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Debt from economic abuse

If someone controlled your money or made you take on debt, you are not alone and you are not to blame. There is specialist help, and lenders have to listen.

Applies to: UK-wide

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction UK-wideEditorial policy
Economic abuse is when a partner, ex-partner or family member controls your money or makes you take on debt — for example by taking out credit in your name or pressuring you to borrow. You can tell lenders what happened and ask them to consider your circumstances: FCA rules require firms to treat customers in vulnerable circumstances fairly, and some lenders will review, reduce or write off debt that was coerced. Surviving Economic Abuse has specialist information, and free debt advisers can help you approach creditors safely.

What to do now

  1. If you are in danger, call 999. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free on 0808 2000 247, day and night.
  2. Ask creditors to use only safe contact details you choose.
  3. Get free debt advice and tell the adviser what happened.

What it can look like

  • Credit taken out in your name without your agreement.
  • Being pressured into joint loans or borrowing for someone else.
  • Being prevented from seeing bank statements or bills.
  • Bills left in your name that you could not control.

What lenders can do

Lenders must take your circumstances into account. Depending on the case, they may stop contact with the abuser, change contact details, pause collection, remove charges or interest, or write off some or all of the debt. If credit was taken out fraudulently in your name, it should be treated as fraud.

Staying safe

Think about who can see your post, email and phone before contacting creditors. A debt adviser can contact creditors on your behalf. Clear this page from your browser history if you need to.

If you are struggling to cope, you can talk to Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

What is coerced debt?

Debt you were forced, pressured or tricked into by a partner, ex-partner or family member, or that was taken out in your name without your agreement.

Can coerced debt be written off?

Sometimes. Lenders can review debts taken on through economic abuse and may reduce or write them off. Specialist advisers can help you make the request.

Who can help with economic abuse?

Surviving Economic Abuse has specialist information, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) is free and open day and night, and free debt advisers can approach creditors for you.

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