Being contacted by a debt collector can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that you have rights. Whether you’re receiving constant letters, phone calls or home visits, there are rules about how and when a debt collector can get in touch with you.
This guide explains your legal rights, what debt collectors can and can’t do, and how you can formally request that they stop contacting you.
Can I stop a debt collector contacting me?
Debt collectors have the right to contact you to recover money you owe. However, you can control how and when they contact you. You can also ask them to stop contacting you completely, but that doesn’t mean the debt goes away.
If you write to a debt collector asking them to only contact you in writing, or to stop contacting you entirely, they must respect your request unless they have a valid reason not to. This could include updating you on legal action or a payment plan.
To stop contact, you should send a formal written request. This is known as a “cease and desist” letter. It’s best to send this by recorded delivery and keep a copy for your records.
You can use this approach to:
- Stop phone calls or home visits
- Request communication only in writing
- Ask the debt collector to speak to an authorised third party, like a debt adviser.
What debt collectors are allowed to do
Debt collectors can:
- Contact you about a debt you owe
- Ask you to repay the debt or set up a payment plan
- Visit your home (but they must leave if you ask them to)
- Take further action if you don’t respond, such as referring the debt to court.
Debt collectors must not:
- Harass, threaten or intimidate you
- Pretend they have legal powers they don’t
- Contact you at unreasonable times
- Discuss your debt with neighbours, family or employers without permission.
If a debt collector breaks these rules, it could count as debt collector harassment. You can report this behaviour to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Financial Ombudsman.
What counts as debt collector harassment?
Debt collector harassment happens when contact becomes excessive, aggressive or unfair. This includes:
- Calling multiple times a day
- Visiting your home without notice
- Using threatening language
- Misleading you about what might happen next
- Pressuring you to pay more than you can afford.
If you think you’re experiencing debt collector harassment, you should:
- Keep a record of all contact, including times, dates and what was said
- Tell the debt collector you feel harassed and request they stop
- Make a formal complaint to the company
- Report them to the FCA or Financial Ombudsman if the behaviour continues.
How to stop debt collection letters in the UK
If you’re receiving repeated letters and wondering how to stop them, you have options.
You can ask debt collectors to stop contacting you, or to limit how they contact you, under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules.
Include in your written request:
- Your name and address
- The reference number on the letter
- That you want all communication to be in writing only
- If you’re seeking debt advice and need breathing space.
You can also request a temporary pause to collection activity by applying for Breathing Space – a government-backed scheme that protects you from most creditor contact for 60 days while you seek advice. To qualify, you must speak to a registered debt adviser.
What happens after you ask them to stop contacting you?
After you send a request to stop contact, the debt collector is allowed to:
- Confirm they’ve received your request
- Let you know what they plan to do next, like referring the debt to court
- Contact you if they have a lawful reason to do so.
While they must respect your request for limited contact, this doesn’t stop them from continuing to pursue the debt in other legal ways. If the debt remains unpaid, they could apply for a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or involve enforcement agents later down the line.
Can a debt collector visit your home?
Yes – but only at reasonable times and with proper behaviour. Debt collectors are not enforcement agents (bailiffs) and cannot force entry into your home, remove your belongings or demand payment on the spot.
You don’t have to let a debt collector inside. You can speak to them through a closed door or simply tell them to leave. If they refuse, you can call the police.
When to get help with debt collection
If debt collectors are contacting you and you’re not sure what to do next, it’s important to get support. At MoneyPlus, our qualified advisers can help you understand your options and work with you to find a practical solution that fits your situation.
Depending on your circumstances, you might benefit from:
- A Debt Management Plan (DMP)
- An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
- Guidance on priority and non-priority debts
At MoneyPlus, we’re authorised and regulated, and have over 25 years of experience supporting people through debt challenges. If you’re unsure how to deal with debt collectors, don’t face it alone.
Contact us for tailored, confidential advice. You can also visit MoneyHelper – a government-backed service offering free, impartial support for managing debt and understanding your legal rights.
