Albion collections

make_life_easier

This is my Son's debt but I am trying to help him out. (Don't worry I am giving him a hard time as this has happened before, but I don't want to push him over the edge, so I'm using an approach that seems to be working and getting him involved at the same time. ( No I am not a social worker but I have had plenty experience at using reversed phscology.:D And that means life in general.)

He is with the Halifax bank and also has a credit card with them. He owe's money to them both and has not paid them for ages. This weekend I got his details from him and found out how much he really owes. ( That was only because he has a new job and had to have his wages paid into my bank as the bank would have taken all they were owed firstly)

Anyway I have paid a few debts (including some owed to me) to keep them happy, but when I came to paying his halifax one visa it refused online payment and told him to contact Albion collections.

What will come next? I hope they don't come knocking on my door asking for payments etc. I've had that before when the bailiffe was going to break in for a £30 seat belt fine that was not paid and wanted £300 and odd pounds as the the result. (I ended up paying the bill the night before they were due)

What I want to know is, if they are the same type of bailiffs as above and/ if? we can possibly say to them he cannot afford this bill and get a settlement figure? (I have done this before with some creditors) would they reduce the amount owe.

Please if anyone has any experience with things like my son's case i would appriciate very much.


(I'm sure he must have got switched at birth as I have never been in as bad as him - I have always had something to show for my previous debt ah ah):eek:
Thanks guy's I'm sure someone has some good advice:beer:

fermi

Don't panic. Albion Collections are not bailiffs or external debt collectors.

Halifax is owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Albion Collections are one of their "in house" collection agencies/departments.

So they are just a part of the company that owns Halifax trying to look scary by giving themselves a separate name so that you think that you have had outside debt collectors set on him.

Most big banks do the same, since they know it puts extra pressure on people if they do this.

make_life_easier

will they keep implying all the interests and late fee charges? This is why the credit card bill has got so big. Can I reclaim all these £12's they have added to his account.

Thanks for the calm reply - but I am really worrying about it. Has anyone any suggestions on how we should deal with them.

I will have to go to now as I have to go to bed very shorly ( I have work in the morning and my eyesight not too good tonight, It's a good job I can touch type ah ah hence maybe some bad spelling):D

lukepfa

Hi There.
Firstly Halifax are NOT owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
I belive you are getting confused with the BANK OF SCOTLAND (BOS) which is completely different to RBS.
Halifax's full trading name is HBOS - Halifax bank of scotland.
Albion are indeed their in house collections team. Banks and other companies operate in this way to try to steer you towards being maore pro active in resolving issues. I.E. Because it looks like a big bad debt recovery Baliff etc.
The fact is it is not but this does not mean you should disregard this.
sometimes they can help. this is because they will have more flexibility in regards to payment arrangements etc than the actual Halifax collections.
If you are unable to make an arrangement with Albion it is most likely that they then will transfer you to a third party - Debt recovery/Baliff.
This however is usually a last resort but it does happen.
Things to remember is that although you will always receive somewhat threatening letters from Debt Recovery groups in fact their powers are not what they would like you to think. In order for them to start any proper recovery proceedings they have to go through the courts. This is usually done by obtaining a court order allowing repossession of goods etc. Most commomly they will first secure a CCJ against you.
If you are having trouble repaying the best thing to do is getr in touch with a FREE debt management company such as THE CCCS.
They can agree repayment plans with creditors that you would not personally be able to do from as little as £1 pm.
DO NOT use companies that charge you any fees as your debt will increase and you will be worse off.
When you agree a payment plan either by yourself with HBOS/Albion or through a debt managemernt company additional charges will not be incurred and will be frozen.
You can negotiate to have added charges discounted etc providing you show you are wanting to clear the debt.
you have to keep in contact with them or they will keep adding charges, send more letters, more calls etc and pass the debt on.
When they pass the debt on itr can be bought by a baliffs company who will then want to achieve a figure above what they have paid for it plus expenses. They will be less flexible and roughless but you should know your rights. goto a CAB or search the internet.

DarkConvict

Note - This is a 2 year old topic.

jojocity357

fermi wrote: »

Don't panic. Albion Collections are not bailiffs or external debt collectors.

Halifax is owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Albion Collections are one of their "in house" collection agencies/departments.

So they are just a part of the company that owns Halifax trying to look scary by giving themselves a separate name so that you think that you have had outside debt collectors set on him.

Most big banks do the same, since they know it puts extra pressure on people if they do this.

:T I have a little good news. I have been dealing with Albion for some time, having had a little "oversight" of my own. They rang and rang and rang and rang and rang BUT.... One day I decided to answer and if they were funny with me, I was going to give them an earful. However, the woman on the phone was extremely helpful and gave me an 0800 number!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So if anyone wants to get in touch with them for free - 08005875770. Hope this helps a LOT of people :j Jo xxxxx

flis001

I am in the unfortunate position of having to deal with these cowboys, after being out of work for several months, and my credit card being in arrears. 5 or more daily phone calls, and letters nearly everyday. I rang them today, and spoke to someone who couldnt be less interested I am still not in work and told them what I can afford each week, to which he rudely replied with the word 'no'. When I requested to speak to a supervisor, I was hung up on.
Halifax have been completely unhelpful, and I now do not know what to do as I really do not want to have to deal with 'Albion' again. Any advice?

taffy056

flis001 wrote: »

I am in the unfortunate position of having to deal with these cowboys, after being out of work for several months, and my credit card being in arrears. 5 or more daily phone calls, and letters nearly everyday. I rang them today, and spoke to someone who couldnt be less interested I am still not in work and told them what I can afford each week, to which he rudely replied with the word 'no'. When I requested to speak to a supervisor, I was hung up on.
Halifax have been completely unhelpful, and I now do not know what to do as I really do not want to have to deal with 'Albion' again. Any advice?

It would be helpful if you started your own thread on this matter, as you will slip by the wayside so to speak, once its off the first page you'll be very lucky to get a reply.

In regards to your situation, don't deal with these people on the phone, only in writing, tell them that you are having financial problems, and can only afford the payment you are offering. Wait until you get a letter from them in reply, also send it recorded delivery.