Debt collection tactics and abuse?

fermi · 28 January 2009 at 8:56AM

I've just seen this Minister on BBC Breakfast.

Gareth Thomas: Minister for Consumer Affairs (Contact link)

I didn't catch the whole report, but he was commenting on the fact that many people are chased for debts they do not owe, harassed to the extreme, and basically pursued by using unfair and illegal practices.

I am tempted (as you may be

) to email him.

fermi · 28 January 2009 at 9:11AM

Link To BBC article: ----> Rise in debt collector 'mistakes'

lxpeanut · 28 January 2009 at 9:56AM

I saw this too I'm so glad someone is taking up the case against these companies. I've been lucky so far in that my dealings with them have mostly been OK. Some of the stories on here when they have been harassing people almost bring me to tears.

Maybe we should email him and tell him to come and look here for information on some of the tactics they use.

itsnever2lateisit? · 28 January 2009 at 10:02AM

Just seen this too on News Channel. While I am pleased that this issue has finally come to the notice of those who are able to do something about it, I am concerned that it will be nothing more than a talking shop, and a few firms might get a 'ticking off'. Yes debts must be collected where due (and possible) for the good of us all. But where DCA's are clearly proven to harass or fish they must have their licences revoked and closed down, and the Directors of such companies barred from future office

fermi · 28 January 2009 at 1:41PM

itsnever2lateisit? wrote: »

I am concerned that it will be nothing more than a talking shop, and a few firms might get a 'ticking off'.

I fear so. :rolleyes:

That is why more pressure and awareness is needed.

Broken_hearted · 28 January 2009 at 1:48PM

Even if one person gets a bully off their back its achieved something. Be positive.

Merlinexcalibur · 28 January 2009 at 4:48PM

Yes, it has. Which is why I try to encourage anyone I encounter on MSE, who is having these hassles to fight back and assert themselves. Or report them to the FOS/OFT.

About the report. It's been going on for years, which we've all known; those who have been exposed to the nastier side of debt collection so all of a sudden they are jumping on it. And, I say coyly etc, but have they ONLY just noticed this all of a sudden? I fear, this is just another soundbite and will mean nothing in the end. I was reather bemused with the comments by a Conservative MP about the man who dropped dead in a town nearby to me, forced to a cash machine by a 'bailiff'. That the MP considered that 'Bailifs often struggle to get their payment'. I had to re-read it several times because, surely, it is the other way around? That people often struggle to make payments, but are harassed?

I also fear, and this quite a logical assumption to arrive at whether anyone agrees or not, that in the current financial climate DCA's will become increasingly more virulent when pursuing debts. Purely because they may fear they are going to the wall. IMHO, some of them deserve to be because they are not controlled and do not care what they inflict on people. And, in my experience, the more vulnerable you are the more nastier they exert pressure.

fermi · 30 January 2009 at 4:26PM

http://www.credittoday.co.uk/news/news-item.cfm?news=968#content

In light of recent media coverage in which debt collection agencies have come under fire, the CSA moved to defend the industry during the BERR talks.

Its circular to members states: "We have taken a decisive and positive stance defending members and explaining the background to our work and what constitutes best practice in an attempt to clear up much misunderstanding and misinformation".

BERR is now focusing on increasing consumer protection by putting the spotlight on regulatory compliance and providing help for struggling debtors.

The CSA’s message to members added: "The association stressed that many of the minister’s concerns were already addressed in its code, which it urged them to read, and that the industry already enjoyed a healthy relationship with those in the advice sector, notably Money Advice Liaison Group and the Citizens Advice Bureau."

You have got to be kidding. :rolleyes::rotfl:

The problem is that people do understand and that information is often too accurate for their liking.:rolleyes:

pepe2008 · 30 January 2009 at 4:37PM

So who wants to believe a word the CSA says, talk about Poachers turned Gamekeepers!!
Even the CCCS get some flak for being funded by the Finance Industry, which isn't surprising really. ( Although I am very pleased with what they do for me btw )

the OFT seems pretty ineffective in bringing the worst offenders to book, its about time that they started to believe that there is 'no smoke without fire' in the case of the usual suspect DCAs......how many Complaints does it take?

Debt collection tactics and abuse?

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