Received a letter from Opos? They’re a Scottish debt collection agency based in Dumbarton — not bailiffs. They can’t enter your home or take your belongings.
And if you’re in Scotland, the rules on how long they can chase you are very different to England — and in your favour.
Last reviewed: 28 June 2026
Quick Answers#
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can Opos force entry to your home? | No — they’re debt collectors, not bailiffs or Sheriff Officers |
| Are they legitimate? | Yes — FCA authorised (FRN 693817), Companies House active company, CSA member no. 685 |
| Can you ignore them? | Not recommended — but check the age of the debt first |
| Is your debt statute-barred? | 5 years in Scotland (debt is DESTROYED), 6 years in England/Wales |
| Can an IVA stop them? | Yes — or a Trust Deed if you’re in Scotland |
What You’ll Find on This Page#
- Who are Opos?
- Why is Opos contacting you?
- Can Opos send bailiffs or force entry?
- Is your Opos debt statute-barred? Scotland vs England
- Vague Opos letters
- What to do if Opos contacts you
- How to stop Opos — if you live in Scotland
- How to stop Opos — if you live in England or Wales
- Council tax debt and Opos
- Settlement offers from Opos
- Who owns Opos?
- How to complain
- Opos verification checks
- Contact Opos
- FAQs
Who are Opos?#
Opos is a debt collection agency based in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. A letter may relate to an energy, telecoms, catalogue, bank, council-tax or purchased-debt account.
Key facts:
- Company number: SC338837 (incorporated March 2008)
- FCA authorised: FRN 693817
- CSA member: No. 685, according to the CSA member directory
- Owned by: Scott Craig Dawson (sole PSC with 75%+ shares since inception)
- Holding company: Opos Group Ltd (SC613558, created November 2018)
- Letter types: may include collection for another creditor or an account assigned to Opos
- Public records to check: Companies House, FCA Register and CSA directory
They may operate in two different ways: collecting for a creditor who still owns the account, or pursuing a debt that has been assigned to them. Your letter should say which creditor or account is involved. If it does not, ask for written proof before discussing payment.
Why is Opos Contacting You?#
Opos contacts you for one of two reasons:
1. They bought your debt
Some lenders and service providers assign old accounts to debt purchasers. If Opos owns the account, your letter should make the assignment or creditor position clear.
Once purchased, Opos owns the debt and can decide the recovery strategy.
2. They’re collecting on commission
Some creditors may instruct Opos to collect while the creditor still owns the account. In this case, the creditor name and reference should still be visible on the letter.
Common account types that may appear on debt-collector letters:
- Energy bills
- Telecoms accounts
- Store or catalogue accounts
- Credit cards
- Council tax
- Personal loans
- Catalogue debt
Vague letter warning#
If you get a vague letter from Opos asking you to call and “verify your identity”, do not assume the balance is correct.
The letter may not clearly say what the debt is for.
Before you discuss payment, ask for:
- the original creditor
- the account reference
- the balance breakdown
- whether Opos owns the debt or is collecting for someone else
- evidence of the last payment or written acknowledgement if the debt is old
See the vague letter checks below before sharing extra personal details.
Can Opos Send Bailiffs or Force Entry?#
No. Absolutely not.
Opos is a debt collection agency, not a bailiff firm or Sheriff Officer practice. They have no enforcement powers.
If they send someone to your door, that person is a private citizen. They have no more legal authority than a door-to-door salesman.
What Opos field agents CAN’T do:
- Force entry to your home
- Enter without your permission
- Seize your belongings
- Clamp your car
- Threaten you with asset seizure
- Stay on your property if you ask them to leave
- Speak to your neighbours about your debt
What you CAN do:
- Refuse to open the door
- Ask them to leave (they must comply immediately)
- Request letter-only contact to stop all visits and calls
- Report them to the FCA if they overstep
Opos vs Bailiffs vs Sheriff Officers — The Difference#
The enforcement system is different in Scotland and England.
