Know Your Debt Rights UK & US — Free Legal Rights Tool
Being chased for a debt you cannot afford?
See exactly what happens legally and financially — month by month — if payments stop. UK and US both covered.
See the Full Timeline →The debt collector called at 8pm on a Sunday. He told me I had to pay immediately or face court action by Monday morning. It was a lie. Courts do not work that way. Neither does the law. He was relying on me not knowing what my rights were. Most people in debt do not know what debt collectors can and cannot legally do. This tool changes that.
Select your country — UK or US — your debt type and your situation. Get your exact legal rights for that specific scenario with a ready-to-send letter template. No legal jargon. No generic advice. Your rights for your situation right now.
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If you are struggling right now — free confidential help is available. StepChange · 0800 138 1111 · Citizens Advice
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Educational Guidance — not legal advice. StepChange UK · NFCC US · CFPB US.
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Key Rights Every Person in Debt Should Know
UK — FCA Consumer Duty rights
Right to written communication only. Send a written request and all collectors must stop calling. They must communicate in writing only.
Right to request the original credit agreement. Under Section 77-79 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, you can request a copy for £1. They must provide it within 12 working days or enforcement is unenforceable.
Right to know if a debt is statute barred. FCA rules require collectors to tell you if a debt is time-barred when you ask directly.
US — FDCPA rights
Right to cease and desist. Send a written cease and desist letter and collectors must stop all contact except to confirm they will stop or take legal action.
Right to debt validation. Within 30 days of first contact, request validation and they must stop collection until they provide it.
Right to sue for violations. FDCPA violations can result in $1,000 statutory damages per violation plus attorney fees. File complaints with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Situations Where Most People Do Not Know Their Rights
Bailiff at the door — most people think they have to let them in. On a first visit for unsecured consumer debt, you do not. Debt sold to a new company — most people think new rules apply. They do not. The new company has exactly the same rights as the original creditor. Old debt — most people pay when a collector calls about a seven-year-old debt. They should check the statute barred status first using our free Statute Barred Checker.
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Get My Free Debt Plan →Frequently Asked Questions — Debt Rights UK & US
Can a debt collector call me at any time?
No. In the UK, FCA guidelines restrict contact to reasonable hours — typically not before 8am or after 9pm. In the US, the FDCPA prohibits calls before 8am or after 9pm local time. Calls to your workplace are also restricted if you ask them to stop.
What happens if I send a cease and desist letter in the UK?
Once you send a written request to stop all telephone contact, the collector must comply. If they continue calling, they are in breach of FCA Consumer Duty rules and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Report violations to the FCA at fca.org.uk/consumers/how-complain and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Can a debt collector add charges and fees to my debt?
In the UK — only charges that were in the original credit agreement or permitted by law. In the US — only charges permitted by the original agreement or state law. Any additional charges not permitted by the agreement are an FDCPA violation in the US and an FCA breach in the UK.
What is the difference between a bailiff and a debt collector?
A debt collector contacts you by phone and letter to request payment — they have no power to enter your property or take your belongings without a court order and further enforcement steps. A bailiff (enforcement agent) has been appointed by a court and has specific legal powers — but these are more limited than most people believe, particularly on a first visit.
Where can I report a debt collector who has broken the rules?
UK: Financial Conduct Authority (fca.org.uk), Financial Ombudsman Service (financial-ombudsman.org.uk), Citizens Advice, Trading Standards. US: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov/complaint), Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov), your state Attorney General.
Related reading: UK Debt Help — Complete Guide · Statute Barred Checker UK · What Happens If I Stop Paying Debt?
Disclaimer: DebtShift is an educational platform. This tool provides educational guidance — not legal advice. For free regulated debt and legal advice contact StepChange (UK) 0800 138 1111, Citizens Advice (UK) or NFCC (US) nfcc.org. DebtShift is not FCA regulated.