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What Is A Debt Collector

A debt collector is a person who works for a creditor or a collection agency. A field agent or a doorstep collector are other terms for them.

A debt collector may visit your home, according to a creditor letter. However, the chances of this happening are extremely slim. This could be because collection agencies, unlike bailiffs, are unable to seize anything from your property. The most they can do is request that you work out a payment plan for the debt. Ask, not push, is the crucial word here.

When Is It Legal For A Debt Collector To Collect A Debt?

Debt collectors might work for debt collection firms or for your creditor's own collections team. After a debt has been passed on, a debt collection agency may collect it on behalf of your original creditor. Creditors sell debts to debt collection companies. The majority of debts will only be transferred to a collection agency if the account holder has fallen behind on payments.

If you're unsure who owns one of your loans, contact the original creditor to find out. They'll be able to tell you to whom you should send your payments.

What Types of Debts Can Debt Collectors Recover?

Debt collectors typically collect the following forms of business debt:

• Loans
• Credit card debt
• Utility arrears
• Overdrafts

They can, however, collect many other debts, from municipal bills to unpaid loans.

What Actions Can Debt Collectors Take?

Debt collectors lack any specific abilities that might aid them in collecting a debt. They may contact you by phone calls and letters, but they may also pay a visit to your home in some situations. You don't have to open the door or let a debt collector in if they come to your house. If you ask them to leave, they must comply, and they are not permitted to remove anything from your home. If you ask the debt collector for identification, they must show it to you. They may want immediate payment of the debt, but you are not obligated to do so. If you want, you can do this over the phone with your creditor directly, giving you more control over the amount you can pay. If you do decide to pay a debt collector in cash, make sure you acquire a receipt and save it.

Advice

If you don't know if your creditor is hiring a debt collector or bailiff, phone them and they'll be able to tell you. It may be worth filing a formal complaint if you've been receiving letters from a debt collection firm threatening to use bailiffs before any legal action has been taken to get you to return the amount.