Scott & Co Debt Collectors Scotland: Sheriff Officers, Your Rights & What Happens If You Ignore Them (2026 Guide)

Receiving a letter, phone call, or doorstep visit from Scott & Co can be worrying, especially if you are unsure about your rights or what could happen next. As one of Scotland’s best-known firms of sheriff officers and debt recovery agents, Scott & Co has the legal authority to enforce certain debts on behalf of creditors and public bodies. However, that does not mean you are powerless.

In this 2026 guide, we explain who Scott & Co are, the difference between debt collectors and sheriff officers, what enforcement actions they can take, and what your legal rights are under Scottish law. Read on to learn how to deal with Scott & Co confidently and avoid costly mistakes. 

Who Is Scott & Co?

Scott & Co (Scotland) LLP is the largest employer of Sheriff Officers and Messengers-at-Arms in Scotland. Founded in 1992, the firm has grown to operate 13 centres and 7 operational hubs across the country, with officers commissioned in every Sheriffdom and Sheriff Court District in Scotland.

In May 2015, Scott & Co became part of the Marston Group, the UK’s largest judicial services group, giving it the resources of a national operation while maintaining its specialist focus on Scottish enforcement.

This is the detail that sets Scott & Co apart from a standard debt collection agency. Most debt collectors can only write letters and make phone calls. Scott & Co employs court-commissioned Sheriff Officers with real legal powers to enforce court orders through a process called diligence, which includes freezing bank accounts, arresting earnings, and seizing goods.

Is Scott & Co Legitimate?

Yes. If you have received a letter from Scott & Co and are not sure whether it is genuine, here are their verified company details:

• Registered name: Scott & Co (Scotland) LLP  
• Company number: SO305258  
• Registered office: 279 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JL  
• FCA reference number: 742819 (Note: As of the time of writing, the FCA register shows Scott & Co is no longer registered as an Appointed Representative. If you are dealing with them in a debt collection capacity, it is worth checking their current FCA status at register.fca.org.uk before making any payments.)  
• Sheriff Officer regulation: Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers (SMASO)

Scott & Co operates in two distinct roles depending on the nature of your debt. As an FCA-regulated debt collector for private debts, and as court-commissioned Sheriff Officers when executing enforcement action. Understanding which role they are acting in when they contact you is the most important first step in knowing your rights. 

Scott & Co Contact Numbers: What Is Their Phone Number?

If you need to contact Scott & Co, the number you should call depends on your location and the nature of your query. Below are all confirmed Scott & Co contact numbers:

• Main line: 0333 320 6841 (also listed as 0333 320 6871)
• Glasgow: 0333 320 6841 (also listed as 0141 846 2125 and 0141 674 0668)
• Edinburgh: 0333 320 6841 (also listed as 01772 974055)
• Aberdeen: 0333 320 6841
• Dundee: 0333 320 6841
• Inverness: 0333 320 6841
• Galashiels: 0333 320 6841
• Diligence email: Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
• Complaints email: complaints@scottandco.uk.com 

For payment queries, online payment is available at pay.scottandco.uk.com. If you are raising a formal complaint, email the complaints address above and keep a copy of everything you send. Scott & Co are required to respond within 8 weeks before you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 

Need Help To Deal with Your Debt?

There are debt solutions available in the UK that could help you take control of your debt. If you’re unsure which debt solution is right for you, fill out the online form below to get started. Once you submit the form, we’ll get back to you to help you find your options. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

So, let’s get started…!  

 

Why Is Scott & Co Contacting You?

If you have received a letter or call from Scott & Co, it means a creditor or public authority has instructed them to recover an unpaid debt on their behalf. As Scotland’s largest debt recovery agency and Sheriff Officer firm, Scott & Co collect a wide range of debts for both public and private sector clients.

The most common reasons they may be contacting you include:

1. Council tax arrears: This is Scott & Co’s primary business. They are instructed by almost all Scottish local authorities to recover unpaid council tax, making this the most likely reason for contact.
2. Non-domestic rates: Business owners may be contacted for unpaid business rates owed to a local council.
3. Benefit overpayments: Scott & Co collect on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) where benefits have been overpaid and not repaid.
4. Housing association rent arrears: Some housing associations instruct Scott & Co to recover outstanding rent from tenants.
5. Private debts: This includes credit card balances, utility arrears, phone and broadband bills, and catalogue debts owed to private companies.
6. By mistake: Scott & Co may occasionally contact the wrong person due to outdated records, a shared address, or an error by the original creditor. If you do not recognise the debt, do not ignore the letter. Instead, request written proof before making any payment or acknowledgement.

