What you'll do
- Recognise warning signs of a scam contact
- Know what details a genuine collector can provide
- Verify contact details independently
- Protect your personal and payment information
- Know where to report a suspected scam
5 min
Why verify first
Most contact about debts is genuine, but scammers sometimes pretend to be collectors to pressure people into paying. Taking a moment to verify protects your money and your personal information. A genuine collector will not mind you checking.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you suspect a scam, report it and seek advice using the links below.
Signs to be cautious of
Be careful if you notice:
- Pressure to pay immediately or in unusual ways, such as gift cards
- A refusal to provide the original creditor or account details
- Requests for passwords or full card details by phone
- Threats that feel designed to frighten you
Step-by-step
- Ask for the company name, the original creditor, and the account reference.
- Do not pay or share details on the spot — say you will call back.
- Find the company's contact details independently, not just from the message you received.
- Call the verified number to confirm the contact is real and the account exists.
- Only then decide how to proceed, keeping a record of what you were told.
To double-check the account itself, see how to ask for proof of a debt.
If you suspect a scam
If something feels wrong, do not pay. Report the contact to the relevant authorities and seek advice. You can also reach us through our contact page to confirm whether a contact is genuinely from us.
Good to know
- Genuine collectors can identify the creditor and account and will accept being checked
- Be wary of pressure, unusual payment methods, and requests for passwords
- Verify contact details independently before paying or sharing anything
- Report suspected scams and do not pay if something feels wrong
FAQ
How do I know a debt collector is real?
Ask for the company name, original creditor and account reference, then verify the company's contact details independently and call them back to confirm.
What if they pressure me to pay straight away?
Genuine collectors will let you verify the debt. High-pressure demands for immediate payment, especially by unusual methods, are a warning sign of a scam.
Should I give my card details over the phone?
Be very cautious. Never share passwords, and only provide payment details once you have independently confirmed the collector and the debt are genuine.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.