What is Harassment by Creditors?
Harassment by creditors happens when a creditor or debt collector uses unfair, aggressive, or persistent tactics to chase a debt. While creditors are allowed to contact you about money you owe, there are clear rules about what is acceptable. Harassment goes beyond reasonable attempts to recover a debt and can include behaviour such as frequent or threatening phone calls, sending intimidating letters, or providing misleading information about your rights or the consequences of non-payment.
Examples of creditor harassment include being contacted at unreasonable times, receiving repeated calls or messages, being threatened with legal action or violence, or being publicly shamed about your debt. It can also involve false claims about what might happen if you do not pay, or pressuring you to pay more than you can afford.
It’s important to understand that not all contact from creditors counts as harassment. Normal debt collection involves reminders about missed payments or offers to discuss repayment options. Harassment, however, crosses the line into unfair debt practices, which are not permitted under UK law. For more on what counts as unfair behaviour, see our page on unfair debt practices.
The law offers protection against creditor harassment. Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, it is illegal for anyone – including creditors – to harass another person. Harassment can have a serious impact on your wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety, and other health problems. If you believe you are being harassed by a creditor, you have rights and options to help you put a stop to this behaviour.
Common Types of Harassment by Creditors
Creditors and debt collectors must follow strict rules when contacting you about unpaid debts. Harassment occurs when their behaviour goes beyond reasonable attempts to recover money and becomes aggressive, persistent, or distressing. Under UK law, including the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), you are protected from unfair treatment.
Some of the most common forms of harassment include repeated and unwanted communications. This might involve persistent calls and contacts by phone, text, email, or even unannounced visits to your home, often at inconvenient times. Such behaviour can quickly become overwhelming and is not allowed under FCA guidelines.
Creditors sometimes use threats and intimidation from creditors, including aggressive language, shouting, or making you feel unsafe, to pressure you into paying. They may also falsely claim that you could be sent to prison or that your property will be taken immediately. These tactics are unlawful and can be reported.
Another issue is harassment by bailiffs. While bailiffs have specific legal powers, they must also follow strict rules. If their conduct is aggressive or persistent, it can amount to harassment, just like with other creditors.
Finally, some creditors or debt collectors may try to mislead you by providing false or confusing information about your debt, your rights, or the consequences of non-payment. In some cases, you might even be contacted by fake debt collectors who use intimidation and deception to try to obtain money unlawfully.
If you’re experiencing any of these behaviours, it’s important to know that you have rights and there are steps you can take to stop creditor harassment.
Harassment by Bailiffs
When a bailiff is collecting a debt, they must follow strict rules about how they behave. Harassment by bailiffs can include repeated or aggressive visits, threatening language, or trying to enter your home without following the correct legal steps. The law gives you specific protections – bailiffs must act within the rules set out by the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, which outline what bailiffs can and cannot do when recovering debts.
Bailiff harassment is different from other types of creditor harassment because bailiffs have legal powers to visit your home and seize goods, but only if they stick to the regulations. If they overstep these boundaries, their actions may be unlawful, and you have the right to complain or take further action.
To understand exactly what counts as bailiff harassment, the protections you have, and how to respond if you’re affected, visit our detailed guide. If you are facing court action, you may also want to learn about the relevant Civil Procedure Rules.
Persistent Calls, Texts and Doorstep Visits
Creditors must follow strict rules when contacting you about a debt. Repeated or aggressive calls, texts, or doorstep visits can count as harassment, especially if they happen at unreasonable times or continue after you’ve asked them to stop. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sets out clear guidelines on how often creditors can get in touch and what behaviour is considered unfair.
If you’re experiencing frequent or unwanted contact, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. For a detailed explanation of what counts as persistent contact, the limits on creditor communication, and how to respond, see our page on persistent creditor contact. This will also guide you on when and how to seek help or make a complaint if you feel you’re being harassed.
Threats, Intimidation and Aggressive Language
Creditors must never use threats, intimidation, or aggressive language when contacting you about a debt. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include making threats of violence, using abusive language, repeatedly contacting you at unreasonable hours, or falsely claiming you could be sent to prison for non-payment. Such actions are not only distressing – they are also illegal under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which protects your right to be treated fairly and respectfully.
