STA International is a debt collection agency that may use phone, letter or doorstep contact. A doorstep collector is not a bailiff: they can ask to speak with you, but cannot force entry or take belongings merely because they are collecting a debt.
If several debts are unaffordable, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may stop direct collection for included qualifying debts once approved. Only remaining included qualifying debt is written off if the IVA completes, so compare every suitable alternative before choosing it.
Quick answers #
Can STA International send bailiffs to my home? No. STA International are debt collectors, not bailiffs. Their field agents can visit your home and knock on your door, but they have no legal power to force entry, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle.
Are STA International legitimate? Yes. STA International Limited (Company 02893487) is FCA-authorised (Reference 677302) and has operated since 1994. They’re based in Maidstone, Kent and specialize in doorstep debt collection.
Can an IVA stop STA International? A qualifying unsecured account handled by STA International may be included in an approved IVA. Direct collection should then normally stop in line with the arrangement, but the debt type, legal owner, timing and approved terms matter.
Who are STA International? #
STA International Limited (Company 02893487) was founded in 1994 and specializes in face-to-face debt collection. Unlike many collection agencies that rely purely on phone calls and letters, STA International operates a network of field agents who visit debtors’ homes.
Company details:
- Registered office: 3rd Floor Colman House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1DN
- Company number: 02893487
- FCA reference: 677302 (authorised since 1 April 2014)
- VAT number: 646003171
STA International is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the Credit Services Association (CSA). They collect debts on behalf of utility companies, telecoms providers, and local authorities.
Why is STA International contacting me? #
STA International operates as a debt collection agency, collecting debts on behalf of other companies. When your gas supplier, mobile phone provider, or council can’t recover a debt directly, they hire STA International to collect it.
This is why you might not recognise STA International’s name:
You fell behind on your gas bill with British Gas. British Gas tried to contact you for 6 months. British Gas then hired STA International to collect the debt. An STA International letter (or field agent) arrives, and you think “I don’t owe money to STA International”—but you do owe money to British Gas, and STA International is acting as their agent.
Who instructs STA International:
- Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
- Telecoms providers (mobile phones, broadband)
- Local councils (council tax arrears)
- Parking enforcement agencies
- Housing associations
Check the original debt:
Every STA International letter must state the “original creditor”—the company you originally owed money to. If you’ve never heard of that company, or if you believe the debt is wrong, you have the right to dispute it and request proof.
Can STA International send bailiffs to my home? #
No. STA International are debt collectors, not bailiffs.
This is the most important thing to understand, especially because STA International operates a doorstep collection service. Their field agents can (and do) visit your home, but they are not bailiffs and have no legal powers.
What STA International field agents CAN do:
- Knock on your door
- Speak to you politely
- Hand you information about your debt
- Offer to discuss repayment options
- Show you ID (they must carry this)
What STA International field agents CANNOT do:
- Force entry to your home
- Enter without your permission
- Take your belongings
- Clamp your vehicle
- Threaten you
- Damage your property
- Refuse to leave when asked
- Discuss your debt with neighbors
STA International’s field service is designed to make face-to-face contact when phone calls and letters have failed. But there is no legal enforcement power behind these visits.
If an STA International field agent visits:
- You don’t have to let them in. Speak through a closed door if you prefer.
- Ask for ID. They should show an STA International badge and ID card.
- Don’t sign anything unless you’ve had time to think and get advice.
- Don’t feel intimidated. They’re just collectors in branded clothing—they can’t take anything.
- If they’re aggressive or won’t leave, call the police. Aggressive behaviour breaches FCA rules.
- If they speak to your neighbors, complain immediately. Discussing your debt with third parties breaches FCA rules.
Bottom line: An STA International field agent at your door is not the same as a bailiff. You’re not at risk of goods being seized. Don’t panic.
Can STA International take me to court? #
Yes—and this is where their real power lies.
While STA International field agents can’t seize goods, the company can take legal action if the debt remains unpaid. This is more serious than doorstep visits.
The legal escalation process:
1. Pre-Action Protocol (30-day warning)
Before STA International can issue a court claim, they must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. This requires them to send a formal “Letter of Claim” giving you 30 days to respond.