Why You May Not Recognise the Scott & Co Name

A common reason people are confused by Scott & Co letters is that the debt originated with someone else entirely. For example, if you fell behind on council tax, your local council would have applied to the Sheriff Court for a summary warrant before passing the debt to Scott & Co to collect. The letter arrives from Scott & Co, but the debt belongs to the council. 

So, always check the original creditor name stated in any letter before deciding how to respond.

Can Scott & Co Freeze My Bank Account?

Yes. This is one of the most important things to understand about Scott & Co as a debt collection agency in Scotland. Unlike standard debt collectors who can only write letters and make phone calls, Scott & Co employ Sheriff Officers with the legal power to execute bank arrestment, which is the Scottish process for freezing funds in your bank account.

However, bank arrestment can only happen after a specific legal process has been followed. Scott & Co must first hold a summary warrant or court decree, and then serve a formal Charge for Payment giving you 14 days to pay. Only after that 14-day period can they proceed to freeze your account.

When a bank arrestment is executed, your bank is legally required to freeze funds up to the value of the debt. Importantly, a Protected Minimum Balance of approximately £1,000 must be left untouched to cover your essential living costs. The frozen funds are held for 14 weeks before being released to Scott & Co, unless you successfully challenge the arrestment through the Sheriff Court. 

Debt Collector vs Sheriff Officer: The Critical Difference

Most people who receive a letter from Scott & Co assume they are dealing with a standard debt collection agency. This is a significant mistake. Scott & Co operates in two completely distinct roles, and understanding which one applies to your situation determines exactly what powers they have over you.

In Scotland, Sheriff Officers are court-commissioned officers appointed by the Sheriff Court with legal authority to enforce court orders. This is fundamentally different from a debt collector, who has no such powers. Scott & Co is unique in that it operates as both, making it considerably more serious to ignore than a typical debt collection agency in Scotland.

	Debt Collector	Sheriff Officer
Regulated by	Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)	Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers (SMASO)
Authority comes from	FCA licence	Court commission
Can write letters and call you	Yes	Yes
Can visit your home	Yes, but must leave if asked	Yes
Can force entry	No	No, except with an Exceptional Attachment Order
Can freeze your bank account	No	Yes, through bank arrestment
Can arrest your earnings	No	Yes, through earnings arrestment
Can seize goods	No	Yes, through attachment
Complaints go to	Financial Ombudsman Service	SMASO or Sheriff Clerk

When Scott & Co first contacts you by letter or phone, they are typically acting as a debt collector under FCA regulation. At this stage, their powers are limited to communication only. 

However, once a summary warrant or court decree is in place and a Charge for Payment has been served, Scott & Co can switch to acting as Sheriff Officers and begin executing diligence, the Scottish legal term for debt enforcement.

This dual role is what makes Scott & Co different from every other debt collection agency in Scotland. They do not need to instruct external enforcement agents or apply to a separate court. Their own Sheriff Officers can move directly from sending letters to freezing your bank account or contacting your employer, without involving any third party.

If you are contacted by Scott & Co, the first thing to establish is which role they are acting in. Look for references to a summary warrant, a decree, or a Charge for Payment in any letter you receive. If you see any of these terms, you are no longer dealing with a standard debt collection situation. 

 

Council Tax Recovery Timeline: Step by Step

Council tax collection is the core of Scott & Co’s debt recovery work in Scotland. They are instructed by almost every Scottish local authority to pursue unpaid council tax, which means if you have fallen behind on payments, there is a high chance Scott & Co will become involved at some point in the process.

Understanding exactly how the timeline works from a missed payment to full enforcement gives you the best chance of acting at the right stage to prevent the situation from escalating.

Stage 1: Missed Payment

You miss one or more council tax instalments. At this point the debt sits with your local council and no enforcement action has been taken. This is the best time to contact your council directly to discuss a revised payment arrangement.

