Stop telephone harassment 100% guaranteed.

If you’re receiving telephone calls from creditors/debt collectors, this can become very stressful.  Many debt collection companies have automated dialling systems that continually dial numbers and when you answer they look for an operator that’s free and your details pop up in front of them.  This is why, when you answer, there is very often a delay in them speaking to you. These phone calls can be numerous, at all times of the day and include weekends.  The OFT is vague and says they can call you at reasonable times.  But what is reasonable for one person is not reasonable for another.

If you're receiving these types of debt collection calls we would always recommend that you change your telephone number and go ex-directory.  With many telephone companies this can be free and only take a few days (very often depends if you're still in contract with the provider or not). Or you could have the land line disconnected all together which is one less bill that you have to pay.  If you’re receiving these calls to your mobile, again change your sim card (pay as you go) or ask your provider for a new number, this can very often be free or a small fee (very often depends if you're still in contract with the provider or not).

Then if you ever feel the need to telephone the creditor or debt collector dial 141 before you ring them to hide your number and never give it out or give them an old mobile number which is easily disposable.

This should not be viewed as a way of avoiding your creditors/debt collectors. We recommend you then contact your creditors/debt collectors in writing and make whatever offer you can afford.  Of course Credit and Loan Management Ltd could do this on your behalf.

If you cannot have your number changed because it’s a business line etc you could write to the debt collector and ask to be contacted in writing only and ask them to remove your number from their system.

Maybe quote The Administration of the Justice Act (1970) and The Consumer Credit Act (1974) regarding unduly or unfairly harassing a customer and the OFT’s guidance on debt collection and unfair business practices.

“Communication
2.2 Examples of unfair practices are as follows:

Ignoring or disregarding debtors’ legitimate wishes in respect of when and where to contact them.

This can be difficult because the debt could be moved to another debt collector and you will have to start all over again.

Of course Credit and Loan Management Ltd could do this on your behalf, but even if we acted on your behalf, our advice is to change your telephone number, but your creditors could then contact us. Once your number has been changed and you go ex-directory the telephone harassment will STOP 100% guaranteed.

If you're having trouble with creditors or debt collectors telephoning you or any other debt problems, either post a comment on the blog or telephone us for free advice on 0800 0727 844, we will be happy to help.