Can’t deal with debt collectors

If you’ve been contacted by a debt collector, it’s natural to feel uneasy. Whether they’ve called, sent a letter, or even visited your home, it’s important to know that you have rights and options when dealing with them.

This guide explains how to stop debt collectors from acting outside the rules, how to respond confidently, and when it’s best to seek professional help. We’ll also provide practical tips and example templates for responding in writing, especially if you feel you simply can’t deal with debt collectors on your own.

Understanding debt collectors

A debt collector is usually a company or agency hired by a creditor (such as a bank, credit card company, or utility provider) to recover money owed. In some cases, the debt may have been sold to the collector, meaning they now own it.

Debt collectors must follow rules set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They can contact you by phone, letter, email, or in person, but they cannot harass you, mislead you, or use aggressive tactics.
If you’re worried about debt collector anxiety, remember: they are not bailiffs. Bailiffs have different powers, but debt collectors cannot force entry into your home or take your belongings without a court order.

Your rights when dealing with debt collectors

Knowing your rights makes it easier to handle any contact. Debt collectors:

Must treat you fairly and politely.
Must provide proof of the debt if you request it.
Cannot contact you at unreasonable times (for example, very early or late).
Cannot discuss your debt with family, friends, or employers without permission.
Cannot threaten legal action they don’t intend to take.

Prove the debt’ letter

If you’re unsure whether a debt is genuine, you can send a “prove the debt” letter. Until they provide evidence, you don’t have to pay. This template shows how you can request this.

Subject: Request for proof of debt

Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],

I am writing in relation to your recent contact regarding an alleged debt.

Under the Financial Conduct Authority rules, I request that you provide a copy of the credit agreement or other evidence showing that I am liable for the debt in question.

Until this information is provided, I will not enter into any further correspondence on this matter.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Should you ignore debt calls?

If you’re receiving persistent phone calls from a debt collector, you might wonder if it’s best to block or ignore them. While ignoring one call might be fine, choosing to ignore debt calls entirely is rarely a good idea.

Debt collectors may see a lack of response as refusal to cooperate, which could lead them to escalate matters – for example, by starting court action.

Instead, respond in writing so you have a clear record of communication. If calls are becoming excessive or feel harassing, you can tell them to contact you only by letter. They must respect this request.

When can debt collectors take legal action?

If you don’t respond or come to an arrangement, a debt collector may apply to the court for a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you. If granted, this means the court agrees you owe the debt and sets a repayment amount.

A CCJ will stay on your credit file for six years and can make it harder to get credit in the future. That’s why it’s important to act early – ideally before things reach this stage.

How to stop debt collectors from overstepping

If a debt collector is acting outside the rules – for example, contacting you too often, being aggressive, or refusing to provide proof of the debt – you can:

Keep records – save all letters, emails, and a log of phone calls.
Write to them – state clearly how you want to be contacted and that their behaviour must stop.
Complain – first to the company itself, then to the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and set boundaries.

Arranging a repayment plan

If the debt is genuine and you can afford to pay something, you can ask to set up a repayment plan. Debt collectors are required to consider reasonable offers based on your circumstances.

Before agreeing to any plan:

Work out your monthly budget to see what’s affordable.
Prioritise essential costs like rent, utilities, and food.
Avoid overcommitting – it’s better to offer a smaller amount you can stick to.

When to get help

If debt collectors are contacting you about more than one account, or if the repayments they’re asking for aren’t realistic, it might be time to get professional debt advice.

At MoneyPlus, we can help you explore debt solutions such as:

Debt Management Plans – an informal arrangement to reduce monthly payments to unsecured creditors.
Individual Voluntary Arrangements – a legally binding agreement where some debt may be written off after a set period.
Types of Debt – information on different debts and how to deal with them.

Request for contact in writing only

If phone calls from debt collectors are making things harder to manage, you can ask them to contact you in writing instead. This can give you more time to think about your responses, keep clear records, and avoid feeling pressured during phone conversations. The template below shows how to make this request formally.

Subject: Contact in writing only

Dear [Debt Collector’s Name],

I am requesting that all future contact from your company is made in writing only.

Please remove my phone number from your records and confirm in writing that you will only contact me by letter from this date forward.