Stage 2: Council Reminder (7 days to respond)

Your council sends a formal reminder notice giving you 7 days to pay the missed amount. If you pay within this window, you can continue paying your council tax in instalments as normal and the matter goes no further.

Stage 3: Final Reminder (14 days to respond)

If you miss the first reminder or fall behind again, the council issues a final reminder giving you 14 days to pay. This stage carries a critical consequence that many people are unaware of. If you do not pay within 14 days, you permanently lose your right to pay in instalments for that financial year. The entire remaining balance of your annual council tax bill becomes due immediately as a single lump sum.

Stage 4: Summary Warrant Granted (10% surcharge added)

If the debt remains unpaid, the council applies to the Sheriff Court for a summary warrant. Unlike most court processes, this is granted automatically without any hearing. You will not be notified in advance and you have no opportunity to defend yourself or explain your circumstances at this stage.

Once the summary warrant is granted, a statutory surcharge of 10% is added to the total debt. A £1,200 council tax debt becomes £1,320 at this point, and this surcharge is non-negotiable.

Stage 5: Debt Passed to Scott & Co (Debt Collection Phase)

With the summary warrant in place, the council passes the debt to Scott & Co to collect. At this stage Scott & Co are acting as a debt collection agency in Scotland, contacting you by letter and phone to request payment. While their powers are still limited to communication at this point, the summary warrant means enforcement is now a straightforward next step if you do not engage.

Stage 6: Charge for Payment Served (14 days to pay)

If you do not respond to Scott & Co’s debt collection contact or fail to agree a payment arrangement, they will serve a formal Charge for Payment through their Sheriff Officers. 

This is a legal document delivered in person, not by post, and it starts a strict 14-day countdown. The Charge for Payment must be accompanied by a Debt Advice and Information Package (DAIP) outlining your options.

 These 14 days are your final opportunity to pay in full, negotiate a repayment arrangement, or begin a formal Scottish debt solution such as the Debt Arrangement Scheme.

Stage 7: Diligence Begins

Once the 14-day period expires, Scott & Co can begin executing diligence immediately using their Sheriff Officer powers. No further court approval is needed, as the summary warrant already provides the legal authority. Sheriff Officer fees are added at each stage, meaning the longer the debt remains unpaid, the more you will owe.

Diligence is the Scottish legal term for debt enforcement. It is not the same as the bailiff process used in England and Wales. Scotland has no bailiffs. 

Instead, Scott & Co employ court-commissioned Sheriff Officers who can take the following enforcement actions:

1. Earnings arrestment: Scott & Co contacts your employer directly. Your employer is legally required to deduct an amount from your wages each payday and send it to Scott & Co. The deduction amount is set by law based on your net income, with a protected threshold to cover essential living costs.
2. Bank arrestment: Scott & Co freezes funds in your bank account up to the value of the debt. A Protected Minimum Balance of approximately £1,000 must be left untouched. Frozen funds are held for 14 weeks before being released to Scott & Co.
3. Attachment of goods: A Sheriff Officer visits to list and seize movable property. Items outside your home such as vehicles, garden equipment, and items in garages can be taken. Seizing goods inside your home requires a separate Exceptional Attachment Order from the court.
4. Inhibition: A legal block placed on any property you own, preventing you from selling or remortgaging until the debt is settled. 

What Scott and Co Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do: Your Rights During a Sheriff Officer Visit

If Scott and Co send a Sheriff Officer to your home, knowing your rights beforehand makes a significant difference. Many people feel pressured into allowing entry or handing over goods because they are unaware of the legal limits on what Sheriff Officers in Scotland can and cannot do. Unlike the bailiff process in England and Wales, Scottish diligence has its own distinct rules.

Sheriff Officers CAN	Sheriff Officers CANNOT
Knock on your door and request to speak with you	Force entry into your home without an Exceptional Attachment Order
Show their identity booklet and court warrant	Enter if only children under 16 are present
Enter your home if you invite them in	Break windows, locks, or doors to gain entry
Enter through an unlocked door	Remove goods on the first visit without filing a formal report first
Enter garages, sheds, and outbuildings without permission	Take essential household items such as cookers, beds, or fridges
Discuss payment arrangements with you	Discuss your debt with neighbours, family members, or your employer
List and report items for potential attachment	Use threatening, abusive, or intimidating language
Return after 14 days to remove reported items	Pretend to have powers they do not legally hold

During any visit, you have the right to ask for the Sheriff Officer’s identity booklet and the court warrant they are acting under before engaging further. You are not obliged to let them in and can communicate through a closed door. Do not sign any document under pressure, and make a written note of everything said and done during the visit.

