Debt Collectors will soon be able to contact you through social media

Soon... debt collectors won't just be calling you... they'll be able to contact you using social media.

In tonight's consumer alert... news 10's richard solomon explains the change and how it may pave the way for new internet scams. richard/intr} this is the new ruling from the consumer financial protection bureau.

It allows debt collectors to contact you through email..text..and social media.

It's a lengthy 653 pages.

One consumer expert says there are ways to get them out of your dm's for good.

"tweet sound" you may think social media is the one place where debt collectors can't reach you.

But soon you could be getting a private message from one.

"if indeed you legitimately owe somebody some money that's not going to be good for your credit rating that's not going to be good for your reputation" tim maniscalo with better business bureau of indianapolis says collectors aren't as scary as you think.

"they're reasonable they're trying to work with you, they will set up some sort of a payment plan."

Maniscalo says if you get a call from a debt collector, it's important to make sure the debt actually belongs to you.

This opens up another door for potential scammers.

"there are official documents that the debt collector is required to provide you if indeed you think the debt is not a legitimate debt."

But it's up to you to know what debt you owe.

Maniscalo says you do have time.

Debt collectors won't be able to contact you on social media for aonther year.

"debt is not necessarily a bad thing a lot of people do it and there's way to remedy that so just take care of your reputation, take care of your debt" richard/outr} if social media isn't your thing, you can opt out of that contact method.

Debt collectors are now also allowed to contact you through email and text.

In the studio, rs,