The Free Legal Advice Centres organisation has called on the Government to introduce a legally enforceable code of conduct for debt collectors.
Launching their annual report for 2009, FLAC's Director General Noeleen Blackwell said their offices were dealing with a rising number of complaints from people who say they are being bullied and harassed by debt collectors.
Debt collection is a sector that has experienced huge growth in the recession. Anyone can currently become a debt collector and there are no rules on how they should operate.
The only legislation governing the sector relates to the offence of causing harm in the collection of debt.
FLAC has called for all debt collectors to be licensed.
This would deal with growing issues such as how often collectors should call or visit debtors.
Ms Blackwell said it was time to 'get rid of the cowboys'.
It is a view shared by the Irish Institute of Credit Management, which represents many collectors, companies and State agencies who are recouping debts.
A spokesman said it had reports of some collectors using intimidation and unscrupulous practices, which are damaging the sector.
