Debt Validation Letter UK – Free Template to Send

If you have a debt validation letter in your hands, it’s normal to feel a bit worried. But you’re in the right place to find answers. We’re experts in helping people understand debt. In fact, each month over 170,000 people use our website to get advice on debt issues.

In this article, we’ll help you:

• Understand why you got a debt validation letter.
• Learn if the debt is really yours.
• Find out how to stop debt collectors from visiting your home.
• Learn about your rights against debt collectors in Scotland.
• Discover how to complain against a collection agency.

We know getting a debt validation letter can be scary, as some of our team members have faced debt collectors before. We understand how you feel and are here to help you find the best way to deal with this situation.

Let’s get started on how to deal with your debt validation letter today.

I am not sure that the debt is mine, what can I do?

If you do not recognise the debt then you can ask the debt collection agency to prove that it is yours.

Sometimes debt collection agencies have contacted the wrong person, possibly with the same name as the debtor or a very similar-sounding name.

Also check that the debt is not Statute Barred, if it is over 5 years since you have made any payments or had any contact with the company then the debt may not be enforceable.

Can they send a debt collector to my home?

If a debt collection agency does not get a response to letters or phone calls then it is possible that they will send a debt collector to your home in an attempt to collect payment or discuss an arrangement with you to pay it off in instalments.

They have to prove that it is your debt if asked, you can use this template when requesting proof.

If a debt collector visits your home don’t feel obligated to let them in. Politely ask the debt collector to leave and they have an obligation under the law to respect your wishes.

When dealing with creditors or debt collectors it is important to remember your rights. You can write to the creditor and request that all communications occur either by phone, email, or post. 

Do not agree to organise payment in person as this eliminates the need for a paper trail if issues arise in the future. It is recommended that you pay creditors directly rather than through a debt collector so that you have proof of payment for your records.

What rights do debt collectors in Scotland have?

Debt collection agencies are licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means they must abide by a set of guidelines for how they can operate, including rules and protocols that debt collectors have to follow.

Debt collectors are not allowed to;

1. Enter your home, you do not even have to open the door if you don’t want to.
2. Call at unreasonable hours, before 8am or after 9pm.
3. Come to your place of work.
4. Discuss your debts with your neighbours
5. Harass you on social media.
6. Refuse to show you their ID.
7. Force their way into your home.
8. Threaten you in any way.
9. Refuse to leave your home if asked.
10. Impersonate a sheriff officer.
11. Remove any of your property.

Can debt collectors in Scotland take me to court?

Yes, court action is possible, but depending on the size of your debt, this might involve the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session. If it is less than £5000, then a ‘simple procedure notice of claim’ will be issued. If it is more than £5,000 then an ‘initial writ’ will be issued.

If you have debts that are regulated by the Consumer Credit Act, your creditor must send you a default notice and give you at least 14 days to comply before starting court action.

It is important that you get advice from organisations such as StepChange who can advise and guide you on the best course of action.

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What can I do if I want to make a complaint against a collection agency?

Before making a formal complaint, write to, or email the collection agency rather than phoning them.. Having everything in writing is better than making a phone call because it is important to have records which you will need if the collection agency fails to address your complaint in a satisfactory manner.

When sending a letter of complaint or email to a debt collection agency, it is important to keep it clear, concise, and professional. The letter should begin with “Complaint,” as well as any reference number you have been given. 

Explain your situation and why you believe the debt collection agency has done something wrong. It may be helpful to provide supporting evidence such as copies of documents to back up your complaint.

Request a copy of their complaints procedure in either writing or email to ensure they are following the correct steps. Ask them to put any further action related to your complaint on hold until it is resolved.  Request an acknowledgement of receipt of your complaint in writing.

If you have not received a response to your complaint within 8 weeks or if the debt collection company rejects your complaint then you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman or the Credit Services Association.

The Financial Ombudsman has an online complaint checker where you will be asked questions relating to your complaint. You will then be given an indication of whether or not they will be able to help you.

If they can then it will further outline their complaints procedure.

We hope that you have found this information useful with regard to what debt collection agencies can and can’t do.