A Scottish man who decided to recklessly act as a unlicensed Debt Collector recovering a business debt, has been punished in the courts for his unlawful actions.
The man banged on a customers door and shouted threats in the middle of the night over an unpaid business debt.
The unpaid business debt is believed to have been owed to the mans employer.
Christopher Bett, 34, of Cardenden, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
He admitted that on September 24, 2022 at an address in Cardenden in Fife he shouted, swore and banged on the front door.
He also sent a phone message in which he made a threat of violence and acted in an aggressive manner whilst trying to recover a business debt
Depute fiscal Lauren Pennycook said Bett was part of a group which had gone to a house.
Rogue Business Debt Collector threatened customer
At 3.40am the resident was woken by noise outside when there was banging and shouting at the door.
Bett was shouting: “Get out here f****** now. You’re a f****** s****-bag” and “It’s f******. Get out here.”
He later sent a voicemail threatening the man living there with violence. Police were contacted.
Defence solicitor Aime Allan said: “He understands he shouldn’t have got involved.”
Bett was already on a community payback order with unpaid work.
As a result of the these actions, Sheriff Wylie Robertson jailed Bett for 13 months.
Sheriff Wylie Robertson commented: “You have a bad record and this offence was done to intimidate someone to pay a debt to your employer.”
He added that it was “remarkable” that Bett had not been jailed for previous offences even when he breached the court orders which were imposed.
Using Rogue Debt Collection methods
This situation highlights what can happen when things get out of control when attempting to collect a debt.
Authorities recommend you only use appropriately licensed and accredited debt collection agencies.
Before choosing a debt collector to work with, ensure you perform full checks and ensure their credibility.
Choosing a reputable Business Debt Collector
Choosing a professional option is crucial for any business that requires debt collection services.
It is important to understand that there are strict laws and regulations in place when it comes to debt collection in the UK. Business Owners must follow these rules and use ethical methods when collecting debts from individuals or businesses.
In this case, the defendant, Mr. Bett, used intimidating tactics to collect a debt on behalf of his employer. This not only goes against the law but also shows a lack of professionalism and respect towards others. As a result, he has received a prison sentence for his actions.
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for both employers and individuals who may be dealing with debt collection.
It is essential to work with licensed and accredited agencies who follow proper procedures when attempting to collect debts. Additionally, individuals should be aware of their rights when it comes to debt collection and report any unethical or illegal practices.
The role of debt collectors is important in the UK economy, as they help businesses recover overdue payments and maintain financial stability. However, this must be done within the boundaries of the law and with respect towards all parties involved.
This includes treating customers with dignity and respect, providing accurate information about debts, and following proper procedures for disputing debts.
Furthermore, there are regulations in place by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that dictate how debt collectors can interact with consumers. This includes not using aggressive or misleading tactics, not contacting consumers at unreasonable times or locations, and providing options for repayment plans.
It is important for individuals to know their rights when dealing with debt collectors. This includes the right to request written validation of the debt, the right to dispute a debt if they believe it is incorrect or unfair, and the right to file a complaint against any unethical practices.
