comments until August 19, 2019.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act does include language that would allow consumers to opt out of electronic messages and choose certain hours that debt collectors may contact them.

To read more about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act click here.