Debt Collection in Greece: Stop Harassment and Verify Debt

What counts as illegal debt collection in Greece?

Contact that breaches Law 3758/2009 is illegal. This includes calling outside permitted hours, contacting you too often, disclosing your debt to third parties, using threats or misleading statements, or continuing to call after you request written communication only.

• Who the law covers:
  • Debt information companies registered under Law 3758/2009.
  • Loan servicers licensed under Law 4354/2015.
  • Original creditors, lawyers, and bailiffs must also respect unfair practices rules under Law 2251/1994 on consumer protection and general civil and criminal laws.
• Time and frequency limits under Law 3758/2009:
  • Only Monday-Friday 09:00-20:00.
  • No weekends or public holidays.
  • No more than one communication every two days.
  • No calls until at least 10 days have passed from the date the debt became overdue.
• Mandatory disclosures at each contact:
  • Caller’s full name, company name, and registration details.
  • That the purpose is debt communication and the identity of the creditor.
  • Basic information about the debt and the lawful basis for processing your data.
• Prohibited practices:
  • Threats, intimidation, or misleading statements about legal action, criminal liability, or asset seizure.
  • Contacting your employer, family, neighbors, or colleagues about the debt, except a one-off attempt to find updated contact details without revealing the debt.
  • Calling at your workplace after you object or if employer policy forbids it.
  • Harassment after you have asked for written-only communication or after you dispute the debt in writing until they provide verification.
  • Using hidden numbers or refusing to give company details.
• Penalties:
  • Administrative fines from 5,000 to 500,000 euros per violation, and possible suspension of operations by the Ministry of Development.
• Key statutes:
  • Law 3758/2009 on debt information companies, as amended.
  • Law 2251/1994 on consumer protection.
  • Law 4354/2015 on loan servicers and assignment of claims.
  • GDPR and Law 4624/2019 for data protection.

How can you stop harassment from Greek debt collectors immediately?

Tell them to contact you only in writing and send a registered cease-and-desist letter. Log every call, save messages, and file a complaint if they ignore your request.

1. Say this on the call:
   • Ask for full name, company, supervisor, and registered address.
   • State clearly: I only accept written communication. Do not call me again.
   • Ask them to confirm in writing to your address or email.
2. Send a registered letter or email:
   • Use ELTA registered mail with receipt or courier with proof of delivery. Typical cost 4-10 euros.
   • If they email you, reply from your email so you have a record.
3. Keep a call log:
   • Date, time, number, caller name, company, what was said.
   • Save voicemails, SMS, and emails.
4. If calls continue:
   • Call Consumer Protection at 1520 or submit a complaint online to the General Secretariat for Consumer Protection.
   • If it is a bank or a licensed loan servicer, also complain to the Bank of Greece Consumer Complaints Division.
   • For misuse of your personal data or calls to third parties, complain to the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.

Cease-and-desist template

 Subject: Request for written-only communication and cessation of calls
To: [Company name], [Address], [Email]
Re: Account/Reference number [xxxx]

I do not consent to any telephone contact. Communicate with me only in writing at [postal address] or [email].
Pursuant to Law 3758/2009 and Law 2251/1994, cease all calls and refrain from contacting third parties or my workplace.

I also request within 15 days:

The identity of the creditor and legal basis for processing my data
An itemized statement and calculation of interest and fees
Copies of the contract and any assignment/servicing authorization (Law 4354/2015)
Signed: [Name], [ID number - optional], [Date]

Greek phrasing you can include

 Σας ενημερώνω ότι δέχομαι μόνο έγγραφη επικοινωνία. Παρακαλώ να σταματήσουν άμεσα οι τηλεφωνικές κλήσεις. Παρακαλώ αποστείλετε τα δικαιολογητικά οφειλής και τυχόν έγγραφα εκχώρησης. 

How do you verify that a Greek debt is real and accurate?

Request written verification with documents that prove the debt, its amount, and who owns it. Do not pay or agree to anything until you receive and check these documents.

1. Ask for these documents:
   • Copy of the contract or application you signed.
   • Itemized statement: principal, interest, fees, and dates.
   • Interest rate and how default interest was calculated.
   • If the debt was assigned or is serviced by a third party: the assignment notice and proof of servicing authorization under Law 4354/2015.
   • Any court documents if a payment order or lawsuit was filed.
2. Check the company:
   • Debt information company must be registered under Law 3758/2009.
   • Loan servicer must be licensed by the Bank of Greece. You can check the Bank of Greece registry of servicers and the creditor list.
3. Check limitation periods:
   • Many consumer and periodic claims, such as credit card installments and interest, generally become time-barred after 5 years under the Greek Civil Code.
   • Capital claims and court judgments can have longer periods, often up to 20 years.
   • If you suspect time-bar, dispute it in writing and seek legal advice before acknowledging or paying.
4. Compare with your records:
   • Do amounts match your statements and payments?
   • Were fees agreed in the contract and are they lawful?
   • Is the assignment dated and were you notified properly?
5. Dispute inaccuracies:
   • Write a specific dispute letter listing each error.
   • Ask them to suspend collection until they provide verification.
   • If a bank is involved, they should respond to a written complaint within about 45 days.

