PITTSBURGH -- With many racking up their debt during the recession without the means to pay it, some collectors are turning to the Internet to get their money.
Reports have recently surfaced of collectors using the networking site Facebook to track down those in debt.
A blog run by Consumer Reports captured an image of a young, attractive woman allegedly used by a debt collector hoping to join someone's Facebook page as a friend before revealing the true identity.
"It's pathetic. It's pathetic, but again, it doesn't surprise me," said debt collection lawyer Jeffrey Suher. "The law is clear. They have to identify themselves as collectors."
Suher said Facebook pages can provide debt collectors with a wealth of details about users and potentially allow them to post embarrassing information about personal finances for all to see.
A spokesman for the International Association of Credit and Collection Professionals called the type of practice rogue and atypical of the industry, saying "The ACA and its members do not condone or endorse any illegal, unethical or deceptive tactics when it comes to dealing with consumers."
But using Facebook remains a valuable tool for collectors trying to track down those in debt.
"I do think collectors will continue to do it because it's a quick way for them to be able to try to collect the debt," said Suher.
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