Abacus Daily Debt News

Don’t confuse debt collectors with bailiffs.

All a debt collector can do is ask you to pay money. They act on behalf of your creditors. They have no powers.

Many people we speak to looking for debt management advice are often intentionally mislead by debt collectors, who give the impress they either are or have the same powers as bailiffs.

A bailiff is someone who has being appointed by the court for enforce a court order.  If the non-payment of a debt has been to court, and you have failed to make payments that the judge considers reasonable, only then can bailiffs become involved.

If a creditor or debt collector calls you and gives the impression they have the power to visit your home and remove belongings, ask them where they are based. Tell them you are going to complain to their local trading standard office about how they are misrepresenting themselves.

If they knock at your door, pay whatever you can, or politely explain why you are unable to pay. If they do not leave, or begin to threaten you in any way, tell them you’re going to phone the police, and close the door.