أسئلة وأجوبة
Can a debt agency access AECB reports without consent for a 15-year-old closed case?
Dear Respected Lawyers,
Subject: Request for Legal Advice Regarding Unlawful Practices by a Debt Collection Agency
I would greatly appreciate your advice and guidance regarding a troubling issue my colleague is facing with a collection agency.
The company has been contacting the employer, urging them to ask my colleague to get in touch with them regarding a supposed liability.
This claim is related to a 15-year-old closed dispute with a bank credit card, and the issue seems to stem from outdated and inaccurate information on the AECB report.
Our main concerns are as follows:
Unauthorized Access: The company is accessing her AECB report without her consent. She has never given permission for them to retrieve or view her personal financial information.
How is it possible for a third-party agency to openly access and track AECB reports, especially for a dispute that was resolved 15 years ago?
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out!
Accessing someone’s AECB credit report without explicit written consent is a serious privacy violation under UAE laws.
Third-party agencies, such as collection agencies, are not legally permitted to retrieve or share AECB data without the individual’s authorization.
If your colleague’s employer is being contacted over an old, closed dispute, this could constitute harassment and misuse of personal data.
We strongly recommend taking immediate legal action to protect her rights and reputation.
Book a consultation with us to evaluate the situation, verify potential legal breaches, and initiate appropriate legal steps if necessary.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
Best regards,
Hello,
If the agency continues its illegal practices, your colleague may file a lawsuit against it for data privacy breach or illegal practices under UAE laws.
A complaint can be filed with the UAE Department of Economic Development or the police if there are clear illegal practices.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your inquiry!
Regarding your concerns with the collection agency and the unauthorized access to your colleague's AECB report, here are the key points:
- Unauthorized Access:
Third-party agencies need explicit consent to access personal financial information. If they accessed the AECB report without consent, this is a violation of privacy. Your colleague can file a complaint with AECB and the UAE Central Bank.
- Outdated Information:
The information related to the 15-year-old dispute should no longer appear on the AECB report. Your colleague can request AECB to update or remove inaccurate data, providing evidence of the resolved dispute.
- Employer Contact:
The agency should not contact the employer about a personal debt without permission or a court order. If harassment continues, your colleague can file a complaint with MOHRE and potentially seek legal action.
Next Steps:
- File a complaint with AECB to remove outdated information.
- Request the agency to cease contacting the employer.
- Report the agency to the UAE Central Bank for violating debt collection regulations.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Hello,
We understand your concerns. These seem to be acts of individual privacy violations. Banks have appointed these kinds of collection agencies to retrieve the unsettled amount.
A 15-year-old debt is difficult to raise in court and to get a solution. That’s why they are following up with you rather than initiating procedures through the court. We will let you know how to handle the situation.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
The action of the company is in breach of your friend's privacy.
We can assist you in filing legal proceedings before the relevant authorities.
Please contact us at [-----------] for a detailed discussion and assistance.
Dear Questioner,
First, you can file a complaint with the police; falsely contacting an employer with defamatory claims can be considered a criminal offense.
Harassment and spreading false information fall under the purview of the Dubai Police's Cybercrime Unit and General Criminal Investigations.
After the criminal case, you can then file a civil suit for compensation.
If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Under UAE law, your colleague has the right to file a complaint against the company for unauthorized access to her report with the relevant authorities, such as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or data protection authorities.
Additionally, she can file a complaint for false claims and harassment with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or through the courts if there is a case of defamation or violation of her rights.
Our center specializes in such matters, and she can contact us via WhatsApp for further legal details.
