Government Advisory For Debt Collectors
“As Bermuda responds to the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, exercising social and corporate responsibility is key,” the Government said.
“The Government has kept its commitment to provide relief to eligible residents by way of an unemployment benefit, as well as other measures designed to reduce financial stress during these uncertain times.
“In turn, local banks have offered relief to their customers regarding mortgage and loan rates.
“Debt collectors are now asked to consider how they can better work with their clients, within the framework of existing legislation.
“The Debt Collection Act 2018 protects the rights of consumers and contains obligations for those who provide credit and debt collection services.
“As a reminder, unfair debt collection practices outlined under Section 16 of the Act include, but are not limited to:
- the use, or threatening the use, of violence or other criminal means to harm the person, or property of any person;
- the use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader;
- causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the number called;
- placing any telephone call without the disclosure of the caller’s identity.
“However, debtors are reminded that the Act does not absolve them of their debt. For tips on how to manage debt, please visit here.
“Members of the public can e-mail any concerns about suspected unfair debt collection practices to consumers@gov.bm or call Consumer Affairs at 297-7627 and leave a message with their contact information for follow up.”
As the island and world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing our best to provide timely and accurate information, and you can find more information on the links below.
- Live: Our continuously updated live blog here
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Official: The Bermuda Government website here
- World Stats: Live graph of all cases worldwide here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of the Bermuda stats here
- Timeline: Visual look at the timeline here
- Comprehensive: Our new Covid-19 website here
Officials are urging everyone to please follow all guidance like washing your hands, adhering to self quarantine if relevant, and practicing social distancing, and they have asked that if it is not urgent, a necessity or work, to please stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
If renters and debt clients, belco users, internet users etc sent a letter or called that would go a long way. While it is oftyen stated that so many people live hand to mouth and have little extra, I am sure with trimming of the budget, something can be sent with a letter. Off course billls not paid will still have to be paid in the future. So write a letter and that eases the hostility and difficulty for a landlord or debtor that they might feel because they too have responsibilities.
lowlifes