Creditors Keep Contacting Me, What Can I Do?
Repeated calls, letters and messages about debt can become difficult to manage, especially when you already know you cannot afford the requested payments.
Repeated calls, letters and messages about debt can become difficult to manage, especially when you already know you cannot afford the requested payments.
The aim is to deal with the underlying debt while making communication more manageable.
Start by understanding the debt
Check who is contacting you, what debt they say is owed, the current balance and whether the debt has been passed or sold to another organisation.
Do not give payment or security information simply because somebody contacts you unexpectedly. Make sure the contact is genuine.
Tell them you are in financial difficulty
Explain that you are seeking debt advice and ask for communication in a way you can reasonably manage.
If telephone calls are making it harder to deal with the problem, ask whether correspondence can be made in writing or at agreed times.
What is Breathing Space?
In England and Wales, the Debt Respite Scheme can give eligible people temporary legal protection from many creditor actions while they receive debt advice and make a plan.
A standard Breathing Space can last up to 60 days. For debts included in it, qualifying creditor contact, enforcement, interest and charges are restricted during the protection period. It does not write off the debt.
A debt adviser must start the process if it is appropriate.
What if the contact feels excessive or unfair?
Keep a record of calls, messages and letters and show it to your debt adviser.
Different rules apply depending on the creditor and type of debt. An adviser can help you understand what is normal collection activity and what may need to be challenged.
Do not let contact determine payment priority
A creditor calling frequently does not automatically make that debt more important than rent, Council Tax, energy or another priority commitment.
Base payments on your budget and the consequences of the debts, ideally with free debt advice.
7.50: Where Can I Get Free Debt Advice?
7.40: What Are Priority and Non-Priority Debts?
7.56: What Questions Should I Ask Before Agreeing to a Debt Solution?
Important information
This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide financial, benefits, debt, housing or legal advice. Individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified or authorised adviser before making important financial decisions.