Resource directory

Debt Collectors

Our debt collection directory brings together contact details and practical guidance for common UK collection agencies. Use it to identify who has contacted you, check what they may be collecting, and understand your options before agreeing to a payment plan.

Debt collectors are not the same as bailiffs. In most cases a debt collector cannot force entry, take goods, or pretend to have court powers. If you have received letters, calls, texts or emails, first check the account is genuine and then work out what you can realistically afford.

What to do if a debt collector contacts you

1. Check the company name, reference number, original creditor and balance.
2. Ask for written evidence if you do not recognise the debt.
3. Prioritise rent, mortgage, council tax, utilities, food and essential travel before non-priority debts.
4. Keep copies of letters, emails, call notes and payment offers.
5. Compare debt options if several collectors are contacting you at once.

If you are dealing with multiple debts, compare Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Debt Management Plans, Debt Relief Orders and other routes before committing to payments you may not be able to maintain.

If a collector or solicitor has sent a formal warning before court action, read our debt collector letter before action guide before responding.

Debt collector court action

Court-warning letters need a faster response than routine collection letters. Start with the letter before action guide, then compare whether an IVA, DMP, DRO or another route is realistic before offering payments. If an IVA is being considered, also check creditor rejection and IVA failure risks so any proposal is affordable.

What debt collectors cannot usually do

Debt collectors may contact you, ask for payment, request income and expenditure details, or escalate the account if no agreement is reached. They should not mislead you about their powers, discuss your debt with other people without a proper basis, or act as if they can take goods without the correct legal process.

If the company is regulated for consumer credit activity, you can check the FCA Register. You can also use Companies House to check company names, registered offices and company numbers.

When to compare formal debt options

If one collector is chasing a single affordable account, a direct payment arrangement may be enough. If several creditors are chasing you, payments are unaffordable, or court action is being threatened, compare wider debt options before giving all spare income to the loudest creditor.

Useful starting points include the IVA guide, IVA vs DMP, IVA vs DRO and the Debt Management Plan guide.

Debt Collectors Directory

Select a company below to see contact details, rights guidance and related debt options.

Debt collector guides