If you experience any form of threatening or intimidating conduct, it’s important to keep a record of what happened, including dates, times, and the exact words used. This documentation can be crucial if you need to report the behaviour to the authorities or seek further help.
To understand more about what counts as harassment, how to document incidents, and the steps you can take to stop it, see our detailed guide on creditor threats and intimidation.
Legal Protections Against Creditor Harassment
If you are being harassed by a creditor in the UK, there are clear legal protections in place to defend your rights. The law sets out strict rules about how debts can be collected and what counts as unacceptable behaviour.
Under UK law, creditors and debt collectors must treat you fairly and cannot use aggressive, threatening, or misleading tactics to recover debts. The Consumer Credit Act 1974 is the main piece of legislation that protects consumers from harassment. This Act requires creditors to behave responsibly and gives you the right to dispute debts and request information about your account.
In addition to the Consumer Credit Act, regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversee how debt collectors operate. The FCA’s rules prohibit practices like persistent unwanted calls, threats, or revealing your debt to others without permission. Any behaviour that crosses the line into illegal debt collection or unfair debt practices is not allowed.
If you believe a creditor is breaking the law or acting unfairly, you have the right to make a formal complaint. You can report them to the FCA or seek further advice to help stop the harassment. Remember, you do not have to tolerate any form of intimidation or unfair treatment when dealing with debts.
What You Can Do If You Are Being Harassed
If you are being harassed by a creditor, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and assert your rights under UK law.
1. Keep Detailed Records
Start by keeping a record of every contact from the creditor or debt collector. Note down dates, times, names of the people you speak to, and the details of each conversation. Save any letters, emails, or messages you receive. These records can be important if you need to make a complaint or take further action.
2. Ask Creditors to Communicate Reasonably
You have the right to ask creditors to stop contacting you at certain times or to use a specific method of communication (for example, only by letter or email). Make your request in writing so you have a record. Creditors should not contact you at unreasonable times or in a way that causes you distress.
3. Make a Formal Complaint
If the harassment continues, you can make a formal complaint to the creditor. If this does not resolve the issue, you may be able to escalate your complaint. For step-by-step guidance, see how to complain about debt collectors.
4. Know Your Legal Rights
Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, creditors and debt collectors must treat you fairly and must not use threatening or aggressive behaviour. If they break these rules, you may have grounds for further action.
5. Escalate to an Independent Body
If your complaint is not resolved by the creditor, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which provides a free and impartial way to settle disputes with financial service providers.
6. Consider Legal Action or Compensation
In serious cases, you may be able to take legal action or seek compensation for the distress caused by creditor harassment. Find out more about claiming compensation for debt harassment.
7. Get Free Debt Advice
If you are struggling to deal with creditors or are unsure about your rights, it’s a good idea to seek free debt advice or legal support. Specialist organisations can help you understand your options and deal with creditors on your behalf.
Taking these steps can help you regain control and stop unfair or aggressive behaviour from creditors.
Related Issues and Further Support
Harassment by creditors often goes hand-in-hand with other unfair debt practices. For example, if you’re being chased aggressively for payments, you may also notice unauthorized debt charges or hidden fees appearing on your account. These can be unlawful under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, which require charges to be reasonable and transparent.
Similarly, some creditors rely on unfair debt contract terms to justify extra fees or harsh collection tactics. If you believe contract terms or charges are unclear or excessive, you may have additional grounds to challenge creditor behaviour.
Another situation to watch for is when your debt has been sold to another company. Debt purchasing is common in the UK, but your rights do not change just because a new company is now contacting you. Debt collectors must still follow the law and treat you fairly, regardless of who owns the debt.
If you think you were given a loan, credit card, or other product under misleading circumstances, this can also affect how creditors are allowed to pursue you. Learn more about your rights if you suspect mis-sold credit products.
Tenants can face unique challenges, especially if you’re experiencing pressure or threats over unpaid rent. There are strict rules around debt and rent arrears, and your landlord or letting agent must not harass you for payment.
If you’re dealing with any of these related issues, it’s important to seek advice early. Understanding your rights can help you respond confidently and take the right steps to stop unfair treatment. For more detailed guidance, explore the linked topics above or speak to a qualified adviser.
