The document outlines dos and don'ts for debt recovery by banks. It states that banks must follow RBI and IBA guidelines which require treating customers with dignity and respect. The guidelines also mandate obtaining proper authorization, providing customers notice, using clear communication, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, and not making misleading statements. Debt recovery methods include normal processes where the customer willingly pays, more difficult processes where the customer resists payment, asset possession if payment is not made, and legal processes involving courts. The document provides detailed guidance on conducting normal recovery calls and visits to customers in a respectful manner without harassment. It also lists actions to avoid like violating procedures, exceeding authority, inappropriate contact times, anonymity, discourteous
3. Normal recovery process- (a) making customer calls
1. Calls be made from same number as advised by bank to customer.
2. Disclose identity & authority from bank at the first instance.
3. Contact between 0700 to 2100 hours.
4. Inappropriate occasions like bereavement in family be avoided.
5. All calls made be documented.
6. Customer’s questions be answered infull.
7. Once a promise is elicited, a call be made to serve as a reminder and for
confirmation of payment.
8. If commitment not honored, calls be made at reasonable frequency
based on amount owed.
9. If customer is not available during a few calls made, leave a message to
an adult in family like’ please leave a message that the agent(name) had
called and request the customer(name) to call agent (name) back at the
given phone number’.
4. (b) visiting customer
1. Customer will be visited only if he has not paid the due amount
within days of grace and dues are still outstanding/ debtor has been
notified of due amount and also the name of collection agent/the
collection agent has taken an appointment from debtor for visit.
2. During visit, the agent will be in proper dress and appearance/wear
the dress prescribed by bank.
3. Agent to greet customer with salutations, show his ID and then
start conversation. Visit from 0700 hours to 2100 hrs.
4. Agent to respect privacy of debtor and show due respect and
courtesy. Agent not to use threats or intimidation verbally/by body
language.
5. Conversation with debtor should be recorded on audio/video as per
bank policy regarding documentation.
5. DONTs
1. Don’t violate/breach the recovery policy/procedure of bank.
2. Don’t exceed the authority delegated.
3. Don’t call before 0700 hrs or after 2100 hrs.
4. Don’t make anonymous calls/bunched calls
5. Don’t conceal/misrepresent your ID.
6. Don’t show uncivil/indecent/uncouth behavior/language.
7. Don’t harass/humiliate/intimidate/threaten debtor.
8. Don’t intrude into the privacy of debtor’s family.
9. Don’t disclose debtor’s debts/dues/account information to unauthorized
persons.