Improving the activity of collectors as an element of protecting the rights of borrowers

The relevance of the study is due to the rapid development of the consumer lending market. The important socio-economic significance of consumer lending is undeniable, since it contributes to an increase in the standard of living of the population, increases the demand for consumer goods, thereby stimulating their production and trade. However, this process is inevitably accompanied by an increase in arrears on consumer loans. 
In this regard, the issues of the activities of collectors need to be considered (both from scientific, legal and practical positions). 
Based on the hypothesis that the relationship for issuing a consumer loan (loan) continues until the repayment of financial obligations (i.e., their termination), the article analyzes the criminal law protection under Art. 1715 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation of the rights and legitimate interests of borrowers. The main attention is focused on the analysis of the legal activities of collectors and the prevention of relevant possible offenses on their part. Possible options for establishing criminal liability for excess of authority in the implementation of activities to return overdue debts by collectors are being explored. The factors justifying the establishment of criminal liability for illegal actions in the implementation of activities to return overdue debts are given. The conclusion is substantiated that the legal relations associated with the return of overdue debts on consumer credit (loan) are currently outside of the criminal law protection of Art. 1715 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This fact does not allow to fully ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of borrowers.