A recent TCPA ruling determined that any device that stores telephone numbers to be called regardless of number generation capabilities, constitutes and automated dialing system, expanding the definition of an autodialer and throwing the ARM industry into even greater confusion on the topic.

Technologies like text messaging, voicemail drops, virtual agents, chatbots, and IVR are changing debt collection strategies. While regulations struggle to keep up, technology is ready to help agencies or departments launch into the future right now.

The TCPA requires any company to obtain expressed consent before contacting them via a mobile phone, whether by call or SMS text message. That said, there are some caveats, such as a one-call safe harbor. Use technology to track and facilitate those risks to stay out of trouble.

Collecting debts through communication channels like text messaging or email have long been rejected as too risky but debtors are increasingly more comfortable with those methods than live phone calls. Solutions are available to meet consumer preferences and stay compliant with regulations.

The costs of NOT modernizing debt collection software could be greater than buying new software. Be more efficient and competitive by reducing costs, automating redundant actions, providing more resources for clients and consumers. Replace old collection software with a modern, future-proof option.

TCPA enforcement changes are coming as the DC Court of Appeals rolls back FCC overreach. Compliance burdens will likely go down, but that should not stop businesses from doing the right thing. Getting clarity on the rules for TCPA compliance will only help the ARM industry do its job.

Innovation in the debt collection industry, knowing what is legal to do, communicating via text messaging, email, voicemail drops is an important differentiator

Modern communication through text messaging for debt collection efforts is more effective for younger generations than phone calls.