Sharon McDougall - Updated - 6th March 2025 - 2 minutes to read
Dealing with debt collectors can be a highly stressful experience at the best of times, but when they’re aggressive in their techniques, how do you deal with it?
It is important to know that strict regulations surround the collection of debts, and it’s against the law for debt collectors to act aggressively, intimidate or bully, or suggest that they can carry out certain enforcement actions when in reality they cannot.
So what do you do when a debt collector contacts you and acts aggressively whilst trying to collect a debt, whether in person, on the telephone, or by letter?
It’s not uncommon for the wrong person to be chased for an unpaid debt, so the first step is to confirm whether you do actually owe the money. You can do this by writing to the debt collection agency, and ask them for the original credit agreement; they are obliged to provide you with this on request.
You can also inform them that you only want to communicate by letter – this should put an end to phone calls or visits to your home.
If you owe the money they’re trying to collect and you can afford to pay some or all of it, it’s advisable to do so - this will prevent any further escalation of what could become a very stressful situation.
Should you be unable to pay anything towards your debt, however, you may be able to negotiate a new, more affordable repayment plan.
Get a rough indication of what your repayments might be under each of our different debt solutions.
Aggressive debt collector action to be aware of
Debt collectors should not be aggressive, nor should they use tactics to bully or intimidate you. Here are some aggressive debt collection methods which should not be used:
If you are dealing with an aggressive debt collector, you should make it a priority to seek expert help and advice in resolving the situation. If your financial position makes it impossible for you to pay your outstanding debts as and when they fall due, you may need to consider entering into a formal process such as a Trust Deed, a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), and Sequestration.
Scotland Debt Solutions has been helping Scottish residents to escape debt for over 30 years. Our expert team has extensive experience of advising clients when debt collectors use aggression as a means to obtain payment - we will make sure you understand your rights, and the best way to proceed. Contact us today for free initial advice on your options.
Sharon McDougall
Manager
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Sequestration is the Scottish version of bankruptcy and may be suitable for you if you do not have the money to pay back your debts
Find out MoreA Trust Deed involves making a monthly contribution to your debts for up to four years. After this time any remaining debt included in the Trust Deed will not need to be paid.
Find out MoreA Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) lets you pay off your debt through a series of manageable instalments over a reasonable length of time.
Find out MoreWhether you are a sole trader or a limited company director, we can help you work through your current financial problems including money owed to HMRC
Business Debts in ScotlandOur Insolvency Practitioners are regulated by ICAS or the IPA and our firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
We have FCA authorisation for advice relating to Debt Arrangement Schemes and we are regulated by the ICAS and IPA when giving advice as an insolvency practitioner leading to our appointment in formal insolvency proceedings
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