Guides › Debt and Buy Now Pay Later › Debt Collector Harassing Me
Debt Collector Harassing Me
Creditors and debt collectors must follow FCA rules. Calling several times a day or late at night, threats, telling other people about your debts, or falsely claiming to be a bailiff or the court can all be harassment. Keep a record, write asking them to stop and say how you want to be contacted, and complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if it continues.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
What Counts as Harassment
Examples
Harassment includes contacting you several times a day, or early in the morning or late at night; threatening you physically or verbally; telling someone else about your debts or using another person to pass on messages; falsely claiming to work for the court or be a bailiff; and giving the impression that not paying is a crime. For most debts it is not a criminal offence if you do not pay. source
What to Do
Records and Letters
Keep a log of calls and visits with dates, times, what was said and who you spoke to. Write to the creditor asking it to stop, say how you want to be contacted in future and ask it to confirm in writing. Send letters by recorded delivery and keep copies. source
Complaints
The FCA has rules on debt collection in its Consumer Credit Sourcebook. You can complain to a trade association, Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service, or the FCA. For a bank, building society or credit card company, complain to it first, then the Financial Ombudsman Service. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksFinancial Ombudsman complaintsLender has 8 weeks for most complaints, then you have 6 months from the final response
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Keep a log of every call, visit, text and letter.
Step 2 of 5
Write to the creditor or collector asking it to stop the behaviour and say how you want to be contacted. Send it recorded delivery. We do not take insurance or banking complaints as cases, but our free letter templates can help you write to the firm.
Step 3 of 5
If you are struggling to pay, get free debt advice through MoneyHelper.
Step 4 of 5
If it continues, complain to the firm, then the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Step 5 of 5
If you are threatened, contact the police.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Lender's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and ask it to put things right.
Financial Ombudsman Service
After 8 weeks with no final response, or if you are unhappy with it. Refer within 6 months of the final response.
MoneyHelper Debt Advice
You are struggling with debt. Use the Debt Advice Locator to find free local advice.
Debt Adviser: Breathing Space Application
You need time to get advice and make a plan. A debt adviser applies for you.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Breathing Space can stop creditors contacting you about included debts while you get advice.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/harassment-by-creditors Checked 13 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 12 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/expect/time-limits Checked 12 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/options-for-dealing-with-your-debts/breathing-space Checked 12 October 2026