In March 2009, the collections agent made an unannounced visit to a debtor’s place of work to collect a repayment on a loan.  The agent was unable to speak to the debtor and left a business card with a supervisor.  The business card disclosed the details of the reason for the visit.

The Office of Fair Trading Debt Collection Guidance outlines examples of behaviour that they view as Unfair Practices.  This can be things like approaching debtors at inappropriate locations such as at their workplace or hospital or anywhere that would be likely to be publicly embarrassing to them, either deliberately or through lack of care.

In a recent article published by DETI Damien Doherty of the Trading Standards Service said: “Skyline Superstore Limited have acted in a manner that drops below the standard expected of an established and reputable doorstep money lender. With the wealth of guidance and Codes of Practice available to traders engaged in providing consumer credit services, the company would have been well aware that its actions were aggressive in this instance.

“The timing of the visit was aimed to coincide with contacting the debtor during working hours. Consequently, this increased the likelihood of the collections agent encountering the debtor’s work colleagues and disclosing details on what should be an entirely private matter. The Company have a right to collect debts but they must do so in a manner which is fair and does not amount to harassment. The complainant was not treated fairly by the Company and was aggressively pursued for the repayment of the loan.

“The Trading Standards Service expects traders who engage in collecting repayments or debts to adhere to acceptable industry standards.”

If anyone feels that they are being treated unfairly by their creditor or debt collector  and that they are becoming too aggressive or harassing please call us on 0800 917 4607 for advice.