Debt Free Direct dilemma

Holylochmunster

I went to the CAB website and seamlessly linked to the Debt Free Direct site and thinking they are a trustworthy Company, contacted them on the phone. I found them very helpful and they sent me a package which I duly filled in, returning it with as much information as possible including last Bank statements and signed an 'authority to act on my behalf' form.
At the moment, they are reviewing my case so whilst I feel a lot better making the first step to sorting out the finances, I browsed this Forum and discovered a lot of bad reports about Debt Free Direct and as a consequence, it's back to the sleepless nights again !
Has anybody had any good experiences with Debt Free Direct ? Is it too late to pull out and do something else ?
I owe £21,500 in total to 6 Creditors and they calculated I can afford £115 a month for 5 years but haven't stated if it would be an IVA or a Debt Management Plan.
Any help on this would be appreciated. Thank you.

RAS

Hi

Please will you contact the OFT who are currently investigating web-site that look like but are not run be debt charities.

I suggest you start by contacting one of the debt charities listed here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan#help and by telling DFD that you do not want to proceed at the moment.

And read Martin's Guide to IVA here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/pdf-iva-guide.pdf

CCCS_Sarah

RAS wrote: »

Hi

Please will you contact the OFT who are currently investigating web-site that look like but are not run be debt charities.

I suggest you start by contacting one of the debt charities listed here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan#help and by telling DFD that you do not want to proceed at the moment.

And read Martin's Guide to IVA here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/pdf-iva-guide.pdf

Ras - just tried sending you a PM but your messages are full

beefree

DFD from reading other forums seem to be very eager at sending documents to people without fully knowing what option is best for them....they wuld rather get paperwork back and get a payment and then make a decision. I think they would try an IVA 1st and if failed put you on a Debt Management Programme..speak to other companies but making a decision and if all of the say an IVA do this...if someone says you cannot, question why

FraudBuster

Advertising Standards Authority and Debt Free Direct:

http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_42567.htm

Cazliz

Hi
It would seem you have not had a proposal from them yet and therefore you are free to check other options. It is always advisable to gain advice from 2-3 IP's and then make your decision when you are sure it is what you want and with whomever you feel you can trust. This is important as an IVA is a legal agreement and you need to have a good relationship with your IP...you will be with them for 5yrs.
Good Luck

Holylochmunster

Thanks to everybody for replying; the dilemma I have now is DFD have all my paperwork and if I change my mind, will they return all my documents or will they try to stall me and drag their heels over this ?!
CCCS seems a good alternative to this but they look to be up to their neck with work and am a wee bit hesitant to contact them.
Don't know what to do.

To_be_Free

Holylochmunster wrote: »

Thanks to everybody for replying; the dilemma I have now is DFD have all my paperwork and if I change my mind, will they return all my documents or will they try to stall me and drag their heels over this ?!
CCCS seems a good alternative to this but they look to be up to their neck with work and am a wee bit hesitant to contact them.
Don't know what to do.

Did you send photo copy's or originals.
I contacted CCCS and received good free independent advice and would recommend them 100%, what ever you decide I wish you all the best.

Holylochmunster

Originals which they stipulated I must send, that's why I am worried.

RAS

Write and ask for all the paperwork back.

DFD charge a fee which is money that could be paying off your debts.