2. County Court claim
If you don’t respond or arrange payment, STA International will instruct solicitors to issue a County Court claim. You’ll receive court papers (form N1) at your address.
3. County Court Judgment (CCJ)
If you don’t defend the claim, the court will enter a judgment against you. This is a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which:
- Stays on your credit file for 6 years
- Makes it nearly impossible to get credit, mortgages, or phone contracts
- Allows STA International to enforce through bailiffs
4. Enforcement after a CCJ
Once STA International has a CCJ, they can apply for:
- Attachment of Earnings Order: Your employer deducts money from your wages
- Charging Order: STA International secures the debt against your property (if you’re a homeowner)
- Warrant of Control: The court issues a warrant allowing actual bailiffs to seize goods
Don’t ignore court papers:
If you receive a County Court claim form, follow the service date and deadline in its response pack. If a valid claim is not answered in time, the claimant may request judgment in default. Even if you can’t afford to pay in full, you can:
- Admit the claim and offer affordable monthly payments
- Defend the claim if you dispute the debt
- Apply for the claim to be struck out if STA International didn’t follow the Pre-Action Protocol
Is the debt really yours? #
Before you pay STA International anything, verify the debt is actually yours.
Request proof under the Consumer Credit Act 1974:
If the debt is a qualifying regulated credit agreement—for example, some credit-card, loan or handset-finance agreements—you may be able to request a copy under sections 77–79 of the Consumer Credit Act. Ordinary mobile service contracts and many other debts are not covered; check the applicable section, fee and effect.
Write to STA International:
STA International Limited
3rd Floor Colman House
King Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1DNSay:
“I’m writing regarding account reference [your reference number]. Under Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, I request a true copy of the executed credit agreement for this debt. I also request a full breakdown of how the current balance has been calculated, including all interest and charges added. I don’t acknowledge this debt until I receive proof.”
For a qualifying Consumer Credit Act request, the creditor normally has 12 working days after receiving the required request and fee to comply. While a relevant section 77-79 default continues, court enforcement can be restricted, but the debt is not erased and a compliant copy may later be supplied. The rule does not apply to every debt.
When is a debt statute-barred?
For many simple-contract debts the headline periods are six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland, but the start date, debt type, payments, written acknowledgement, an existing judgment and the jurisdiction can change the result. Read the statute-barred debt guide and get advice before paying or relying on limitation.
If limitation has expired and no judgment exists, it may provide a defence to a court claim. A claim can still require a timely defence, so do not ignore court papers or assume the collector decides the legal position.
Check before responding: a qualifying payment or written acknowledgement before time expires can restart limitation for some England-and-Wales debts. A later payment does not revive a claim that is already barred under section 29(7), and Scottish prescription differs. Get advice first.
Will STA International accept a settlement? #
A settlement may be considered, but the creditor or legal owner decides and there is no reliable standard percentage. The outcome can depend on ownership of the account, its legal status, affordability evidence and the lump sum available.
Before paying, get written confirmation that the agreed amount is accepted as full and final settlement, that no remaining balance will be pursued or sold, and how the account will be reported to credit reference agencies. Do not use money needed for priority bills.
How to stop STA International with an IVA #
An approved IVA can bind creditors for debts included in the arrangement, so direct collection by this firm should normally stop for an included qualifying debt. The approved terms, debt type and timing control the result; an IVA does not cover every debt or automatically undo every court or enforcement step.
There is no single statutory debt balance or monthly-payment figure that makes an IVA suitable. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner should compare sustainable income, essential spending, assets, creditor returns and alternatives such as a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy.
Do not ignore an existing Letter of Claim, court form or enforcement deadline while an IVA is only being considered. If several debts are unaffordable, use the IVA suitability check as a first step and get advice on the live deadline.
How to deal with STA International calls and visits #
STA International may use telephone contact alongside written or field activity. Contact must be proportionate and at reasonable times, taking account of your circumstances and any reasonable communication request.
You have rights:
Ask for a reasonable communication channel. Request post or email and explain any vulnerability or accessibility need. The firm must have regard to a reasonable request, but necessary and proportionate contact may continue. Keep a written record.