Opos (Debt Collection Agency):
- Debt collection agency
- No right to enter your home
- Can’t seize belongings
- Must leave if asked
- Regulated by FCA
- Can only negotiate payment
Bailiffs (England/Wales):
- Enforcement agent with court powers
- Can enter in specific circumstances (with warrant)
- Can seize and sell assets
- Don’t have to leave (if they have valid warrant)
- Regulated by Ministry of Justice
- Can enforce court judgments
Sheriff Officers (Scotland):
- Officer of the court with statutory powers
- Can enter in exceptional circumstances only
- Primarily use wage/bank arrestments
- Limited entry powers
- Regulated by Society of Messengers-at-Arms & Sheriff Officers
- Can enforce Summary Warrants and court orders
The only route to bailiffs/Sheriff Officers:
- You owe a debt
- Opos (or the creditor) takes you to court
- They get a County Court Judgment (England) or court decree (Scotland)
- You don’t pay it
- The creditor applies for enforcement
- Then bailiffs (England) or Sheriff Officers (Scotland) get involved
Opos themselves can’t do any of this. They’re the “soft” layer. Enforcement is a separate stage.
Is Your Opos Debt Statute-Barred? Scotland vs England — The Critical Difference#
This is the key section if you’re in Scotland.
The rules on old debts are fundamentally different between Scotland and the rest of the UK — and Scottish law is more favourable to you.
Scotland (5 Years): Your Debt is EXTINGUISHED#
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most consumer debts are extinguished after 5 years.
“Extinguished” means the debt ceases to exist entirely. It’s not just unenforceable — it’s gone.
This applies to:
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Overdrafts
- Utility bills
- Telecoms bills
- Catalogue debt
- Store cards
The 5-year clock starts when:
- You last made a payment, OR
- You last acknowledged the debt in writing
If your debt is extinguished:
- Opos has no legal right to even ask for payment
- You have no obligation to pay
- Making a payment towards an extinguished debt does NOT revive it (this is different to England)
Exception — Council tax: Has a 20-year prescription period in Scotland. This is why Opos can chase council tax from 10-15 years ago but NOT a credit card from 6 years ago.
England and Wales (6 Years): Your Debt is Unenforceable But Still Exists#
Under the Limitation Act 1980, debts become “statute-barred” after 6 years.
But statute-barred in England is different:
- The debt still technically exists
- Opos can’t use the courts to enforce it
- They can still ask you to pay
- WARNING: Making any payment or acknowledging the debt in writing restarts the 6-year clock
What evidence should Opos show?#
If Opos says a Scottish debt has not prescribed, ask them to explain the dates they rely on. The useful evidence is practical:
- the original creditor and account reference
- the date of the last payment
- any written acknowledgement of the debt
- any decree, summary warrant or other court basis
- whether Opos owns the debt or is collecting for another creditor
Do this in writing. If the debt is old, disputed or unfamiliar, get Scotland-specific advice before making even a small payment.
How to Check If Your Debt Has Prescribed/Is Statute-Barred#
Look at:
- When you last made a payment
- When you last wrote to the creditor about the debt (emails count)
- Bank statements, old letters, emails
Scotland: If it’s been over 5 years with no payment or written acknowledgment, your debt is extinguished.
England/Wales: If it’s been over 6 years with no payment or written acknowledgment, your debt is statute-barred.
If your debt has prescribed or is statute-barred:
Write to Opos and tell them. Reference the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 (if you’re in Scotland) or the Limitation Act 1980 (if you’re in England/Wales).
Ask them to:
- Confirm the debt is prescribed/statute-barred
- Stop all collection activity
- Remove any default from your credit file (if applicable)
Send by recorded delivery and keep a copy.
Vague Opos letters: how to check the account safely#
Some letters do not give enough information to identify the account safely. A vague letter might say:
“Dear [Your Name], We’re writing about your account. Please contact us on [number] to verify your identity and discuss this matter.”
No mention of:
- What the debt is for
- How much you supposedly owe
- Who the original creditor was
The safe approach is to avoid confirming unnecessary personal details until Opos has explained what the alleged debt is about.
What to Do If You Get a Vague Letter#
DON’T:
- Call the number and give personal details
- Confirm your address or date of birth
- Acknowledge any debt
DO:
- Send a “prove it” letter instead (see below)
- Keep a copy of their vague letter as evidence
- Report them to the CSA or FCA if they’re harassing the wrong person
The “Prove It” Letter#
FCA debt-collection rules expect firms to deal fairly with disputed debts and avoid pressing for payment where a customer has given a valid reason to dispute liability. Keep your request short and specific.
