# Debt collection practices and consumer protection > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/debt-collection-practices-and-consumer-protection > Updated: 2026-09-07T15:06:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Legal and consumer protection issues regarding debt collection practices have emerged in Germany and Switzerland. In Germany, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled that debt collection agencies are prohibited from automatically passing the costs of pre-litigation credit reports onto debtors. The court determined that obtaining such reports is typically used to assess a creditor’s own enforcement risk rather than being a fundamental necessity for enforcing a claim. Consequently, creditors must demonstrate “specific, exceptional circumstances” to justify reimbursement for these costs. Simultaneously, consumer protection concerns have risen regarding unauthorized claims and aggressive tactics. In Switzerland, entities have been accused of using psychological pressure to induce panic payments. In Germany, reports have surfaced of companies issuing invoices to consumers who have not entered into valid contracts. Experts advise consumers to formally contest invalid demands and ignore threats regarding credit score damage. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Consumers face rising threats from unauthorized debt collection claims Consumers in Switzerland and Germany are being targeted by debt collection tactics and unauthorized claims, prompting experts to advise formal written disputes over panic payments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/consumers-face-rising-threats-from-unauthorized-debt-collection-claims ### 2026-08-25: German Federal Court rules on debt collection credit report costs The German Federal Court of Justice ruled that debt collectors cannot automatically charge debtors for the costs of pre-litigation credit reports, as these are considered tools for assessing enforcement risk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-federal-court-rules-on-debt-collection-credit-report-costs --- Cite as: Debt collection practices and consumer protection. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/debt-collection-practices-and-consumer-protection