A debt collector is contacting me
See your rights when a debt collector contacts you, how to complain, and prepare a letter you review and send yourself.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
If a debt collector contacts you, you can ask them to prove the debt, complain if they treat you unfairly, and take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman for free. Debts under simple contracts usually can't be taken to court after six years.
Your rights in plain English
Old debts
6 years from the date the claim arose (contracts)
Verified source: Limitation Act 1980, s. 5 — Time limit for actions founded on simple contract(opens in a new tab)
Complaints and the Financial Ombudsman
8 weeks from the date you complained to the business (for its final response)
Verified source: How to complain(opens in a new tab)6 months from the date on the business's final response (to complain to the Financial Ombudsman)
Verified source: How to complain(opens in a new tab)- Verified source: Financial Ombudsman Service — consumers(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Deadline | Source |
|---|---|
| 6 years (the date the claim arose (contracts)) | |
| Collector's time to give a final response: 8 weeks (the date you complained to the business (for its final response)) | |
| Complain to the Financial Ombudsman: 6 months (the date on the business's final response (to complain to the Financial Ombudsman)) |
The official process
Ask for proof
Write and ask for a copy of the agreement and a statement of the account.
Get free advice
Debt charities can check the debt and help you plan.
Complain
The collector has up to 8 weeks to give a final response.
Go to the Financial Ombudsman
You have 6 months from the final response.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring court papers: respond by the deadline on them.
- Agreeing to payments you can't afford.
- Not keeping copies of letters.
Rules where you live
Somewhere else? Start the guided questions and choose where you live: we'll show free information and people who can help.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalised results are free. If you want us to prepare a letter for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Can they still chase a very old debt?
They may still ask, but simple contract debts usually can't be taken to court after six years. When the clock starts depends on your circumstances, so get advice.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- Financial Ombudsman ServiceFree, independent service for complaints about banks, card providers, lenders and debt collectors.
- StepChange Debt CharityFree, confidential debt advice.
- National DebtlineFree, independent debt advice by phone and online.
- MoneyHelperFree, government-backed guidance on money and debt.
- Citizens AdviceFree, independent advice on housing, consumer, money and legal problems in England.
- Citizens Advice WalesFree, independent advice on housing, consumer, money and legal problems in Wales.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- Limitation Act 1980, s. 5 — Time limit for actions founded on simple contractThe National Archives (legislation.gov.uk) · checked 24 Oct 2026
- How to complainFinancial Ombudsman Service · checked 24 Oct 2026
- Financial Ombudsman Service — consumersFinancial Ombudsman Service · checked 24 Oct 2026
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