If you’ve received a letter or phone call from Moorcroft Debt Recovery, you’re dealing with one of the UK’s largest debt collection agencies. This guide explains who they are, what powers they have, and how to handle their contact.
Quick Navigation: Who They Are | What They Can Do | Your Rights | How to Contact Them | What to Do | Get Help
Who Are Moorcroft Debt Recovery? #
Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited is a debt collection company based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The company was incorporated in 1983 and has been providing debt collection services for over 40 years.
Company registration number: 01703704 Registered address: Moorcroft House, No.2 Spring Gardens, Stockport, SK1 4AA
Moorcroft is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 714738) and is a member of the Credit Services Association. They hold ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications for quality management and information security.
The company manages accounts for over one million customers at any given time, making them one of the largest operators in the UK debt collection industry.
Who Does Moorcroft Collect Debts For? #
Moorcroft collects debts on behalf of various organisations, including:
- HMRC – self-assessment tax debts, tax credit overpayments, VAT arrears, Corporation Tax, National Insurance Class 2, and PAYE debts
- O2 / Telefónica UK – mobile phone contracts
- Virgin Media – broadband and TV services
- BT – telecoms
- EE – mobile phone contracts
- nPower – energy bills
- Scottish Power – energy bills
- United Utilities – water bills
Moorcroft also purchases debts outright from original creditors at a discounted rate. This means they may own your debt rather than simply collecting it on someone else’s behalf.
Why Is Moorcroft Contacting Me? #
If Moorcroft has contacted you, it’s because a creditor has either instructed them to collect a debt on their behalf, or sold the debt to them entirely.
Common reasons for contact include unpaid mobile phone bills, energy arrears, utility debts, or outstanding tax liabilities. Before taking any action, you should verify the debt is genuinely yours and that the amount being claimed is correct.
What Powers Does Moorcroft Have? #
This is important: Moorcroft’s agents are debt collectors, not bailiffs.
- They cannot force entry to your property
- You do not have to let them into your home
- They cannot seize your belongings
- They cannot arrest you
Bailiffs can only become involved after a creditor has obtained a County Court Judgment against you and applied to the court for enforcement. Moorcroft cannot send bailiffs directly.
If anyone claiming to be from Moorcroft suggests they have bailiff powers or threatens to enter your property, this would be a misrepresentation of their authority.
Moorcroft (Debt Collectors) vs Bailiffs: Key Differences #
| Power | Moorcroft (Debt Collectors) | Bailiffs (Enforcement Agents) |
|---|---|---|
| Force Entry | ❌ Cannot force entry | ✓ Can force entry (certain debts only) |
| Seize Goods | ❌ Cannot seize belongings | ✓ Can seize goods to sell at auction |
| Legal Authority | No court powers | Court-appointed with warrant |
| Entry Rights | Only if invited in | Peaceful entry or forced (after CCJ) |
| Contact Restrictions | Must follow FCA rules | Regulated by Taking Control of Goods Regulations |
| When Involved | Before court action | After County Court Judgment |
Your Rights When Dealing With Moorcroft #
You have several rights when contacted by a debt collection agency:
Request proof of the debt. You can ask for a copy of the original credit agreement. This is called a Section 77/78 request under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Moorcroft should provide documentation showing the debt exists and that they have authority to collect it.
Dispute the debt. If you believe the debt isn’t yours, has already been paid, or the amount is wrong, you can dispute it in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Set contact preferences. You can request that Moorcroft only contact you in writing rather than by phone. They are required to respect reasonable communication preferences.
Breathing Space. The Debt Respite Scheme allows qualifying debtors to obtain a 60-day breathing space period. During this time, creditors must pause collection activity, freeze interest and charges, and cannot pursue legal action. Speak to a debt adviser about whether you qualify.
Statute-barred debts. In England and Wales, if a debt is over six years old and you haven’t made any payments or acknowledged it in writing during that time, it may be unenforceable. This doesn’t mean the debt disappears, but the creditor cannot take you to court to recover it.
How to Contact Moorcroft #
If you need to speak with Moorcroft or set up a payment arrangement:
Phone: 0330 123 9765 Email: customers@moorgroup.com Online portal: www.mdrl.co.uk Post: Moorcroft House, No.2 Spring Gardens, Stockport, SK1 4AA
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:15am to 9:00pm Friday: 7:15am to 7:00pm Saturday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
What To Do If Moorcroft Contacts You #
Step 1: Don’t ignore them. Ignoring debt collection letters doesn’t make the debt go away. It may lead to escalated action, including potential court proceedings.
Step 2: Check the debt is valid. Request written confirmation of who the original creditor is, the amount owed, and how this figure was calculated. Ask for a copy of the credit agreement if you don’t recognise the debt.
Step 3: Check your records. Look through bank statements and paperwork to see if you have any record of the debt or previous payments.
Step 4: Consider your options. If the debt is valid and you owe the money, you need to decide how to deal with it. Options include negotiating a payment plan directly with Moorcroft, or exploring formal debt solutions if you have multiple debts.
Step 5: Get advice. If you’re struggling with debt, speak to a free debt advice service before agreeing to anything. They can help you understand your options and ensure any arrangement is affordable.
Can Moorcroft Take Me to Court? #
Yes. If you don’t engage with them and don’t pay, Moorcroft can pursue legal action through the County Court. If they obtain a County Court Judgment against you, this will affect your credit rating for six years.
