Collection agency threatens a home visit: what is really allowed

Some collection agencies threaten a home visit or send a 'field service' to intimidate debtors. Important to know: a collection company has no sovereign powers. It may not garnish, take nothing and not enter your home, only the bailiff with a title can enforce.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A collection agency has no enforcement powers whatsoever. It may not garnish, take nothing and not enter your home. You do not have to let anyone in, the domestic authority lies with you.

Only a bailiff can enforce on the basis of a title. Intimidating threats or undue pressure by a collection agency are not permitted and can be reported.

What you should do now

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1. Stay calm
Do not let yourself be intimidated by scare tactics. A home visit by a collection agency has no legal effect.
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2. Do not let anyone in
You do not have to let any collection employee into your home. Refer to your domestic authority.
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3. Communicate in writing
Insist on written communication, dispute an unjustified claim and object to excessive fees.
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4. Complain
Undue pressure and intimidating threats you can report to the supervisory authority (legal services register) and the consumer advice center.

How to spot the scam

A 'field service' or 'home visit' is threatened to apply pressure.
You are led to believe the collection agency could garnish or take something.
Massive time pressure or harassment is threatened.

Frequently asked questions

May a collection agency come to my home?

It may contact you, but has no enforcement powers whatsoever. You do not have to let any collection employee into your home, the domestic authority lies with you. A home visit has no legal effect.

Can the collection agency garnish or take something?

No. Only a bailiff may garnish and enforce on the basis of a title (judgment, enforcement order). A collection agency may not take anything and not carry out a garnishment.

What can I do against threats?

Do not let yourself be intimidated, communicate in writing and dispute an unjustified claim. Undue pressure and intimidating threats you can report to the supervisory authority and the consumer advice center.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.