What are my rights when a debt collector contacts me in the UK?

Full answer

When a debt is sold to or chased by a debt collection agency, that agency is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and must follow its Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC) rules. A debt collector is not a bailiff: they have no right to enter your home, take possessions, or force payment. Only an enforcement agent (bailiff) acting under a court order, such as a County Court Judgment that has been escalated, can attempt to seize goods, and even then strict procedures apply. Your core rights: you can ask for proof the debt is yours and request the original credit agreement; collection should pause while a properly disputed debt is verified. You can dispute the amount, and if the debt is 'statute barred' (no acknowledgement or payment for six years in England and Wales, five in Scotland, and no CCJ obtained) it generally cannot be enforced through court. You can ask a collector to contact you only in writing, and they must not call you at work once told to stop or contact you at unreasonable hours. Harassment is prohibited: repeated calls designed to distress you, misleading claims about legal action, or implying they are bailiffs can be reported to the FCA and the Financial Ombudsman Service. You can complain to the firm first, then escalate free of charge. Who this affects: anyone behind on credit cards, loans, overdrafts, or utility and phone arrears. A debt itself does not disappear, but you control how it is collected. If you cannot afford repayments, free advice from StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice can set up an affordable plan or signpass formal solutions such as a Debt Relief Order or IVA. Always get any payment arrangement in writing and keep records of all contact. For unsecured priority debts, deal with rent, council tax and energy first.

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