Debt Collection Agencies (DCAs)

On occasions creditors can pass accounts / debts on to and around external collection agencies / solicitors for recovery without going to court.

Debt Collection Agencies and their callers can only write, phone or visit your home to talk to you about paying back your debt.

It is important to remember that Debt Collection Agencies and their callers don't have the same powers as bailiffs and cannot enter your property and seize your possessions.

If they visit your home you are under no obligation to speak to them and can ask them to leave your land / property.

Complaints about debt collectors

If you feel that you are being harassed by debt collectors there are guidelines and laws in place to protect you.

If you feel that you have been threatened, physically or verbally, you can contact the police.

There are independent regulatory bodies and other agencies that may be able to help or who you can complain to (see links below). These agencies also provide valued information on guidelines, protocols and up to date news relating to the debt collection and credit industry etc.

Find your local Trading Standards Office
Financial Ombudsman Service - 0845 080 1800
Lending Standards Board

Debt Collection and Recovery Agency Associations

There a number of professional associations who are active in the field of debt recovery, finance, consumer credit etc.

The membership of these organizations include debt collection and tracing agencies, banks, subsidiaries of banks and building societies, motor finance along with others.

These associations provide useful information on member details, complaints, guidelines, practices, policy issues, up to date news and more (see site links below).

Forums

Forums can be useful for asking questions and also seeing that other people are going through the same things as you. You will have to sign up to them to post new messages but can read them without.