As Bermuda responds to the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, exercising social and corporate responsibility is key.

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: https://www.gov.bm/how-manage-debt.

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.