Write to them:
“I dispute this debt and do not recognise the account. Please provide: - the original creditor and account reference - proof that you own the debt or have authority to collect it - a full breakdown of the amount owed - evidence that the debt has not prescribed in Scotland or become statute-barred in England/Wales
Until you provide this, you must stop all collection activity.”
Send by recorded delivery to: 2nd Floor, 15 Meadowbank Street, Dumbarton, G82 1JR
If they cannot explain the account, keep your letters and get advice before making any payment.
What to Do If Opos Contacts You#
Step 1: Don’t panic
They’re not bailiffs or Sheriff Officers. They can’t force entry or take anything.
Step 2: Check the letter — is it vague?
If the letter doesn’t say what the debt is for or how much you owe, ask for written proof before giving extra personal details.
Step 3: Work out WHERE you live
Scotland and England have different rules and different debt solutions. This matters.
Step 4: Check the age of the debt
- Scotland: 5 years = debt is extinguished (except council tax: 20 years)
- England/Wales: 6 years = debt is statute-barred
Step 5: If the debt isn’t yours or you don’t recognise it, send a “prove it” letter
Force Opos to provide evidence before engaging further.
Step 6: If you owe it, negotiate
If the debt is valid and affordable, ask whether a payment plan or full and final settlement is available.
Step 7: If the settlement offer seems generous, check ownership and age first
More on this in Settlement offers from Opos.
Step 8: Consider a formal debt solution
See the sections below for Scotland vs England options.
How to Stop Opos — If You Live in SCOTLAND#
Scottish debt solutions are different to England and Wales — and in some ways, better.
Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)#
Government-backed scheme. Freezes all interest and charges.
Once your Debt Payment Programme (DPP) is approved:
- Opos should stop direct contact and enforcement for debts included in the approved programme
- You make one affordable monthly payment
- Debt is repaid over time with no added interest
How to apply: Through an approved money advisor (like StepChange or Citizens Advice Scotland). It’s free.
Eligibility: You must live or work in Scotland.
More info: mygov.scot/debt-arrangement-scheme
Protected Trust Deed#
The Scottish equivalent of an IVA.
Key details:
- Lasts 4 years (shorter than an IVA’s 5-6 years)
- You pay what you can afford
- Remainder is written off
- Must be approved by majority of creditors
Once protected:
- Opos must stop all collection
- Interest and charges freeze
- You make one monthly payment to your trustee
Eligibility: Debts of £5,000+, regular income, live in Scotland.
More info: Accountant in Bankruptcy - Trust Deeds
Minimal Asset Process (MAP)#
Simplified bankruptcy for low-income debtors.
Key details:
- Debts wiped after 6 months
- For people with low income and few assets
- Check the current Accountant in Bankruptcy fee and criteria before applying
Eligibility:
- Debts under £25,000
- Assets worth less than £2,000
- Disposable income less than £75 per month
- Not a homeowner
More info: Accountant in Bankruptcy - MAP
Scottish Moratorium#
6 months’ protection from all creditors — much stronger than England’s 60-day Breathing Space.
Apply through the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB).
What it does:
- Opos must pause ALL collection activity
- No calls, letters, visits, or legal action
- Gives you time to arrange DAS, Trust Deed, or MAP
- Protects against all “diligence” (Scottish enforcement)
How to apply: Through a qualified money advisor or directly to AiB.
More info: mygov.scot/debt-moratorium
How to Stop Opos — If You Live in England or Wales#
IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)#
Legally binding agreement to pay what you can afford for 5-6 years. Rest is written off.
How it stops Opos:
- You apply through an insolvency practitioner
- Creditors (including Opos) vote on the proposal
- If 75% (by debt value) approve, it’s binding on ALL creditors
- Opos must stop all contact
- Interest and charges freeze immediately
Why creditor status matters:
If Opos is a creditor in the IVA, the proposal will set out what Opos is expected to receive compared with bankruptcy or informal repayment. Do not assume a creditor will accept just because a debt may have been assigned.
Eligibility:
- £6,000+ total unsecured debt
- Regular income
- Able to afford at least £90-100 per month
Use our IVA calculator to see if you qualify.
Breathing Space#
60 days’ protection while you arrange a solution.
