Dealing With Debt Collectors At Your Door

What option do you have when you have collectors at your door

debt collectors

If debt collectors visit your home, they can’t force entry. You don’t even need to speak to them if you don’t want to, other than to show some politeness in asking them to leave.

False Representation
For debt collectors to impersonate directly, or by implication the Police, a court official or a bailiff is an offence. If this has happened to you, then your local trading standard office would like to hear about it. If you’ve been threatened with violence, or are scared – call the Police.

Debt collectors can…

Visit you at home
Try to set up a payment arrangement
Ask you to make payment to them

Debt collectors should not…

Visit you at your workplace
Act in a threatening or intimidating way
Cause a disturbance
Force their way into your house
Take any of your belongings
Refuse to leave when you tell them to
Clamp your car
Speak to anyone else about your debt

Debt collectors at my door What should I do?

Doorstep collection agents are rarely the intimidating bullies you may see for dramatic effect on TV soaps. If you have concerns about dealing with a doorstep collector – contact Swift.

This depends very much on your personal situation, firstly you should…

Check the facts

Check your own records and make sure this matches what you are being told by the debt collector.

Don’t lie

There is nothing to be gained from lying about payments you’ve little chance of making. You’re just making the situation worse. Tell them you’re seeking professional advice and you will be in touch once you’ve decided how to act on this.

Offers of payment

If you have only this debt and can afford to offer some level of payment; you may choose to do this. It’s better to make an offer of token payments, no matter how small, than to just say you can’t pay. This shows good faith on your part while you work out a longer term solution.

But please be aware you don’t have to do this; a door step collector cannot demand that you make any sort of payment there and then; nor commit you to a payment schedule.

Important: if you have other debts then it is not in your best interests to pay the creditor who shouts the loudest to the detriment of your other creditors and financial commitments. If this is the case don’t agree to a payment plan until you have had independent advice

If you want to seak further advice then visit Stopping The Bailiff

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get A Mortgage With A Debt Management Plan?

You are able to apply for a new mortgage or remortgage an existing property whilst you are on a Debt Management Plan. Unlike other debt solutions, there are no limits on borrowing in place, so you can apply.

A Debt Management Plan negatively affects your credit score, so the interest rates you will be offered are likely to be less favourable as a result.

Does A Debt Management Plan Stop Bailiffs?

A Debt Management Plan does not give you legal protection from bailiffs. If they choose, creditors may still send them to collect on the debt. However, if you have agreed a payment plan with your creditors and you are making your payments every month, it is unlikely that they would do so.

Are Debt Management Plans Legally Binding?

No, a Debt Management Plan is not a legally binding debt solution. This means that you and your creditors are both free to change or cancel it at any time.

Is An Iva Better Than A Debt Management Plan?

The best debt solution depends on your specific situation. An IVA allows you to write off a portion of your debt, but it also puts more financial constraints on you. It will have a bigger impact on your credit score too. If your Debt Management Plan proposal is rejected, an IVA can be a good next step.

Can I Change From An Iva To A Debt Management Plan?

Yes, in some situations, you can change from an IVA to a Debt Management Plan. Usually, this is beneficial when your financial situation changes and you want to pay more towards your debts. But before you can change, you must terminate your IVA. Also, bear in mind that you are changing from a formal to an informal debt solution, so you lose the legal protection that you have against your creditors.

Not Clearing All Debts?

If you don’t clear all your existing borrowing, the new loan is likely to make your debt problems worse and make it more difficult for you to make all your payments.