If a CCJ remains unpaid, the creditor can then apply for enforcement action, which could include bailiff visits, an attachment of earnings order, or a charging order against your property.
It’s always better to engage with the debt before it reaches this stage.
How to Make a Complaint About Moorcroft #
If you’re unhappy with how Moorcroft has treated you, there is a formal complaints process:
1. Contact Moorcroft directly. Call their Customer Helpline on 0330 123 9765 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pm) or use the contact form on their website.
2. Escalate to the Credit Services Association. As a CSA member, Moorcroft is bound by their code of practice. The CSA can act as a mediator. Contact them on 0191 217 0775 or visit csa-uk.com.
3. Refer to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If your complaint isn’t resolved satisfactorily, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman within six months of Moorcroft’s final response. Contact them on 0300 123 9123 or visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
Moorcroft’s complaints procedure is published on their website at mdrl.co.uk.
Debt Solutions That Can Help #
If you’re struggling with debts being collected by Moorcroft, several formal solutions may be available depending on your circumstances:
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). A legally binding agreement to repay a portion of your debts over five or six years. Once in place, creditors like Moorcroft cannot pursue you for the included debts. Any remaining debt is written off at the end of the arrangement. Learn more about IVAs.
Debt Relief Order (DRO). Suitable if you have debts under £30,000, little disposable income, and few assets. Debts are written off after 12 months.
Bankruptcy. An option for those with larger debts who cannot realistically repay them. Bankruptcy typically lasts 12 months but has significant implications for assets and credit.
Debt Management Plan (DMP). An informal arrangement to repay debts at a reduced monthly amount. Unlike an IVA, this isn’t legally binding, so creditors can still pursue action.
Each option has different eligibility criteria and consequences. Speak to a qualified debt adviser to understand which solution is right for your situation.
Summary #
Moorcroft Debt Recovery is a legitimate and FCA-authorised debt collection agency. If they’re contacting you, it means a creditor has passed your account to them for collection or sold the debt to them.
While receiving their letters can be stressful, remember that they don’t have bailiff powers and cannot force entry to your home. You have rights, including the right to request proof of the debt and to set communication preferences.
If the debt is valid and you’re struggling to pay, don’t bury your head in the sand. Explore your options, seek advice, and take control of the situation before it escalates.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Is Moorcroft Debt Recovery a legitimate company? #
Yes. Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited is a legitimate debt collection agency authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 714738). They are also a member of the Credit Services Association and hold ISO certifications for quality management and information security.
Can Moorcroft agents enter my home? #
No. Moorcroft agents are debt collectors, not bailiffs. They cannot force entry to your property. You do not have to let them into your home. Only court-appointed bailiffs have powers to force entry, and only after a County Court Judgment has been obtained.
What should I do if I don’t recognise the debt Moorcroft is claiming? #
Request proof of the debt in writing. Ask for a copy of the original credit agreement and details of how the debt amount was calculated. This is your right under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Do not make any payments or acknowledge the debt until you’re satisfied it’s genuine.
Can Moorcroft add charges and fees to my debt? #
Moorcroft can add reasonable collection costs, but these must be proportionate and not excessive. If you believe the charges are unfair, you can challenge them. Ask for a full breakdown of how the total amount has been calculated.
How many times can Moorcroft contact me in a day? #
While there’s no specific legal limit, the FCA requires debt collectors to treat customers fairly and not harass them. Excessive contact could be considered harassment. You have the right to request that they only contact you in writing or at specific times.
What happens if I can’t afford to pay what Moorcroft is asking? #
Contact them to discuss a payment arrangement based on what you can realistically afford. Provide details of your income and essential expenses. If you have multiple debts and cannot afford the payments, consider seeking advice about formal debt solutions like an IVA or DRO.
Can Moorcroft contact me at work? #
Debt collectors should respect your privacy and not cause embarrassment. If Moorcroft contacts you at work, tell them this is not appropriate and ask them to stop. Confirm this in writing. Contacting you at work when you’ve asked them not to could be considered harassment.
Will Moorcroft affect my credit rating? #
If the original creditor defaulted your account before passing it to Moorcroft, this default will already be on your credit file. Moorcroft themselves don’t add new marks to your credit report, but if they obtain a County Court Judgment against you, this will appear on your credit file for six years.
How long will Moorcroft chase me for the debt? #
Moorcroft will typically continue collection efforts as long as the debt is legally enforceable. In England and Wales, most debts become statute-barred after six years if you haven’t acknowledged the debt or made a payment during that time. However, this doesn’t make the debt disappear.
Can I negotiate a settlement with Moorcroft? #
Yes. Moorcroft may accept a reduced settlement amount if you can offer a lump sum payment. This is often called a “full and final settlement.” Make sure any agreement is confirmed in writing before you make payment, and ensure it states the debt will be marked as settled in full on your credit file.
What’s the difference between Moorcroft and bailiffs? #
Moorcroft are debt collectors who work on behalf of creditors or own debts they’ve purchased. They have no legal powers to force entry or seize goods. Bailiffs (enforcement agents) are court-appointed and have legal powers to enter property and remove goods, but only after a court judgment has been obtained.
Can Moorcroft take money directly from my wages? #
No. Moorcroft cannot directly access your wages or bank account. However, if they obtain a County Court Judgment against you and you fail to pay, they could apply for an Attachment of Earnings Order, which would require your employer to deduct money from your salary.