If a Sheriff Officer behaves improperly, threatens you, or attempts to exceed their legal powers, you can report the conduct to SMASO, the Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers, which regulates all Sheriff Officers in Scotland. 

 

Should You Ignore Scott & Co?

No. Ignoring Scott & Co is more dangerous in Scotland than ignoring a debt collector anywhere else in the UK, and the reason comes down to one key fact. Scott & Co are not just sending letters on behalf of someone else. 

They employ their own Sheriff Officers, meaning they can move from initial contact to full enforcement action without involving any third party or returning to court for further permission.

In England and Wales, a debt collector must instruct separate bailiffs to carry out enforcement. In Scotland, Scott & Co handle the entire process in-house. There is no middleman, no additional delay, and no extra hurdle for them to clear once a summary warrant is in place.

Here is what typically happens if you choose not to engage:

1. Months 1 to 2: Scott & Co contact you by letter and phone as a debt collection agency in Scotland, requesting payment or a repayment arrangement. No enforcement action is taken at this stage.
2. Month 3: A Sheriff Officer serves a Charge for Payment in person. You have 14 days to pay in full or make an arrangement. This is your last opportunity to stop the process before diligence begins.
3. Month 4: Earnings arrestment begins. Scott & Co contact your employer directly. Deductions start from your next payslip with no further warning.
4. Month 5: Bank arrestment is executed. Your bank account is frozen up to the value of the debt, with only the Protected Minimum Balance of approximately £1,000 left accessible.
5. Month 6 onwards: A Sheriff Officer visits your home to report goods for attachment. After 14 days, those items can be removed and sold at auction to recover the debt.

Each stage also adds Sheriff Officer fees on top of the original debt, meaning the total you owe increases the longer you leave it. Engaging early, even if you cannot afford to pay in full, is always the better outcome. 

Is Your Debt Prescribed? (Scotland’s Statute of Limitations)

In Scotland, debt prescription is governed by the Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, not the English Limitation Act 1980. The rules are different and more favourable to debtors in some respects.

1. The 5-year rule: Most unsecured debts including credit cards, personal loans, and utility bills become prescribed after 5 years if no payment has been made, no written acknowledgement has been given, and no court action has been taken.
2. The 20-year rule: Council tax debts secured with a summary warrant have a 20-year prescriptive period. These debts also accrue interest at 8% per year, meaning an old council tax debt can grow substantially over time.
3. What resets the clock: Any payment, written acknowledgement of the debt, or court action by the creditor restarts the prescriptive period from zero.

If you believe your debt may be prescribed, write to Scott & Co stating that you consider the debt extinguished under the Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, noting the date of your last payment or acknowledgement. Do not make any payment or sign anything before receiving their written confirmation.

Warning: Even a £1 payment or a reply acknowledging the debt restarts the clock entirely.

How to Pay Scott & Co 

If you are ready to make a payment to Scott & Co, there are several ways to do so:

1. Online: The quickest way to pay Scott & Co is through their online payment portal at pay.scottandco.uk.com. You will need your reference number from any letter they have sent you.
2. Phone: Call 0333 320 6871 to make a payment or discuss your account directly with their team.
3. Direct debit: Scott & Co offer a direct debit setup for ongoing payments, which is worth arranging if you are paying in instalments.

Setting Up a Payment Plan

If you cannot pay the full balance, contact Scott & Co before enforcement action begins and propose a repayment arrangement. When doing so:

• Be honest about your income and essential outgoings
• Offer a realistic monthly amount you can consistently afford
• Ask them to freeze any further interest or fees while the plan is active
• Request written confirmation of any agreement before making your first payment

Scott & Co are generally willing to accept payment arrangements, particularly if you engage before a Charge for Payment is served. The earlier you make contact, the more options remain available to you.

Always keep a copy of any written agreement and retain records of every payment made.  

What Should I Do If My Debts Are Too Large to Settle?

