If the debt relates to a previous occupier in your property, contact the creditor and tell them the person no longer lives there.

Sometimes debt collection agencies try to find debtors using public records such as the electoral roll. If you have similar details, they may try to contact you about someone else’s debts. Write to explain they have mistaken you for someone else and ask them to stop contacting you.

In both cases, creditors may expect some proof that you are not the person they are looking for. If you have any problems, make a complaint to the creditor.

To make a complaint about a debt collection agency you should complain to them directly in the first place.

You can also contact the original creditor to complain. 

Collection agencies must have a consumer credit licence to trade, so if your complaint is not resolved within eight weeks it can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service who can investigate the matter on your behalf.

Many collection agencies are also members of the Credit Services Association who have their own complaints process.

No. Sometimes creditors will send letters that seem to be from a debt collection agency, but are actually the same creditor using a different trading name.

If you receive any letters from an unfamiliar company relating to arrears or unpaid debts, check the small print on the bottom or rear of the letter. This may confirm that the company is a trading name of the original creditor.

No. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) guidelines confirm a debt collector can only visit you at work with your permission.

If a creditor threatens to visit you at work, tell them very clearly that you do not want them to do this. Send them a letter stating you are refusing them permission to do this, making sure you send the letter by recorded delivery and keep a copy for yourself.

If a creditor does call at work after you have told them not to, contact Consumer Direct.

To make a complaint about a home visit, you should complain to the creditor or collection agency.

A company that visits your home in relation to a debt must have a consumer credit licence to trade. If your complaint is not resolved within eight weeks it can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service who can investigate on your behalf.

No. Sometimes creditors will send letters that seem to be from a solicitor, but are actually the same creditor using a different trading name.

If you receive any letters from an unfamiliar company relating to arrears or unpaid debts, check the small print on the bottom or rear of the letter. This may confirm that the company is a trading name of the original creditor themselves.

If you have to make a complaint about a solicitor, you should complain to them directly in the first place.

You can also contact the original creditor to complain.

Solicitors acting as debt collectors must have a consumer credit licence to trade, so if your complaint is not resolved within eight weeks, it can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service who can investigate the matter on your behalf.

They may also be members of the Credit Services Association or another trade body who may have their own complaints process.