Mind games used by aggressive debt collectors can cause suicidal feelings and have a "devastating" effect on mental health, a charity has warned.
Reports of bailiffs forcing their way into homes and intimidating children have raised serious concerns among campaigners.
They are now calling on the Government to step up public protection and introduce more robust regulation of the industry.
A study by mental health charity Mind found 80% of those visited by enforcement agents had experienced threatening behaviour.
According to the survey, 50% of people who received an unwelcome knock on the door said it left them feeling suicidal.
Meanwhile 96% reported increased levels of anxiety and 87% reported increased depression.
The poll, of 453 adults, found one in 10 was being pursued for debts of under £100 while 70% were charged excessive fees.
Sian Meredith, who bought a new house and was then chased for the previous owner's unpaid parking fines, said she was called a liar when she tried to reason with bailiffs.
The 50-year-old accountant told The Times: "It's so scary - they threaten to burgle your house, to clamp your car, and it is horrible knowing they could just turn up at any time.
"They rely on bullying, intimidation and people not understanding the law... I received a demand for final payment within 48 hours, sent second-class, so I didn't even receive it in time."
