Credit Card Debt

S t i c k - I t - October 2026 · © 2026 ParadigModern Group Guide Credit Card Debt C o m p l a i n t G u i d e The Full Monty Pack M a k e T h e m P r o v e I t P a y W h a t I s F a i r G e t I t R e d u c e d H a n d l e t h e C o u r t C l e a r Y o u r N a m e T M TM 2

Credit Card Debt Complaint Guide | The Full Monty Pack Page 2 of 37 Back to contents Start here If a letter from a credit card company or debt collector has frightened you, stop and breathe. These letters are written to worry you. The facts are calmer. A debt collector cannot come into your home, take your things or have you arrested, and you cannot go to prison for credit card debt. This guide explains, in short and simple steps, what the letter means, which deadlines are real and what to do next. It puts you back in control, so you can deal with the debt calmly and in the way that is right for you. This Full Monty Pack is the complete guide, from the first letter to a debt that is paid, settled, reduced or written off. It includes everything in the other two packs, with all 21 letters and worksheets, numbered T01 to T21, as Word files you can edit. How it actually works • A debt collector, or a company that has bought your debt, has no special powers. They can write, phone and ask. Nothing more. • Only a court can make you pay. First they must send a Letter of Claim and give you 30 days to reply. Then they must issue a court claim, which you will be sent and can answer. • Even after a county court judgment, a credit card debt can only be enforced through the county court, by court bailiffs, never by High Court enforcement officers. • Falsely claiming official powers, or that you could face criminal proceedings for not paying, can be a criminal offence (Administration of Justice Act 1970, section 40).

Credit Card Debt Complaint Guide | The Full Monty Pack Page 3 of 37 Back to contents Find your situation Pick the line that fits, and follow the link. If this is happening Go to Letters, texts or calls about missed payments Where are you? Find your stage A debt collector has come to my door Panic situations: at my door They threaten court, bailiffs or arrest Panic situations: threats The calls and texts will not stop Panic situations: calls and texts I am not sure the debt is mine, or the amount is right Make them prove it The debt is more than six years old Is the debt statute barred? I want to offer what I can afford Pay what is fair They are breaking the rules When they break the rules I have received a Letter of Claim The Letter of Claim: your 30 days They lent me far more than I could afford Irresponsible lending refunds I want to settle for less, or have it written off Get the debt reduced or cleared I have court papers or a county court judgment If you are taken to court My credit file is wrong Your credit file The card belonged to someone who has died Someone else's debt I am unwell, or my mental health is suffering Panic situations: unwell

Credit Card Debt Complaint Guide | The Full Monty Pack Page 4 of 37 Contents Before you do anything else 5 Where are you? Find your stage 5 The first seven days: five things to do now 7 Panic situations and what to do 9 Who's who 11 The framework: routes to deal with the debt 12 The rules they must follow 13 Make them prove it 15 Is the debt statute barred? 16 Pay what is fair 17 When they break the rules 18 The Letter of Claim: your 30 days 19 Get the debt reduced or cleared 20 If you are taken to court 22 Your credit file 24 Harassment and the law 24 Someone else's debt 25 The Financial Ombudsman Service 25 Key time limits at a glance 26 Letters and worksheets 27 Abbreviations and organisations 30 Glossary 33 Important information 34 Sources 35