What are my rights if a creditor is harassing me?

If a creditor or debt collector is contacting you in a way that constitutes harassment, you have legal protections. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates consumer credit firms and debt collectors and requires them to treat customers fairly under its Consumer Duty rules (CONC sourcebook). Prohibited conduct includes: contacting you at unreasonable times, excessively, or in a way that ignores known vulnerability or your stated communication preferences; contacting family members, neighbours, or employers to discuss your debt; making threats of legal action they have no intention of taking; misrepresenting the amount owed; threatening enforcement action that is not lawful (such as sending a person who is not a certificated bailiff); or using abusive or threatening language. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 also provides a criminal remedy in the most serious cases. If you are being harassed, you should: keep a log of all contacts (dates, times, what was said); send a written complaint to the creditor; and if unresolved, refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which can award compensation and direct the firm to change its behaviour. You can also report the firm to the FCA. Telling the creditor in writing that all future contact should be in writing only can also help manage the situation. A debt advice service can assist you in asserting your rights.