Staying Safe

At Debt Bridge, your safety and privacy matter to us. Scams targeting people already dealing with debt are, unfortunately, becoming more common — so we’ve put together this guide to help you recognise the warning signs and protect yourself.

Top Tips

• Never pay money upfront for a debt solution that hasn’t been formally agreed or confirmed
• Don’t share personal or financial information unless you’re certain who you’re actually speaking to
• If you don’t recall enquiring with us, or the firm contacting you, be cautious before engaging further

Fraudsters can be very convincing, and sometimes go as far as impersonating genuine companies — including firms like ours. They may use fake letters, emails, or cold calls, promising debt write-offs or repayment plans that don’t actually exist, with the real goal of getting you to hand over money upfront. Always stay alert to these tactics.

Below are some of the most common scams involving people impersonating debt advisers, insolvency practitioners, or debt collectors. Take a moment to read through them so you know what to look out for.

Advance Fee Scam

This scam typically involves someone contacting you and demanding an upfront “fee” before they’ll arrange or confirm a debt solution — such as an IVA, debt management plan, or consolidation loan. Payment is often requested by bank transfer, cash payment services, or prepaid debit cards.

These scammers are often highly persuasive, and people can find themselves parting with money before they’ve had a chance to properly question what’s being asked of them.

Debt Bridge never asks for payment upfront before any solution has been formally arranged and agreed with a regulated provider. Scammers may also send fake confirmation letters or approval notices designed to look like they’ve come from a genuine lender, adviser, or insolvency practitioner.

Warning Signs

• Being asked for money before any solution has actually been arranged
• Requests to pay via prepaid debit cards or cash transfer services
• Being asked to wire money directly to an individual or unfamiliar account
• Receiving unexpected “approval” or “confirmation” messages by text, email, or post that you didn’t apply for

Fake Debt Collection Scam

Another common scam involves someone posing as a debt collector, contacting you to recover a “debt” that doesn’t actually exist, has already been paid off, or belongs to someone else entirely.

These kinds of threatening calls or messages do not come from Debt Bridge. Scammers running this kind of scam typically rely on pressure, intimidation, or fear to push people into making a payment they don’t actually owe.

Warning Signs

• Threats of arrest, wage deductions, court action, or physical harm
• Refusing to give clear details about the debt or where it originated
• Demanding an amount that doesn’t match any debt you recognise or have records of

Watch Out for Clone Firms

Fraudsters sometimes impersonate genuine, regulated companies — copying their name, branding, or even staff details — to appear legitimate. These are known as “clone firms.”

If you’re ever unsure whether you’re genuinely speaking with Debt Bridge, or another firm we’ve introduced you to, hang up and contact us directly using the number on our official website, rather than any number given to you during the call.

Learn more about spotting clone firms directly from the FCA: 👉 www.fca.org.uk/consumers/avoid-scams-unauthorised-firms/clone-firms-individuals

If you believe a clone firm or unauthorised company has contacted you and tried to obtain your information, you can report it to the Financial Conduct Authority helpline: 0800 111 6768.

Useful Resources

• Action Fraud — actionfraud.police.uk — report fraud and cybercrime
• MoneyHelper: Scams — moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/scams — free, government-backed guidance on spotting and avoiding scams
• Telephone Preference Service — tpsonline.org.uk — reduce unwanted sales and marketing calls
• Mailing Preference Service — mpsonline.org.uk — reduce unwanted marketing post

If You’re Ever Unsure

If someone contacts you claiming to be from Debt Bridge and something doesn’t feel right, don’t share any information or make any payment. Hang up, and call us directly using the number listed on our official website to confirm.

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