Category: Unfair Debt Practices
How to Spot and Challenge Unfair Interest Rates UK
What Are Unfair Interest Rates and Increases? What Are Unfair Interest Rates and Increases? Unfair or excessive interest rates are charges on loans or credit agreements that go beyond what is reasonable or justified, often placing borrowers at a significant disadvantage. In the UK, the law provides clear definitions and protections to prevent lenders from…
How to Report a Debt Scam and Protect Your Rights
Understanding Debt Scams A debt scam is a type of fraud where criminals pretend to be legitimate debt collectors in order to trick you into paying money you don’t actually owe. These scams can be sophisticated, with fraudsters using convincing tactics to pressure or frighten you into making payments. Understanding how these scams work is…
How to Spot and Avoid Fake Debt Collectors in the UK
What Are Fake Debt Collectors? Fake debt collectors are individuals or organisations that pretend to be legitimate debt collection agencies in order to trick people into paying money they do not actually owe. Unlike authorised debt collectors, who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must follow strict rules under the Consumer Credit…
How to Spot and Protect Yourself from Phantom Debts
What Are Phantom or Non-Existent Debts? What Are Phantom or Non-Existent Debts? Phantom or non-existent debts are fake debts that scammers claim you owe, even though you have no legal responsibility to pay them. These so-called debts do not exist – they are entirely made up by fraudsters aiming to trick, intimidate, or pressure people…
Understanding Upselling of Add-On Products and Your Rights
What is “Upsell” of Add-on Products? What is “Upsell” of Add-on Products? When you take out a credit product – such as a loan, credit card, or finance agreement – you may be offered extra products or services alongside your main purchase. This practice is known as “upselling” add-on products. In the context of credit,…
How to Spot and Challenge Hidden Fees in Debt Agreements
Understanding Hidden Fees and Penalty Rates Hidden fees and penalty rates are extra charges in debt agreements that are not always clearly explained upfront. These costs can catch borrowers off guard, making it harder to manage repayments and increasing the total amount owed. What Are Hidden Fees and Penalty Rates? Hidden fees are charges added…
How to Avoid Roll-Over Loans and Unfair Auto-Renewals
Understanding Roll-Over Loans and Auto-Renewal Clauses Roll-over loans and auto-renewal clauses are features sometimes found in credit agreements, especially with payday lenders and short-term credit providers. Understanding how these clauses work – and the risks they pose – can help you avoid getting trapped in cycles of debt. What Are Roll-Over Loans and Auto-Renewal Clauses?…
Your Data Rights When Debt Collectors Contact You (UK)
Introduction to Debtor Data Protection and GDPR Introduction to Debtor Data Protection and GDPR When a company buys or manages your debt, they often gain access to sensitive personal information – such as your name, address, contact details, financial history, and details about your debt. Debtor data protection refers to the legal safeguards in place…
How to Check If a Debt Collector Really Owns Your Debt
Understanding Debt Ownership Understanding Debt Ownership When you borrow money or take out credit, you enter into an agreement with a lender – such as a bank or finance company. However, if you fall behind on repayments, that original lender may decide to sell or transfer your debt to another company. This means that your…
How to Recognise and Stop Harassment by Bailiffs
What is Harassment by Bailiffs? Harassment by bailiffs happens when a bailiff uses unfair, aggressive, or threatening behaviour while trying to collect a debt. In the UK, bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) must follow strict rules set out in laws such as the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and detailed guidance from the…
