Ronnie's 'debt help'

Lesson 11 of 12 in our free Debt & Getting Help guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

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This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.

The story so far

Ronnie Rugpull: Hiya! I'm from the Government Debt Write-Off Scheme. Totally official. Just need a small admin fee.
Nana: There's no such scheme, Ronnie. And real debt help doesn't start with 'small admin fee'.
Chip: Scammers target people who are already stressed. Knowing the signs is your shield.

Red flag: “NEW government scheme writes off up to 90% — guaranteed!” — No legit service can 'guarantee' a write-off. 'New government scheme' is a classic lure.
Red flag: “Just pay a £150 setup fee” — Upfront fees for advice are a red flag when free advice exists.
Red flag: “and stop paying your creditors today.” — Telling you to stop all payments without a proper plan could make things worse.
Red flag: “Limited spaces!” — Fake scarcity = pressure.
Gives advice free and explains all options, including the downsides → Real help. Good advice shows you trade-offs.
Cold calls you about 'a new write-off scheme' → Ronnie. Legit advisers don't cold call.
Asks for your online banking password → Ronnie. No genuine service ever needs it.
Is a registered charity or FCA-authorised and tells you so → Real help. You can check the FCA register yourself.
Pushes one solution in the first five minutes → Ronnie. Real advisers look at your whole situation first.
Fact: “Some companies that charge for debt solutions are legal, but free help gets the same solutions.” — Fee-charging firms exist legally, but free charity advisers can set up the same options without fees.
Myth: “If a website looks official, it must be the government.” — Lookalike sites are common. Government sites end in gov.uk.
Fact: “You can report suspected debt-help scams.” — Report to Report Fraud, formerly Action Fraud (or Police Scotland in Scotland).