If you cannot reach an affordable payment plan with Scott & Co, there are formal debt solutions available specifically in Scotland. It is important to understand that solutions such as IVAs, DROs, and DMPs are not available in Scotland. They are English, Welsh, and Northern Irish processes. Using the wrong advice for your situation could make things significantly worse.

Before committing to any debt solution, seek advice from a professional debt advisory service, or MoneyHelper. They can assess your full financial situation and recommend the most appropriate route.

The key debt solutions available in Scotland are:

1. Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS): A Scottish Government-backed scheme that allows you to repay your debts in full through a single affordable monthly payment. Once approved, interest and charges are frozen and Scott & Co must stop all diligence for included debts. No debt is written off, but you are fully protected from enforcement action throughout.
2. Protected Trust Deed: A formal agreement where you repay what you can afford over 48 months, after which any remaining unsecured debt is written off. Once protected, Scott & Co must cease all enforcement action and direct contact for included debts. You typically need £5,000 or more in unsecured debt to qualify.
3. Minimal Asset Process (MAP): A simplified form of sequestration for people with low income and few assets. Eligible debts are written off after six months. Qualifying criteria include total debts between £1,500 and £17,000, no home ownership, and assets worth less than £2,000.
4. Sequestration (Scottish Bankruptcy): The Scottish equivalent of bankruptcy. Most unsecured debts are written off, but assets may be sold to contribute to repayment. You are usually discharged after 12 months, though the consequences for your credit file and certain professional roles are significant.
5. Statutory Moratorium: A six-month breathing space that stops Scott & Co from taking any enforcement action while you get advice and arrange a longer-term solution. It is free to apply for and buys valuable time without committing you to any particular debt solution.

These solutions each carry their own eligibility criteria and long-term consequences. Taking professional advice before proceeding is essential.

Where Can You Get Debt Help in the UK? 

If you’re struggling with debt, it’s important to get reliable, independent advice before making any decisions. In the UK, there are several services that can help you understand your options and find a solution that works for your situation. 

Among them, at Debt Advisory Services, we provide expert guidance and practical resources to help you explore all the debt solutions available in the UK and take control of your finances. 

Here’s why you can trust us for debt help:

• Expert Support: Our advisors review your financial situation carefully and guide you through options like Debt Management Plans (DMPs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), IVAs, or other solutions, helping you find the most suitable approach.
• Comprehensive Resources: Learn about each debt solution, including eligibility, benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it may affect your credit record, so you can make informed decisions.
• Honesty and Integrity: We provide clear, ethical, and transparent advice. From assessing your debts to recommending the right solution, we support you every step of the way. 

Take the first step toward financial relief. Fill out the form below to speak with a qualified advisor and find the right debt solution for your situation today! 

 

[Important Note: For additional independent guidance, you can also access free resources from MoneyHelper, the UK’s official platform for managing debt and finances.]  

How to Contact Scott & Co Offices in Scotland

Scott & Co operates across Scotland with offices in multiple locations. All offices share the same main contact number and email for diligence and general enquiries. For the most up to date address details for each branch, verify directly at www.scottandco.uk.com.

Office	Address	Phone	Email
Glasgow (HQ)	279 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JL	0333 320 6841 (also 0141 846 2125, 0141 674 0668)	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
Edinburgh	Contact via main line	0333 320 6841 (also 01772 974055)	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
Aberdeen	Contact via main line	0333 320 6841	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
Dundee	Suite 3, Seabraes, 1st Floor West, 18 Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB	0333 320 6841	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
Inverness	1st Floor Metropolitan House, 31-33 High Street, Inverness	0333 320 6841	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com
Galashiels	50-52 High Street, Galashiels, TD1 1SE	0333 320 6841	Diligence@scottandco.uk.com

For online payments, visit pay.scottandco.uk.com and have your reference number ready. For formal complaints, use complaints@scottandco.uk.com rather than the diligence email address. 

How to Complain About Scott & Co

Because Scott & Co operates in two distinct roles, the correct complaints route depends entirely on what they have done wrong. Using the wrong route can delay your complaint significantly.

