These tools are for the moment before you decide whether to pay, dispute, ask for time, or get debt advice. They are not a substitute for regulated debt advice, but they can help you avoid common first-step mistakes.
When to use these tools #
Use the prove-the-debt generator if you do not recognise the collector, balance, original creditor or reference number.
Use the statute barred checker before paying an old debt or writing anything that could be read as admitting the debt.
Use the bailiff fee checker when a Notice of Enforcement, visit letter or fee breakdown has arrived.
Use the phone number lookup before calling back a number from a text, missed call or voicemail.
Use the letter triage tool if you are not sure whether the letter is ordinary collection, pre-court, court, old debt, government debt or enforcement.
Company guides to pair with the tools #
After checking the letter type, match the company name to a guide so you do not rely on a generic response. Start with Lowell Financial, Link Financial, Moorcroft Debt Recovery, Cabot Financial, Past Due Credit Solutions, Advantis, BW Legal, Mortimer Clarke Solicitors, Capquest Debt Recovery, Marston Holdings and Bristow & Sutor.
What these tools do not do #
They do not tell you to ignore formal papers. If you have a court claim, a judgment, a Notice of Enforcement, a warrant or a visit booked, protect the deadline and get free advice quickly.
They also do not decide whether an IVA, Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy, Breathing Space or informal arrangement is best for you. Use them to check the immediate letter first, then compare the full debt position.
Related guides #
- Prove-the-Debt Letter Generator
- Prove the Debt Letter: What To Ask For
- CCA Request Template: Credit Agreement
- What Debt Letter Did You Receive?
- Statute Barred Debt Checker UK
- Bailiff Fee Checker England and Wales
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