DMP but still getting demands for more money!

monkeyintrouble

I recently wrote to all my creditors explaining I could no longer keep up all the payments as my circumstances had changed. Most just ignored me so acting on advice from here I contacted CCCS and drew up a DMP. I am still getting hounded by most of the creditors, some by letter, some by phone. Some are not happy with the offer from CCCS and have asked me for more money.
One in particular has been offered £35.50 per month, but have said if I dont up the offer to £45 they will sell the debt on to a CCA which will make matters worse for me. If I pay the £45 they will retain the account and leave me alone. They also said if I try to up the offer through the CCCS it will cause problems as all offers are on a pro rata basis and I would then have to up the offers to everyone else, and increase my overall monthly payment to CCCS.
This particular creditor advised me to say nothing to CCCS and send them the other £9.50 direct.
How do I stand on this? Any advice on whats the best to do?
I hopefully have a lodger moving in January so I will have more income, which I am prepared to throw in the pot and up my monthly payments to all my creditors, and with a bit of luk keep them all at bay.
Any advice would be welcome

Jvic28

Hi,

Ignore this creditor and tell them not to call you anymore and to only communicate with you in writing. Do not send them anymore payments and stick to your plan with CCCS. They are trying it on with you. In fact, you are usually better off if they send the debt to a DCA. DCA's are usually easier to deal with and they usually stop interest and charges immediatly. Continue as you are and ignore the threats from these shameful people.

DebtFree2015_3

Hi,

Agree completely with Jvic28 - It can take time and a nerve of steel at times but never ever pay more than agreed with CCCS. One of our creditors took us to court because they didn't seem to think we were paying enough. The judge just said 'well they are paying and I cannot see any need to alter the amount'. If you can afford the extra £9.50 like these creditors believe you can - give one good reason why that shouldn't go into the overall pot - they cannot be treated preferentially.

It doens't sound like you have been in the DMP for very long - it will probably take around 6 months for it to settle (it took us a year, but it's been well worth it).

Deep_In_Debt

They are threatening you trying to get you pay more. Ignore them and keep paying CCCS as normal.

If the debt does get passed on to a DCA - it may work in your favour as DCA's tend to freeze charges and interest and accept reduced payments. When my creditors said they would sell the debt on - I told them to hurry up and do it!

I've been on my dmp with CCCS since January and it took until August for the final creditor to leave me alone and that was only after various letters of complaints. Stick with it - it does get easier - you've just gotta rid the storm for a few months.

Good luck

monkeyintrouble

Thanks everybody. What I cant understand is they are saying they cant accept £35.50 a month but are willing to sell the debt on to a CCA for probably 25% of the amount owing. Surely it would be better for them to keep the current offer of payment than to sell the debt off for a mere £9.50 a month difference. I think your right, they are probably just trying to squeeze me for more money which I haven't got.
Thanks again guys...MiT

Deep_In_Debt

They think we don't have brains! If you do go with their requests it could jeopardise your dmp. Believe me, creditors tried all sorts with me when I started my dmp - they choice I gave them was to accept the repayment or get nothing and I start playing games with them.

They really are trying to get you to pay more and they think they are being clever!

Jvic28

They're just trying to scare you. Just ignore them.

Toffee_Penny

Just stick to what you are paying through CCCS, if you could afford the extra £9.50 then CCCS would have increased your payment to them for your DMP. My advise would be to not contact these people by telephone keep everything in writing that way you have proof what you wrote and what they have too.

It is just a scare tactic and it is shameful the way some people have been spoken to but the people you usually speak to will do and say anything to get you to agree to pay more to them even tell you they will send baliffs round and apply for an order to contact your employer and get payments taken from your wages.

WRONG!!

ONLY if the debt goes to court and you get a CCJ and you don't pay it then a creditor can apply to the court and try and send baliffs or apply for an order.

Even CCCS tell you not to be forced into paying any creditor these extra payments.

Don't worry and continue with your DMP arrangement xxx

monkeyintrouble

Thanks guys, your advice is very reassuring.

10past6

Send them this letter: by recorded delivery:

Your Address

DAC / Creditor's Address

Date

Ref A/C xxxxxxxx

On the top of your letter state very clearly in big bold letters “FORMAL COMPLAINT”

Dear Sir / Madam

I refer to the above account, held with yourself's.

I have informed your company on numerous occasions I am experiencing financial difficulties.

I am acting in a responsible manner re my current situation, by seeking the advice from [Enter name of debt charity] I have informed your company of this, which has fallen on deaf ears.

Due to the continued harassment I'm experiencing from your company, I have taken advice from the OFT, I am informed your company is in breach of the following guidelines:

Deceptive and / Or Unfair Methods.

2.8 Examples of unfair practices as follows:

C: Refusing to deal with appointed or authorised appointed third parties, such as, Citizens Advice Bureau, Independent Advice Centres, or Money Advisor's.

Contacting debtors directly and bypassing their appointed representatives.

I have informed your company, that (give the name of the organisation and account number of whose managing your DMP), is my authorised third party appointed representative.

If I do not receive a satisfactory reply to my complaint from your company within 7 working days, from the date of this letter, I reserve the right to refer my complaint to the OFT for adjudication.

Sit back and see what happens :rotfl:

dancingfairy

I think they are running scared to be honest and know that they will probably have to accept CCCS offer and are just saying whatever they think will work - they will scare you, tell you rubbish, bully you,heck even be nice to you0-whatever they can to get any money out of you at all. However what do you think will happen if you find this extra money? will they accept less next month or the month after? they will just think you are a soft touch and try extra hard to get the money out of you.
Please do not let them scare you and it seems to be that a lot of posters report that gradually companies will accept the dmp but some will drag it out while some will play nicely straight away.
Anyway you are doing the right thing. Don't talk to them just repeat I have told you to commiunicate only in writing and put the phone down on them.
df