Verification request template

 Please provide within 15 days: 1) Copy of my signed agreement and any amendments 2) Itemized account statement and interest/fee calculation 3) Proof of assignment/servicing authorization with dates and parties (Law 4354/2015) 4) Your authority to contact me and your company registration/licence details 5) Confirmation of the applicable limitation period and whether any interruption has occurred 

Who is allowed to contact you about debts in Greece?

Only authorized entities may contact you: the original creditor, a registered debt information company, a licensed loan servicer, a lawyer acting for the creditor, or a bailiff after court process. Each has different powers and supervision.

What are your rights on privacy and data when collectors contact you?

Collectors must have a lawful basis to process your data and contact you. They must not disclose your debt to third parties and must respect your GDPR rights to access, rectification, and restriction.

• Lawful basis and transparency:
  • They must tell you who controls your data, why they process it, and your rights.
  • If the debt was assigned, you should receive a notice identifying the new creditor and servicer.
• Limits on sharing:
  • No discussing your debt with family, neighbors, or your employer.
  • They can ask a third party only for updated contact details without revealing the debt.
• Your GDPR rights:
  • Access: request a copy of all personal data and call logs they hold.
  • Rectification: correct errors in your data.
  • Restriction: ask them to limit processing while a dispute is pending.
  • Complaint: file with the Hellenic Data Protection Authority at www.dpa.gr if they misuse your data.
• Practical tip:
  • Use email for requests so you have a dated record. Avoid giving new phone numbers unless necessary.

What happens if you ignore Greek debt collectors?

Ignoring calls can lead to legal escalation, including a payment order, bank account or wage garnishment, and negative entries at Teiresias. You usually have short deadlines to respond once official documents are served.

• Pre-litigation:
  • You may receive a legal demand letter from a lawyer.
  • Negotiations under the Bank of Greece Loan Code of Conduct may be offered for bank debts.
• Payment order procedure:
  • The creditor can apply to court for a payment order without a full hearing if documents support the claim.
  • A bailiff serves the order. You typically have 15 working days from service to file an opposition.
  • If unopposed, the order becomes enforceable and interest accrues.
• Enforcement measures:
  • Bank account garnishment and third-party seizures.
  • Wage or pension garnishment within legal limits. One bank account can be declared as protected up to a monthly threshold, commonly referenced at 1,250 euros, via AADE.
  • Real estate liens and auctions for larger debts.
• Credit reporting:
  • Negative entries at Teiresias may affect your access to credit. You can request your file and dispute inaccuracies.
• Costs you may face:
  • Bailiff service 80-150 euros, court stamp and legal fees vary by claim size.
  • Interest and contractual default fees continue to accrue.

How do Greek debt settlement and insolvency options affect collector calls?

Entering a formal process can pause or channel communications. The Out-of-Court Debt Settlement platform and insolvency under Law 4738/2020 can trigger temporary suspensions of enforcement and require creditors to communicate through the process.

• Bank of Greece Loan Code of Conduct:
  • Applies to banks and servicers. Sets a standardized arrears resolution procedure with response timelines.
  • When you engage, calls should follow the agreed channel and deadlines rather than ad hoc chasing.
• Out-of-Court Debt Settlement (Law 4738/2020):
  • Free online platform via gov.gr that can propose multi-creditor arrangements, including banks and the State.
  • On submission, participating creditors typically suspend enforcement for a short period, often around 2 months, which can extend while negotiations are active.
  • If an agreement is reached, collectors must respect the restructured terms.
• Personal insolvency and second chance:
  • Filing for insolvency can stay enforcement once the court admits the case. If discharged, pre-discharge debts are not collectible.
  • Seek legal advice due to eligibility and asset implications.
• Public debt arrangements:
  • AADE and EFKA offer installment plans. Enrollment reduces calls and stops many enforcement steps while you are compliant.

How do you file a complaint in Greece and what penalties can collectors face?

Submit a detailed complaint with evidence to the right authority based on who contacted you. Authorities can fine collectors 5,000-500,000 euros, order corrective measures, and suspend operations for repeat offenders.

• What to include:
  • Your details and contact preferences.
  • Company name, numbers used, dates and times, and call log.
  • Copies of letters, emails, and your cease-and-desist request.
  • Audio files only if lawfully obtained and requested by the authority.
• Possible outcomes:
  • Fines, orders to stop unlawful practices, and license suspension for repeat violators.
  • You can also sue for damages in civil court if harassment caused you loss or distress.

What does it cost to assert your rights and who pays?

Stopping harassment and verifying a debt usually costs little. Complaints to authorities are free; typical out-of-pocket costs are for postage or a lawyer’s letter if you choose to use one.

Which mistakes let harassment continue and how do you avoid them?

