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What to do when a debt collector calls
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Struggling to make ends meet can leave us feeling helpless and lead to sleepless nights.
You may feel there’s no way out of your debt hell – but help is out there and you don’t have to pay a penny for it.
“Seek help as early as possible,” urges Joanna Elson, chief executive officer at National Debtline. “Debt advice is free; you don’t have to pay for it and the earlier you seek advice, the more options you’ll have.
You can find all the free, independent advice on resolving your debt problems from Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Consumer Credit Counselling Services.dealing with debt
What if a debt collector does call?
“Debt collectors aren’t bailiffs; they have no right of entry, so it’s important not to open the door to them,” Elson says.
“If someone is being pursued by a debt collecting agency it’s essential they seek advice as soon as possible on the best way to deal with that debt.
“It’s very important that clients understand that having debt passed to a recovery agent is a normal part of the debt recovery process, and this does not necessary mean that bailiffs will be instructed.”
Debt collectors are not allowed to behave in an unreasonable way, and the Office of Fair Trading publishes what they can and can’t do.
