Can open, read, digitally sign, return the agreement and authorize a payment transaction within seconds.Receives the agreement in real-time while still on the phone with the agent.Settlement Agreements and/or Paid in Fulls.The typical items OMG sends to consumers include: Geolocation of the consumer completing the transaction.This report can be accessed by authorized personnel at OMG any time in the future to reference key transaction details: Chebat spent his portion of the presentation discussing how text messaging has worked for him within his agency through this integration and the results he has seen.Ĭhebat explains that after gaining verbal consent, OMG uses texting to send documents to consumers after a payment arrangement has been reached (while they are still on the phone).Īfter a transaction is complete, it generates an audit trail. Occupational Management Group (OMG) uses an API integration to use PDCflow’s FLOW Technology within their collection software. Lastly, the email should include an opt-out or unsubscribe option to easily direct consumers to decline further emails. Needleman stressed the importance of driving consumers back to your agency's website because it can help you gain additional consents to email and allow consumers to take control of selecting their own communication preferences. Within the body of the email, you should include a mini-miranda, a link to a payment portal and/or to your collection agency’s website. The best course of action is to provide only a partial account number to avoid third party disclosure or data security issues in the event the consumer’s email is hacked. The subject line of your email should include the name of the creditor, purpose of the email and the consumer’s account number. Your email should be addressed to the consumer you are trying to communicate with, and the “from” line should contain the true name of your agency (avoid shortened names or acronyms). To maintain compliance, you must understand what is expected of you from each of these sources and any others – including state regulators – that may have additional rules you must follow. Phone Carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) - In an effort to keep text messaging an effective and safe communication channel for consumers, the major phone companies have recently created rules that will impact all brands using this form of communication.If you do not protect the privacy of consumers in regards to medical history or private information, they have the authority to take action for HIPAA violations. HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) - This entity applies for those collecting on medical debt.If you don’t follow their guidelines or use these short codes correctly, they will take away your power to use them. Specifically, the CTIA is responsible for leasing short codes. If you do not follow their guidelines, instead of legal action, you risk losing the ability to use the technology this group provides. CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) - The CTIA is not a government entity, but rather a private, self-regulatory entity.While the FTC cannot make rules for the collection industry it may investigate and take action against collectors. FTC (Federal Trade Commission) - Shares jurisdiction with the CFPB over consumer financial protection laws.Any misuse of text messaging (considered a phone call) can trigger actions by the FCC. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) - This group has authority over the TCPA.As the rule has been finalized, it is important to understand your FDCPA compliance responsibilities and the consequences of violation. CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) - The CFPB’s Regulation F put forth many expectations for collectors using text and email for collection purposes.Again, they may apply because of the communication method or because the regulating body addresses the actions of those in the industry. There are many different regulators that can take action against a business for violating regulations.