The biggest mistakes are arguing by phone, paying before verification, and not keeping records. Move all communication to writing, request documents, and escalate fast if rules are broken.

• Do not argue by phone. Say written-only and hang up.
• Do not confirm or update personal details unless necessary. It can be used to keep calling.
• Do not make a small payment to stop calls. It can restart limitation periods.
• Do not ignore official documents served by a bailiff. Deadlines are short.
• Keep evidence: call logs, letters, delivery receipts, and screenshots.
• Use the correct forum for complaints to get faster results.

What documents should you keep to protect yourself?

Keep everything that proves the history of the debt and the collector’s behavior. Organized records help you win disputes and complaints.

• Original contracts and any amendments.
• Account statements and interest calculations.
• Assignment or servicing notices and data processing notices.
• All letters, emails, and SMS with collectors.
• Registered mail receipts and tracking.
• Call log with dates, times, and summaries.
• Proof of payments and settlement offers.
• Your Teiresias report and any correction requests.

When should you hire a lawyer or expert?

Hire a lawyer when you receive court papers, when the debt may be time-barred, or when harassment persists after your complaint. Legal advice is also smart before you enter a restructuring or insolvency process.

• Urgent triggers:
  • Service of a payment order or lawsuit. You may have about 15 working days to oppose.
  • Bank account seizure or wage garnishment notice.
  • Large or disputed balances, or suspected time-bar.
• Strategic triggers:
  • Complex negotiations under the Loan Code of Conduct.
  • Out-of-Court Debt Settlement application or insolvency filing.
  • Repeated breaches by a collector despite your complaints.
• Typical legal costs in Greece:
  • Initial consultation: 50-150 euros.
  • Opposition to payment order: 300-900 euros plus court costs, depending on complexity.
  • Demand letter: 100-250 euros.
• Free or low-cost help:
  • Consumer Ombudsman and Hellenic Financial Ombudsman procedures are free.
  • Legal aid may be available based on income for court actions.

How do you negotiate with collectors without giving up your rights?

Negotiate in writing after verification and tie any offer to a written settlement. Ask for full and final settlement language and confirm how Teiresias will be updated.

• Ground rules:
  • Verification first, negotiation second.
  • Communicate only by email or letters. No verbal agreements.
  • Ask for a full and final settlement letter signed by the creditor or authorized servicer.
• What to include in a settlement:
  • Exact amount and payment date or installment plan.
  • Statement that the remaining balance will be waived upon payment.
  • Agreement on how the creditor will report to Teiresias.
  • Bank account for payment and receipt confirmation process.
• Payments:
  • Use traceable transfers. Keep proof.
  • Avoid giving card details over the phone.

Which Greek laws and authorities govern debt collection and your protections?

Debt collection is governed by Law 3758/2009, consumer law in Law 2251/1994, loan servicing under Law 4354/2015, and personal insolvency under Law 4738/2020. Oversight sits with the Ministry of Development, the Bank of Greece, and the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.

• Core statutes:
  • Law 3758/2009 - debt information companies: registration, conduct rules, time and frequency limits, fines.
  • Law 2251/1994 - consumer protection: unfair practices and aggressive tactics.
  • Law 4354/2015 - loan servicers and assignments: licensing and borrower notifications.
  • Law 4738/2020 - debt settlement and second chance: out-of-court mechanism and insolvency.
  • GDPR and Law 4624/2019 - data protection rights and complaints.
• Key authorities:
  • General Secretariat for Consumer Protection - hotline 1520, complaints portal.
  • Bank of Greece - licenses servicers, handles consumer complaints involving supervised institutions.
  • Hellenic Data Protection Authority - investigates privacy breaches.
  • Consumer Ombudsman and Hellenic Financial Ombudsman - free dispute resolution.

What are the exact steps to handle a first call from a collector in Greece?

Get the caller’s details, move the discussion to writing, and request verification. Do not admit the debt or agree to a payment plan on the phone.

1. Identify:
   • Ask: full name, company, address, creditor, and case reference.
   • Write it down. Ask them to email or post the details.
2. Control the channel:
   • Say: Please contact me only in writing. Do not call again.
   • End the call politely.
3. Verify:
   • Send the verification request. Ask for contract, statements, and any assignment.
4. Protect:
   • Start your call log and a folder for documents.
   • If they breach rules, file a complaint with evidence.

Next Steps

Act quickly, keep everything in writing, and use the Greek complaint system if the rules are broken.

1. Write and send the cease-and-desist and verification letters by registered mail or email with receipt.
2. Check whether the company is registered under Law 3758/2009 or licensed by the Bank of Greece.
3. Start a call log and save all evidence.
4. If you have multiple debts, review the Out-of-Court Debt Settlement option on gov.gr.
5. If served by a bailiff, contact a lawyer immediately and track your deadline to oppose.
6. Escalate persistent harassment to Consumer Protection at 1520 and, if relevant, the Bank of Greece and the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.