Don't know what to do now

devils_vixen

I had a letter from a debt collections agency a few weeks ago. I had phoned to make a payment but they refused this! I have been very busy at work and forgot to post my letter to them asking why they refused to take my payment and to set up some sort of payment plan.

Received a solicitors letter this morning. The debt is about £780 but I can only afford about £50 just now and £40 per month. However the letter has a payments slip attached and had stated that any correspondence I have to quote a reference number on this solicitors letter but contact the debt collectors

I do acknowledge this debt and by my error had been sidetracked with other things so forgot about it but everytime I read this letter, I feel sick.

I was told that payment was to be made by 26/3 which is today but I only received this letter today even though it is dated 19/3

I am a single parent and rent privately - if they take me to court and arrest my wages I will lose my house. Please anyone any ideas?

10past6

devils_vixen wrote: »

Please anyone any ideas?

Who is the debt with, and what's the name of the "solicitors" :rolleyes:

devils_vixen

NCO Europe and the letter came from Westministers Solicitors

The debt is an outstanding orange bill

10past6

How was you managing the account, i.e who were you paying, and when was payment last made?

RAS

Hi

Can you ring one of the debt charities listed here?

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan#help

NDL and CCCS have Scottish sections.

I think I saw a response to a Scottish query the other day whihc siggested that they cannot arrest you wages but they can take court action to deduct a sum each month.

That query referred to CT debt which is a priority debt.

But please speak to the experts.

And let us know how you get on.

devils_vixen

I originally took this contract out for my now ex. Had no idea that we would split so after 4 months, this went to NCO. The amount outstanding is including the remaining line rental.
Ex left me in huge amount of debt so been trying to pay off things ASAP and orange was just bottom of the pile - I know that was wrong and I buried my head in the sand with this but I now have this letter - and yes I know it's my own fault but I have managed to sort of get back on my feet a little bit and come July, my payments could treble but I don't even think I will get the chance now!
I had called to make my first payment to them and was basically told no! They were wanting £480 but I could only afford £180 at the time!

10past6

Thx, I was curious how long ago it was you last had contact / payment with the debt.

devils_vixen

10past6 wrote: »

Thx, I was curious how long ago it was you last had contact / payment with the debt.

Why? Are you able to offer advice? Or you just passing time?:rolleyes: !!!!!! well thanks for your "help"

10past6

devils_vixen wrote: »

Why? Are you able to offer advice? Or you just passing time?:rolleyes: !!!!!! well thanks for your "help"

I beg your pardon?

devils_vixen

10past6 wrote: »

I beg your pardon?

I ask for advice and you ask questions because you are curious Hope I satisfied it for you anyway!

anniecave

OP - I think it's unlikely they will take it further (wages deduction or anything) for a smallish value.

I would speak to them by phone and offer to make a payment. If they refuse part payment and ask for only payment in full then explain you can't afford this. Have you done an income and expenditure summary so you can show what you are spending your money on and that you CAN only afford the lower amount per month?

You could alternatively just do the same thing by letter.. write in an offer an amount per month, and enclose your income and expenditure details, and enclose this month's cheque. Then just send subsequent payments as and when.

Debt collection companies will send you threatening letters, but really just want you to pay. Sometimes debt collection companies will use solitors just to letterhead, but it's really just been passed over to a different department. All just tactics really.

If you are struggling with other debts, you may want to do a reassessment of all your finances at one go, so you have a realistic picture of how much you can afford to pay.

Hope you get it sorted.