--- title: "Debt collectors calling? Your rights and how to handle them | CrisisCompass Blog | CrisisCompass" source_url: "https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/dealing-with-debt-collectors" retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)" level_of_detail: "standard" token_payload_reduction: "92.6%" raw_html_bytes: 103956 compiled_body_bytes: 7744 entities_extracted: 5 currency_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_currency_tokens: 23 link_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_content_links: 14 omitted_dynamic_states: ["non_default_tab_panels", "volume_slider_tiers"] conversion_notes: "Origin renders alternate tabs and volume pricing sliders via client-side JavaScript; serving default static AST state." rfc_compliance: "RFC 9110" last_verified_at: "2026-10-25T08:52:44.590Z" cache_age_seconds: 0 origin_cache_control: "public, max-age=0, must-revalidate" --- > **Canonical Source:** [https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/dealing-with-debt-collectors](https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/dealing-with-debt-collectors) > > *Debt collectors must follow strict rules. Here's what they can and cannot do, and how to take control of the situation.* ### Organization: CrisisCompass | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Organization** | CrisisCompass | | **Official Website** | https://crisiscompass.co.uk | | **Overview** | Independent UK crisis management, financial support guidance, and emergency contingency portal. | ### Entity: CrisisCompass | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebSite | | **Name** | CrisisCompass | ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q: Is CrisisCompass free?** > A: Yes. All core tools — Survival Check, Benefits Finder, Hardship Letter Generator, Budget Calculator, Debt Priority Checker, and AI Chat — are completely free. Optional premium PDF documents start from £2.99. **Q: Is CrisisCompass financial advice?** > A: No. CrisisCompass provides general information and tools. For personalised financial advice, we recommend contacting StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). **Q: Is my data safe?** > A: We store data locally in your browser wherever possible. The Financial Survival Check results are never saved to our servers. See our Privacy Policy for full details. Your Rights # Debt collectors calling? Your rights and how to handle them 25 April 2026 · 2 min read Share: Calls from debt collectors are stressful. But they have strict rules they must follow — and knowing your rights gives you power. ## Debt collectors vs bailiffs These are different: - \*\*Debt collectors\*\* buy or are hired to collect debts. They have NO special legal powers — they cannot enter your home or take your belongings - \*\*Bailiffs\*\* (enforcement agents) have court-authorised powers to enter premises and take goods If someone from a collection agency threatens to visit your home and take property, this is \*\*harassment\*\* and against the law. ## Your rights Debt collectors \*\*CANNOT\*\*: - Call you at unreasonable times (before 8am or after 9pm) - Call excessively or repeatedly - Discuss your debt with anyone else (family, neighbours, colleagues) - Threaten you with action they can't legally take - Add charges that aren't in the original agreement - Pretend to be bailiffs or suggest they have legal powers they don't - Contact you at work if you've asked them not to ## How to handle calls ### Step 1: Verify the debt Ask for written proof of the debt. They must provide: - Who the original creditor was - The amount owed (with breakdown) - A copy of the credit agreement (if you request it) ### Step 2: Set communication boundaries Say: "I would prefer all communication in \*\*writing only\*\*. Please do not call me." They must respect this. ### Step 3: Offer what you can afford If the debt is yours, offer an affordable payment plan based on your budget. ### Step 4: Complain if necessary If a debt collector breaks the rules: - Complain to the collector's company - Report to the \*\*Financial Ombudsman Service\*\* - Report to the \*\*Financial Conduct Authority\*\* ## Statute-barred debts If you haven't made a payment or acknowledged a debt for \*\*6 years\*\* (5 in Scotland), it may be "statute-barred" — meaning it can't be enforced through the courts. \*\*Don't make a payment or acknowledge the debt\*\* without checking this first. 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Subscribe ## Related articles - **[The 12-month financial recovery plan: month by month](/blog/one-year-financial-recovery-plan)** — Recovery - **[From £22,000 in debt to debt-free: how real people recovered](/blog/debt-story-recovery-possible)** — Recovery [Take the Survival Check](/check)[Compare Debt Solutions](/compare)[Explore Free Tools](/tools) Some links on this page may be affiliate links. We only recommend services we genuinely trust. Using these links helps fund CrisisCompass at no extra cost to you. 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