Debt Collectors Are Using Bikini Babes On Facebook To Collect Debts

Debt Collectors are using social media sites like Facebook to get you pay your debts. They are using some pretty innovative ways to get you to disclose information.

One common practice is to set up fake accounts. The fake person use pictures of internet models to con you into becoming friends. The smoking hot bikini babe becomes your friend. They lure you into a friendly chat. Then they flatter you and get you to reveal things to them. They make you think they are into you. Then send you a messages through Facebook tell you:

 “Call Mr. Smith about your debt.”

MFI-Miami has also heard from people saying that debt collectors are sending messages to their Facebook friends about their debt.

“The use of Facebook is a cherry atop the harassment dessert,” -Florida Consumer Lawyer Billy Howard

Bill collectors are using more aggressive use of Facebook and other social media. Consumer Lawyer Billy Howard said he has also seen bill collectors post rude messages on a person’s wall. In addition, debt collectors have even contacted Facebook friends of a person in debt. Some collectors masquerade as friendly personalities to catch an alleged debtor’s attention.

“You get a friend request from some chick in a bikini.  You say yes, and then somebody says ‘‘by the way, I’m a debt collector.’”

The CFPB and FTC have made examining how debt collectors use Facebook and social media a priority.  For the first time since their creation, both agencies are eager to impose comprehensive oversight over the debt collection industry.  

Bloomberg claims the industry has generated over 180,000 consumer complaints to the FTC in 2011.  The passage of Dodd-Frank Act has also given the CFPB oversight powers no other federal agency had ever been given.

However, some debt collectors are waiting to feel the wrath of CFPB and FTC. They are willing to keep up the practice of using social media to contact potential debtors.