Key takeaways
- Debt collectors can contact you by text, email and private social media message, with limits.
- Electronic messages must give you a simple way to opt out of that channel.
- Collectors generally can’t use your work email unless you agreed or used it to contact them.
- They can’t contact you about a debt in a public post or anything your friends or followers can see.
- Be careful with links in collection texts and emails; scammers use them too.
Collection calls aren’t the only way collectors reach people now. Texts, emails and even social media messages are allowed, but the CFPB’s debt collection rules (Regulation F) set limits on how collectors use them. Here’s what to know.
Texts and emails
Collectors can contact you by text or email, but:
- Every electronic message must give you a simple way to opt out of receiving more messages through that channel, such as replying “STOP” or clicking an unsubscribe link.
- Work email is limited. According to the CFPB’s Regulation F, a collector generally can’t use an email address it knows is provided by your employer, unless you gave it permission or used that address to contact the collector, and haven’t opted out since.
- Time-of-day rules apply. Just as with calls, collectors generally can’t contact you at times they know or should know are inconvenient, usually before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your local time.
Social media
According to the CFPB:
- A collector can only contact you about a debt on social media through a private message.
- It can’t contact you about a debt in a message that the public, or your friends, contacts or followers, can see.
- Even in private messages, it must identify itself and give you a simple way to opt out of more messages on that platform.
A collector also can’t send you a friend or connection request without identifying itself as a debt collector.
How to opt out or limit contact
- Use the opt-out in the text, email or message.
- Tell the collector in writing which ways it may contact you, for example “by mail only.”
- Ask the collector to stop contacting you entirely, if you prefer. See how to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you.
Opting out of one channel doesn’t stop the others. If you want all contact limited, say so clearly in writing.
Be careful with links
Scammers send fake collection texts and emails with links to “pay now” pages or that ask for personal information. Before clicking:
- Don’t click links or call numbers in a message you weren’t expecting.
- Look up the original creditor yourself and ask whether the debt was sent to a collector.
- Ask for the validation notice in writing. See how to ask a debt collector to prove a debt.
Read fake debt collectors: how to spot a scam for more warning signs.
If a collector breaks the rules
Save screenshots and copies of messages, with dates. If a collector posts about your debt publicly, keeps messaging after you opted out, or uses your work email without permission, you can file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general, and talk to a consumer attorney.
The bottom line
Collectors may reach you by text, email or private social media message, but they must offer an easy opt-out, avoid your work email without permission, and never post about your debt where others can see. Use the opt-outs, put your contact preferences in writing, and be cautious with links. For your other rights, see your rights when a debt collector calls.
Sources: CFPB: can a debt collector contact me through social media · CFPB: Regulation F, § 1006.6 communications · CFPB: debt collection