Don’t admit the debt until you’ve verified it. If you don’t recognise the debt, say: “I need to see proof of this debt in writing before I can discuss it.”
Check the legal position before making a token payment. A qualifying payment or written acknowledgement before time expires can restart limitation for some England-and-Wales debts. Once a claim is already barred, section 29(7) prevents a later acknowledgement or payment from reviving it; Scottish prescription differs. Get advice first.
Tell field agents to leave. If an STA International field agent visits and you don’t want to engage, say: “Please leave my property. I’ll contact you in writing.” They must leave. If they refuse, call the police.
If you’re vulnerable, tell them. If you have mental health problems, serious illness, disability, or are in crisis, declare this. STA International must follow FCA “Consumer Duty” rules and adjust their approach. Get evidence (doctor’s letter, PIP award) and send it by email and post.
What if they’re calling outside permitted hours?
FCA rules do not set a universal 8am-to-9pm window for consumer debt collection. They require firms not to contact customers at unreasonable times and to take account of reasonable requests about when, where and how contact happens. Put any contact preference in writing and complain if unreasonable or excessive contact continues.
What if they’re aggressive or threatening?
FCA-authorised firms like STA International are prohibited from:
- Threatening imprisonment (you can’t go to prison for civil debt)
- Claiming to be bailiffs or having bailiff powers
- Visiting at unreasonable times or ignoring a reasonable request about timing
- Discussing your debt with neighbors or family members
- Refusing to leave when asked
- Pressuring you to sell your home or borrow from family
- Ignoring evidence of vulnerability
If STA International breaks these rules, complain to the FCA (see below).
How to complain about STA International #
If STA International has acted inappropriately, follow this process:
1. Complain to STA International directly
Write to:
STA International Limited
3rd Floor Colman House
King Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1DNInclude:
- Your account reference number
- Dates of the issue
- What happened (especially if it involves doorstep visits)
- What you want (apology, stop visits, fees removed, etc.)
STA International has 8 weeks to respond.
2. Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If STA International doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied, escalate to the FOS:
- Website: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
The FOS is free and independent. They can order STA International to:
- Apologise
- Remove incorrect information from your credit file
- Pay compensation (typically £100-£300 for distress in debt cases)
3. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If STA International has breached FCA rules (aggressive doorstep visits, discussing your debt with neighbors, calling at prohibited times), report them:
- Website: www.fca.org.uk/contact
- Phone: 0800 111 6768
The FCA won’t resolve your individual complaint, but they investigate firms and can impose fines or suspend authorisation if they find systemic problems.
STA International contact details #
Registered office: STA International Limited 3rd Floor Colman House King Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1DN
Company number: 02893487 FCA reference: 677302 VAT number: 646003171
Regulatory status:
- FCA Authorised since 1 April 2014
- CSA (Credit Services Association) Member
- ICO Registered
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our debt-options calculator for an initial comparison; it cannot confirm eligibility, approval or a write-off amount.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Can STA International send bailiffs to my home? #
No. STA International are debt collectors, not bailiffs. Their field agents can visit your home and knock on your door, but they have no legal power to enter your property, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle. They’re collectors, not enforcement agents.
Is STA International legitimate? #
Yes. STA International Limited (Company 02893487) is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference 677302) and has operated since 1994. They’re based in Maidstone, Kent and specialize in doorstep debt collection.
Why is STA International visiting my home? #
STA International operates a field service as part of their collection model. Field agents visit homes when phone calls and letters have failed. But they have no legal enforcement powers—you don’t have to let them in or speak to them.
Will STA International take me to court? #
The legal owner may instruct solicitors to issue a claim if the debt is enforceable and the required process is followed. If a valid claim is not answered in time, the claimant may request default judgment. Respond regardless of the balance or whether full payment is affordable.
Can I stop STA International with an IVA? #
An approved IVA can stop direct collection for debts included in the arrangement. The approved terms, debt type and timing matter, and only remaining included qualifying debt is written off if the IVA completes.
Will STA International accept a settlement? #
Use the settlement checks earlier in this guide: there is no standard discount, and any agreement should be confirmed in writing before payment.
If STA International is one of several unaffordable debts, compare an IVA with the other debt options before choosing. Use the IVA suitability check for a first-pass assessment.