Issued Credit Cards whilst on benefiti

M_Wootton_2

Hi

Friends of ours who are on benefits were issued a credit card 2 years ago, also they were granted a bank loan from whom they bank with. Surely this is not right, giving people money that they cannot afford to pay back, since then they are in financial crisis and feel suicidal as this is a major conflict witin their marriage. is there anything they can do to have these waived.

carlita

did they apply for the cards? did they fill in the proper info?

did they spend the money? did it make them feel suicidal spending the money they couldn'tpay back?

unless someone from the bank came round and forced them at gun point to spend the money surely they are the ones to blame?

hippey

carlita wrote: »

did they apply for the cards? did they fill in the proper info?

did they spend the money? did it make them feel suicidal spending the money they couldn'tpay back?

unless someone from the bank came round and forced them at gun point to spend the money surely they are the ones to blame?

Agree totally.

Apart from doorstep lenders, no one forces you to take credit cards / loans, if you fill the paperwork in and get a glossy piece of plastic and then spend like there is no tomorrow then it is your fault.

However, they do need to get help, as I have been in that situation and know exactly how it feels but I paid off all my debts but it was hard for years, but I realised I didn't need new stuff, I made do where possible and just kept saving.

M_Wootton_2

They were offered the loan and card in-store, questions were asked of them but none pertaining to if they worked or not, they are not the sharpest tools in the box and are somewhat a dim couple when it comes to things they do not understand, they are too trusting and always get ripped off. could i have a more constructive reply please as this is causing a lot of stress.

darcyvuqua

carlita wrote: »

did they apply for the cards? did they fill in the proper info?

did they spend the money? did it make them feel suicidal spending the money they couldn'tpay back?

unless someone from the bank came round and forced them at gun point to spend the money surely they are the ones to blame?

as much as i feel for them this is a problem they brought on them selves i suggest they go to citizen advice and try to get a reduce payment scheme i dont think that just because they are on benifits should matter as they did not think of that when they were swiping the card

deal with debt's dont mock the system by using pathetic excuses as were on benifits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

darcyvuqua

M_Wootton wrote: »

They were offered the loan and card in-store, questions were asked of them but none pertaining to if they worked or not, they are not the sharpest tools in the box and are somewhat a dim couple when it comes to things they do not understand, they are too trusting and always get ripped off. could i have a more constructive reply please as this is causing a lot of stress.

how are they getting ripped off!!!!!!!!

NickX

M_Wootton wrote: »

They were offered the loan and card in-store, questions were asked of them but none pertaining to if they worked or not, they are not the sharpest tools in the box and are somewhat a dim couple when it comes to things they do not understand, they are too trusting and always get ripped off. could i have a more constructive reply please as this is causing a lot of stress.

Well I understand the situation and it an unfortunate one.

Credit Card providers will negotiate in cases of financial hardship and do freeze interest or agree lower repayments to assist those who are struggling.

If they are not particularly financially astute perhaps they could approach CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau) who offer a free service and will negotiate with creditors on their behalf. They also have access to professional legal expertise if so required.

Under no such circumstances should they approach one of the outfits claiming to be able to wipe out Credit Card debt through legal loopholes. These people just want to charge an extortionate up front fee and are probably sharks.

Good Luck and best wishes for 2009.

NickX

Also try posting on the DFW (Debt Free Wanabee) forum here because there are many there that have beaten bad debts and can give valuable advice from their personal experiences.

M_Wootton_2

Thanks to all the constructive comments, i will pass this information on, i do really appreciate your responses.


Mike

carlita

I should say, I wasn;t being unconstructive. I have debts but they are my fault no one forced me to run them up. I feel for them they are in trouble and they need to contact the people they owe money too. However if someone just writes off the debt whats to stop them going and getting even more free stuff?

it's not a nice place to be but them and I and everyone like us put ourselves there.

good on you for trying to help them CAB are great

M_Wootton_2

Hi again, is it practice for banks to issue loans to people on benefits and dont ask for employment history, it seems a tad strange when i apply for a loan i have to give details of employment etc?