alot of debt collectors (especially the shady ones) will often use strongarm tactics that make people send money, even though they are not forced. in the US, my observations is that state gov’t is slow at dealing with these things, even though there is clearly a law against using intimidation.

However since you’re in the UK, maybe this link will be of some help
http://www.ukinformedinvestor.co.uk/frontpage.htm