Step 3 Choose your debt solution 3 Have you been told that you could be owed thousands of pounds? Claims management companies (CMCs) offer to make complaints about your financial agreements for you. They may say that they can get your debts written off, or get you compensation. Be careful! Many charge large fees up front and there is no guarantee of success. You can make a complaint for free. You can also get advice about unfair terms and unfair relationships in your agreement from Citizens Advice. Go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or call 0345 404 0506. Before signing up with a CMC, contact us for advice. What if a creditor harasses me? If you don’t pay, your creditors can remind you to pay from time to time. They should not threaten or harass you to make you pay. If they do, they may be committing an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC) also sets out the rules and guidance that creditors who are authorised with the FCA must follow when collecting debt. If they break these rules, the FCA may look at whether the creditor is fit to give consumer credit. See our Harassment by creditors and debt collectors fact sheet. Next steps Congratulations. You have now completed all three steps in the guide. We hope you feel better able to deal with your debts. Remember we are always here to help. You can contact us for advice if: • you are unsure of anything; • you have extra questions; • your circumstances change; or • you just want to talk through your situation. Page 99