What it does:
- Opos must pause all collection
- No calls, letters, visits, or legal action
- Interest and charges freeze
How to apply: Through an authorised debt advisor (like Citizens Advice or StepChange). It’s free.
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space: Lasts as long as your treatment plus 30 days.
More info: Breathing Space on GOV.UK
Debt Relief Order (DRO)#
For England and Wales, a DRO is for people with low income, limited assets and qualifying debts within the current limit.
Key details:
- Debts are usually written off after 12 months if your circumstances have not improved
- No application fee is currently charged
- The debt limit is currently £50,000 in England and Wales
- You must meet strict income, vehicle and asset criteria
More info: GOV.UK - Debt Relief Orders
Council Tax Debt and Opos — Different Rules Apply#
Opos collects council tax for local authorities including West Dunbartonshire Council.
Council tax is NOT a normal consumer debt — different enforcement rules apply.
Scotland#
How it works:
- Councils get a Summary Warrant from the Sheriff Court
- Can then use diligence — wage arrestments (deducting from salary) or bank arrestments (freezing bank accounts)
- 20-year prescription period (not 5 years)
Opos’s role:
- They collect and negotiate payment plans
- They can’t enforce themselves — councils use Sheriff Officers for diligence
Can council tax be included in a debt solution?
- Trust Deed: Yes
- DAS: Yes
- MAP: Yes (if under £25,000 total debt limit)
England and Wales#
How it works:
- Councils get a Liability Order from the magistrates’ court
- Can then use enforcement agents (bailiffs) to seize goods
- 6-year limitation period
Opos’s role:
- They collect and negotiate
- They can’t enforce — councils instruct bailiffs
Can council tax be included in a debt solution?
- IVA: Council tax arrears may be included, but current council tax is a priority bill and your IP must assess the exact year and liability order position.
- Breathing Space: Yes, it may give temporary protection while you get debt advice.
Settlement Offers from Opos — What They Really Mean#
If Opos sends you a settlement offer with a significant discount, do not treat the discount itself as proof that the debt is valid or invalid.
What a High-Discount Offer Means#
1. They may own the debt, or may have creditor authority
A discount can mean the debt has been assigned to Opos, but it can also mean the original creditor has authorised a settlement. Ask for written confirmation of who owns the account.
2. The debt may be approaching its prescriptive/limitation deadline
Discount offers can also appear when the debt is old. Check whether the last payment or written acknowledgement is close to:
- 5 years old (Scotland)
- 6 years old (England/Wales)
Do not make a payment until you understand whether the debt is still legally recoverable.
How to Negotiate#
DON’T accept the first offer.
DO:
- Offer only what you can afford after priority bills
- Ask for proof the debt is still valid (not prescribed/statute-barred)
- Get any agreement in writing BEFORE paying
- Check the debt isn’t already prescribed — if it is, you owe nothing
Always get written confirmation that:
- The settlement clears the full balance
- No further money is owed
- Any default will be marked “settled” on your credit file
Who owns Opos?#
Companies House records are the right place to check Opos Limited’s current officers and people with significant control.
For a payment decision, the useful ownership checks are:
- the registered company name on your letter
- company number SC338837
- FCA reference 693817
- whether the letter says Opos owns the debt or is collecting for another creditor
- the original creditor, balance and account reference
Those checks matter more than online reviews or discount wording because they tell you who is asking for payment and what evidence they should be able to provide.
How to Complain About Opos#
Step 1: Complain to Opos directly
Write to: Opos Limited Complaints Department 2nd Floor, 15 Meadowbank Street Dumbarton G82 1JR
Include:
- Your reference number (from their letters)
- Full details of your complaint
- Dates and times of incidents
- Copies of letters or evidence
They should respond within 8 weeks.
Step 2: Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service
If you’re not satisfied:
- Website: financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
The FOS is free and independent.
Step 3: Report to the Credit Services Association
Opos is a CSA member (No. 685). The CSA can investigate breaches of their code of practice.
