What to do when debt collectors harass you

Banks and other debt collectors can make your life very harsh when you owe them, but there is a limit for everything

09:32 19 November 2013

If you have over-borrowed or mismanaged your debts, banks or debt collecting companies have the duty to recover as much as they can from their loans. This can be very stressful for you, as they are most likely to call or even come to your door each day. However, you should know that you still have the right to defend against harassment, if this is what it comes to.

Here is what you should do if this happens to you.

• First of all, collect all the evidence you can. Keep a record with each call or visit that the debt collectors made. Try to make it as precise as you can, and include details of the person you spoke to.

 

• You can complain to the debt collecting company about the abusive behaviour, and warn them that you have evidence supporting your case and can take things further, if you think they have crossed the line. Tell them that you wish to raise a complaint about the harsh treatment meted out to you with the police or the Financial Ombudsman.

 

• If the debt collection is done by the bank directly, then you should first get acquainted with the Lending Code that each bank has to follow. If you believe they have broken that code, then you should complain to a professional organisation, such as a trade association or the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Just because you have debts does not mean that debt collectors can hound you. If they visit your house or call you over the phone each day, you should definitely consider that to be harassment and take the above steps to deal with it. In some cases, if you can prove that you are right, you can even claim compensations from your debt collectors. Just remember to get as much evidence as you can.