Complaints About Debt Collection Conduct

If your complaint relates to how Scott & Co have communicated with you as a debt collector, including excessive contact, unfair treatment, or failure to provide proof of a debt, follow this route:

• Step 1: Submit your complaint in writing to Scott & Co directly at complaints@scottandco.uk.com. Include your reference number, a clear description of the issue, the dates involved, and what outcome you are seeking. Scott & Co have 8 weeks to issue a final response.
• Step 2: If Scott & Co do not respond within 8 weeks, or if you are not satisfied with their response, escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by calling 0800 023 4567. The FOS is free to use and can order Scott & Co to apologise, pay compensation, or correct your credit file.

Complaints About Sheriff Officer Conduct

If your complaint relates to how a Sheriff Officer behaved during enforcement action, including attempting to force entry, seizing protected goods, or using threatening behaviour, this falls outside FCA regulation and requires a different route entirely.

• Step 1: Raise the complaint with Scott & Co directly at complaints@scottandco.uk.com, clearly stating that the complaint concerns Sheriff Officer conduct rather than debt collection.
• Step 2: If unresolved, escalate to SMASO, the Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers, at www.smaso.org. SMASO regulates all Sheriff Officers in Scotland and can investigate professional misconduct.
• Step 3: You can also contact the Sheriff Clerk at the court that granted the original summary warrant or decree, as they have oversight of the officers they commission.

For serious misconduct involving criminal behaviour such as assault or theft, contact Police Scotland directly.

 

Final Thoughts

Being contacted by Scott & Co can feel intimidating, particularly because they operate not only as debt collectors but also as Sheriff Officers with legal enforcement powers in Scotland. However, receiving a letter, phone call, or visit from Scott & Co does not mean you have no options. Understanding your rights, verifying the debt, and taking action early can often prevent the situation from escalating into bank arrestment, earnings arrestment, or attachment of goods.

The most important thing is not to ignore communication from Scott & Co. Whether you can pay the debt in full, arrange an affordable repayment plan, challenge the debt, or need help through a formal Scottish debt solution, engaging early gives you the greatest level of protection.

If you are struggling financially, seek independent debt advice as soon as possible. With the right information and support, you can deal with Scott & Co confidently and take steps toward resolving your debt situation. 

Key Takeaways

• Scott & Co is Scotland’s largest firm of Sheriff Officers and debt recovery agents, with legal powers that go beyond those of a standard debt collection agency.
• Scott & Co can act as both a debt collector and a Sheriff Officer, depending on the stage of the debt recovery process.
• Council tax arrears are one of the most common reasons people are contacted by Scott & Co in Scotland.
• Scott & Co can only freeze your bank account or arrest your earnings after obtaining the necessary legal authority and serving the required notices.
• A Charge for Payment gives you 14 days to pay, make an arrangement, or seek debt advice before enforcement action can begin.
• Sheriff Officers cannot force entry into your home without a court-issued Exceptional Attachment Order.
• Ignoring Scott & Co can lead to enforcement action, including bank arrestment, earnings arrestment, attachment of goods, and additional fees.
• Most unsecured debts in Scotland become prescribed after five years if there has been no payment, acknowledgement, or court action.
• Scottish debt solutions such as the Debt Arrangement Scheme, Protected Trust Deed, MAP, and sequestration can stop enforcement action in certain circumstances.
• Seeking professional debt advice and engaging with Scott & Co early usually provides more options and better outcomes than ignoring the debt.

FAQs

Can Scott & Co send bailiffs?

No. Bailiffs do not exist in Scotland. Scott & Co employ Sheriff Officers, who are court-commissioned enforcement agents with legal powers under Scots law. Their powers differ from English bailiffs and operate through a process called diligence, which includes earnings arrestment, bank arrestment, and attachment of goods.

Can Scott & Co take money from my wages?

Yes, through earnings arrestment. Once a summary warrant is in place and a Charge for Payment has expired, Scott & Co can instruct your employer to deduct money directly from your wages. Your employer is legally required to comply. Protected thresholds apply based on your net income.

What are my rights if I believe the debt is incorrect?

You have the right to request written verification of the debt, including the original creditor's name, the amount owed, and how it was calculated. Do not make any payment or acknowledgement until you receive this. Acknowledging an incorrect debt in writing can restart the prescriptive period under Scots law.

What should I do if I feel harassed by Scott & Co?

Keep a record of all contact, including dates, times, and what was said. For debt collection harassment, complain to Scott & Co directly, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. For improper Sheriff Officer conduct during enforcement visits, complain to SMASO at www.smaso.org.