- Website: csa-uk.com
Step 4: Report data protection breaches to the ICO
If Opos has:
- Sent letters to the wrong person repeatedly
- Spoken to neighbours about your debt
- Shared your data without permission
Report to the Information Commissioner’s Office:
- Website: ico.org.uk
- Phone: 0303 123 1113
Include Opos’s FCA reference: 693817
Opos verification checks#
Before you pay or share more personal information, match the letter against stable records:
- Company name: Opos Limited
- Company number: SC338837 on Companies House
- FCA reference: 693817 on the FCA Register
- CSA membership: member no. 685 in the CSA directory
- Your account evidence: original creditor, balance, reference number and whether Opos owns the account or collects for someone else
If any of those checks do not line up with your letter, contact the original creditor or get debt advice before paying through a link or over the phone.
Contact Opos#
Address: Opos Limited 2nd Floor 15 Meadowbank Street Dumbarton G82 1JR
Phone: Check your letter for the correct number (it varies by account)
Website: Check your letter for online portal details
To request letter-only contact:
Write to the Dumbarton address and ask them to stop all phone calls and doorstep visits. They must comply under FCA rules.
FCA registration: Firm Reference Number: 693817 Check the FCA register
CSA membership: Membership No. 685
If you’re struggling with debt and want to compare your options, use our free IVA calculator to check whether an IVA may be suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Who are Opos?#
Opos is a debt collection agency based in Dumbarton, Scotland. Companies House lists Opos Limited as company number SC338837. A letter may relate to an energy, telecoms, catalogue, bank, council-tax or purchased-debt account, so check the original creditor and whether Opos owns the debt or is collecting for someone else.
Is Opos legitimate or a scam?#
Opos is legitimate. They’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA reference: 693817), Companies House lists Opos Limited as active, and the CSA directory lists member no. 685. That does not prove a specific balance is correct, so check the original creditor and reference before paying.
Can Opos send bailiffs to my home?#
No. Opos are debt collectors, not bailiffs or Sheriff Officers. They have no power to force entry, seize belongings, or clamp your car. Enforcement is a separate legal stage involving enforcement agents in England and Wales or Sheriff Officers in Scotland after the proper court or local-authority process.
Is my Opos debt statute-barred?#
Scotland: If it’s been 5 years since you last made a payment or acknowledged the debt in writing, it’s extinguished (destroyed). Exception: council tax has a 20-year prescription. England/Wales: If it’s been 6 years since you last made a payment or acknowledged the debt in writing, it’s statute-barred (unenforceable but still technically exists). WARNING: Any payment restarts the clock in England.
Can a debt be extinguished in Scotland?#
Yes. Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, most consumer debts such as credit cards, loans, utilities and telecoms are extinguished after 5 years. “Extinguished” means the debt ceases to exist entirely. If Opos says the debt has not prescribed, ask for the payment, written acknowledgement or court evidence they rely on.
Can an IVA or Trust Deed stop Opos?#
Yes. In England/Wales, an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) stops all collection. In Scotland, a Protected Trust Deed does the same thing but lasts 4 years instead of 5-6. Both legally bind creditors once approved. Opos must stop all contact, and interest/charges freeze immediately. You can also use a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) in Scotland for full protection.
Why did Opos send me a letter about a debt I don’t recognise?#
Some Opos letters do not give enough detail to identify the account safely. If you do not recognise the debt, ask in writing for the original creditor, balance, assignment or authority to collect, and any prescription or limitation evidence before discussing payment.
Can I ignore Opos?#
Not recommended. For valid debts, ignoring Opos can lead to court action (County Court Judgment or Scottish court decree). But you should check the age of the debt first — if it’s prescribed (Scotland: 5 years) or statute-barred (England: 6 years), you can tell them to stop. If you don’t recognise it, send a “prove it” letter.
Does Opos collect council tax?#
Opos may contact you about council tax where a local authority has instructed them. Council tax has different rules: Scotland can involve a 20-year prescription period, and England or Wales can involve liability-order enforcement. Arrears may be considered in a formal debt solution, but current council tax remains a priority bill.
Can I negotiate a settlement with Opos?#
Sometimes. A discount can mean Opos owns the account, or it can simply mean a creditor has authorised a settlement. Before accepting, ask for proof of the debt, check prescription or limitation risk, and get written confirmation that the payment settles the full balance.
Need help with Opos or Scottish debt? If you’re in Scotland and have multiple debts, compare a Protected Trust Deed with other Scottish options. If you’re in England or Wales, use our IVA suitability check to see whether an IVA may fit your situation.