Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work?
Debt collectors may contact you regarding a legitimate debt, but they should not harass you or cause embarrassment at your workplace. You have the right to request that they contact you in writing or at a more appropriate time and place. If a collector's conduct is unreasonable, you can lodge a complaint.
Key Points
- Collectors should not harass or embarrass you at work.
- You can request written contact instead.
- Keep records of unreasonable conduct.
- Complaints can be lodged with the relevant regulator.
This article provides general consumer information and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances differ. If legal proceedings have already started, obtain advice relevant to your specific circumstances.
What is reasonable contact?
Debt collectors are permitted to contact consumers about legitimate debts, but the manner and frequency of contact must be reasonable. Repeated calls to your workplace that cause embarrassment or threaten your employment are generally not acceptable.
You can request that the collector communicate with you in writing or contact you at a reasonable time.
How to respond
Ask the collector to put any demand in writing and confirm the debt details. Do not acknowledge a debt you do not recognise without verification. If you are under debt review, refer the collector to your debt counsellor.
Keep a record of calls, including dates, times and the name of the caller.
When to complain
If a collector uses threats, abusive language, contacts you at unreasonable hours, or discloses your debt to colleagues or employers, you can lodge a complaint with the relevant regulator. Unreasonable conduct is not something you have to tolerate.
Collectors must comply with the rules governing their conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Worried That Your Debt Has Become Unaffordable?
Debt Guidance can assess your income, essential expenses and debt commitments to determine whether debt review may be appropriate.
Reviewed by Carolina Guevara Harris
Registered Debt Counsellor · NCRDC3152
Last updated: 17 September 2025
View profileRelated Articles
What Happens When Your Account Is Handed Over to Debt Collectors?
When your account is handed to debt collectors, it means the credit provider has engaged a third party to recover the outstanding amount. You may receive calls and letters demanding payment. Verify the debt, keep records, and consider a financial assessment if the debt is unaffordable. Do not ignore the matter, as unresolved arrears can lead to legal action.
6 min readDebt Collection & Legal QuestionsWhat Rights Do Consumers Have When Dealing With Debt Collectors?
South African consumers have rights when dealing with debt collectors, including the right to be treated fairly and without harassment, the right to written confirmation of a debt, the right to privacy (collectors should not disclose your debt to third parties), and the right to lodge a complaint about misconduct. Debt collectors are regulated and must follow prescribed conduct rules.
7 min readDebt Collection & Legal QuestionsWhat Happens If You Ignore Debt Collectors?
Ignoring debt collectors does not make the debt disappear. If you do not respond, the creditor may proceed to legal action, obtain judgment, and enforce it through measures such as a garnishee order on your salary or repossession of assets. Engaging early — verifying the debt and seeking help — generally gives you more options and can prevent the matter from escalating.
5 min readDebt Collection & Legal QuestionsCan Creditors Contact You While Under Debt Review?
Once you are formally under debt review, credit providers should generally deal with your debt counsellor rather than contacting you directly to demand payment. If creditors do contact you, refer them to your debt counsellor and keep a record. Persistent or harassing contact may be addressed through the applicable complaints process.
6 min read