Regulatory Alerts2010-12-08
Guidelines for Debt Collection Agencies on Visiting Debtors
Finanstilsynet mandates that debt collectors physically visiting debtors must provide prior written notice, exercise discretion to avoid undue pressure or inconvenience, restrict visits to specified weekday and Saturday hours, and strictly uphold confidentiality obligations under the Debt Collection Act § 28. The guidelines clarify that costs associated with these visits fall under the maximum rates set in the Debt Collection Regulations §§ 2-2 and 2-3 and generally do not qualify for statutory exemptions. Furthermore, the actual manager(s) of the debt collection agency bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements and for supervising both employees and contracted personnel conducting such visits.
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