Stopping bailiffs if you don't owe the debt

Summary

If you’ve paid the debt the best thing you can do is call the creditor to tell them to stop the bailiff from coming to your home. You can find the creditor’s name on the notice of enforcement use this to search online for their telephone number. It’s also worth contacting your bank - to check the payment to your creditor was made. You should also call the bailiffs to tell them you’ve spoken to the creditor and what was agreed. It’s still worth doing this - even if you’ve called the creditor already - because they might not call the bailiffs immediately. You should collect as much evidence as you can to show you've paid the debt if the creditor doesn't agree. Send a letter to the creditor saying you've paid and include your evidence. You should also send a copy to the bailiffs. Ask them to put your case on hold while you’re sending in your evidence and they look into your case - they must do this if you ask. Your evidence could include any of these things: * a copy of the debt statement showing final payment * a letter from the creditor saying the debt is paid It's best to send copies of your documents not the originals. You should send your letter by recorded delivery if you can.

Key information

• a copy of the debt statement showing final payment
• a letter from the creditor saying the debt is paid
• a direct debit payment statement
• If you’ve paid the debt the best thing you can do is call the creditor to tell them to stop the bailiff from coming to your home.
• You can find the creditor’s name on the notice of enforcement use this to search online for their telephone number.
• It’s also worth contacting your bank - to check the payment to your creditor was made.
• You should also call the bailiffs to tell them you’ve spoken to the creditor and what was agreed. It’s still worth doing this - even if you’ve called the creditor already - because they might not call the bailiffs immediately.
• You should collect as much evidence as you can to show you've paid the debt if the creditor doesn't agree.
• Send a letter to the creditor saying you've paid and include your evidence. You should also send a copy to the bailiffs.
• Ask them to put your case on hold while you’re sending in your evidence and they look into your case - they must do this if you ask.
• It's best to send copies of your documents not the originals.
• You should send your letter by recorded delivery if you can. Keep a copy of your letter and any reply you get in case you need it later.

Practical guidance

• Source: Stopping bailiffs if you don't owe the debt

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