Helpful Information - Dealing with Harassment
Harassment by creditors quite often goes unreported and unchallenged and is usually expected by debtors. Under Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970 "the Act" harassment is defined as "trying to coerce a person to pay a contract debt by making demands for payment" subjecting debtors to "alarm, distress or humiliation by the frequency, publicity of manner in attempting to collect the debt".
Under the act it is also regarded as harassment if a creditor claims non-payment of a debt is criminal which it is not.
Harassment can take place orally or in writing and included obviously marked vehicles, calling repeatedly at unsociable hours, calling on neighbours or the debtor's place of work. It also includes more importantly abusive or threatening behaviour and ALL acts or threats of violence.
Harassment is a criminal offence.
How to deal with harassment:
• Keep a diary recording details of telephone calls/visits including any specific acts of harassment.
• In matters of extreme harassment the police MUST be contacted immediately
• In these cases friend's neighbours and relatives should be alerted to the situation, if possible so they are able to provide a "safe haven" or support to the debtor.
• Advise the caller that continued harassment will be reported to the local trading standards officer
If harassment continues report the matter is writing to your local trading standards officer.
The Next Step
All debt solutions should be very carefully considered; we will always provide you with the best advice to ensure you get a soft landing away from the burden of debt. Simply forward your details on our Contact Form and we will contact you. Alternatively ring us on our FREEPHONE ADVICE LINE 0800 085 1825 to have a full consultation with our specially trained advisors.
The Insolvency Service has produced a guide: In Debt - Dealing with your creditors, to support those who find themselves in financial difficulty during the recession.
Financial Information
All debt solutions should be very carefully considered. Fees will be charged if a solution is taken in order for us to set up and maintain your plan - all fees will be outlined during your consultation. For further information on fees, please see the FAQ section of the different solutions available. Retained payment may place you further into arrears. The Debt Advisor complies with the Consumer Credit Act and you have a right to a cooling off period of 7 days. It is likely that your ability to obtain further credit in the short term will be affected and this may also be the case over the medium to long term.
All debt solutions should be very carefully considered. Fees will be charged if a solution is taken in order for us to set up your plan and maintain it - all fees will be outlined during your consultation. For further information on fees, please see the FAQ section of the different solutions available. Retained payment may place you further into arrears. The Debt Advisor complies with the Consumer Credit Act and you have the right to a cooling off period of 7 days. It is likely that your ability to obtain further credit in the short term will be affected and this may also be the case over the medium to long term