Debt collection tactics and abuse?

fermi

Link: Debt collection tactics and abuse?

fermi wrote: »

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.

People on this board may have seen more of this than most.

eklynne

I saw this report too, brought back some horrible memories of debt collectors knocking on my neighbours doors and asking questions about me.
With the amount of defaults that are going to be taking place this year, I'm glad someone is bringing this issue into the public domain.

fermi

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

fatou256

i agree with you ekline years of hell to which i think may have contribute to my breakdown .

RAS

We need to get together cases and explain that this is not just a few bad apples but a rotten barrel.

Lensman_2

We do have teeth and a year ago - it's very rare - but a member was in breach of guidelines and we expelled them from our association and reported them to the Office of Fair Trading.

Godfrey Lancashire, a CSA director

What a joke. Pathetic is an understatement. :mad:

fermi

RAS wrote: »

We need to get together cases and explain that this is not just a few bad apples but a rotten barrel.

Apparently they are just misunderstood. :rotfl::rotfl:

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: