As a business owner, one of the most challenging tasks can be making sure you get paid for the goods or services you provide. If clients fail to stick to their payment plans as agreed, debt collection agencies are often needed in order to help recoup any losses incurred.

Did you know that there are six different resources your debt collector will use – such as credit bureaus and databases – that allow them access to your financial history and current whereabouts?

Understanding this core information is key for any successful collections process. Read on to learn how you can strengthen your approach with these 6 resources!

Public Records 

No one wants to be pursued by debt collection agencies, but unfortunately, it’s a reality that many people face.

If you’re struggling to make payments and your debts have gone into collections, it’s important to know that these agencies have the power to search through public records to find information about your financial history.

This can include court judgments, liens, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. However, some debt collection agencies operate on a “no collection no fee” basis, which means that they only get paid if they successfully collect your debt.

While this may sound appealing, it’s important to remember that these agencies are still looking for ways to collect from you, and searching through public records is just one of the many tactics they may use.

Credit Reports 

If you live in the UK and are struggling with debt, you might have heard of No Cure No Pay debt collection agencies. These companies offer to recover your outstanding debts and are only paid if they successfully collect the money owed.

However, before you turn to them for help, it’s important to understand that debt collection agencies have access to your credit report. This means they can see your payment history and the amount of debt you owe, which could potentially harm your credit score if they report negative activity.

Be sure to weigh your options carefully and seek professional advice before making any decisions about debt collection.

Social Media 

With the widespread use of social media, it’s not just your friends and family who are keeping an eye on your online activity. Commercial debt recovery agencies are now leveraging social media to dig up personal information that they might not be able to obtain from other sources.

Through posts where you mention needing money or discussing financial issues, these agencies are able to gain insights into your financial situation, making it easier for them to contact you and pursue repayment.

So, next time you’re scrolling through your social media feeds, beware that debt collectors may be lurking, trying to get a glimpse into your financial behaviour.

Online Directories

Are you living in the UK and facing debt collection issues? Beware that most debt collection agencies in the UK have access to online directories such as 411 and White Pages.

By utilising these directories, agencies can easily track down your location, phone number, and other contact details. It’s important to be aware of this practice and take steps to protect your personal information from being easily accessible.

Stay vigilant and informed to avoid any unwanted collection calls or harassment.

Mailing Lists 

It’s a scenario that many of us dread: the jarring phone call from an unknown number, only to realise it’s a debt collector on the other end. But have you ever wondered how they got your information in the first place?

It turns out that debt collectors often turn to data brokers who compile and sell mailing lists that include the personal information of individuals who owe money or may be at risk of defaulting on their payments.

These lists can contain names, addresses, and phone numbers that can be used to track down individuals and attempt to collect the debts owed. It’s a practice that has some consumers feeling uneasy, but for debt collectors, it’s just part of doing business.

Skip Tracing Services

When it comes to recovering debts, there are times when individuals seem to have vanished into thin air. This is where skip tracing services come in handy.

Utilized by debt collection agencies as a last resort, skip tracing can help locate individuals who have gone missing or are simply avoiding payment. Thanks to advanced technology and investigative techniques, skip tracing has become a valuable tool for debt collectors.

While it may not be the preferred solution, it can definitely help recover funds that otherwise may have been lost.

Summing Up

It’s important to know that debt collection agencies have a variety of resources at their disposal in order to find you and collect outstanding debts.

They can search through public records, access your credit report, use social media to gain insight into your financial life, refer to online directories such as 411 and White Pages, purchase mailing lists from data brokers, and even resort to skip tracing services in extreme cases.

Understanding the tactics collectors may use is the first step toward being proactive about protecting personal information—ensuring that communication with collectors is conducted in a safe manner when necessary.

About Us

Taurus Collections (UK) Ltd. can be your one-stop destination if you want to successfully boost your odds of collecting debts. Use our Late Payment Calculator to calculate your outstanding credit amount. We help our clients with certain debt collection services that include:

• • • Business Financing
  • • Outsourced credit control
  • • UK & international credit checking
  • No Collection No Fee Debt Collection

For more details, call us at 0800 069 8777 or 01332 565 350 (Derby). Send your concerns to enquiries@tauruscollections.com. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Drop by our office – International House, 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AP, UK.