If you do not pay your creditors they are allowed to keep reminding you from time to time but they must not do anything illegal.

If they threaten or harass you in an attempt to make you pay more they may be committing a criminal offence.

It is illegal for a lender to:

• Contact your employer, although they may phone you at work or on your mobile.
• Phone you late at night (after 9pm) or repeatedly at work.
• Park a vehicle marked Debt Collector outside your home.

Remember, you can't be prosecuted in a Criminal Court because you haven't paid your debts but some creditors might try and make you think you can.

They may also try and trick you into thinking they are bailiffs or officers of the court. Acting in this way is illegal so be on your guard for it. Always ask for ID and contact your local Trading Standards Department www.tradingstandards.net if you are being harassed.

They will, in most instances, be helpful about whether a creditor is acting illegally and what further steps can be done about it.

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