Debt Collector Advice

MamboCat

Hello,

I'm new and I'm absolutely terrified, I'm quite literally shaking! So I need some advice!

Long story short; I split with my partner and ended up living with my parents, jobless. I can't get JSA as I was a student last year so I didn't make any NI contributions. I had a CDL to help me through my study but I've messed up big time on the repayments; first off the Co-Op mucked up their communication with me; I didn't receive notification of my first payment or the account it would come out of or to notify me that apparently I can't use the bank account I get paid into(!); I found this out when I complained. In February they asked me to make a cash payment, which I did but they fluffed it by not processing it; instead my payment went on charges THEY applied! But since then as I've not been working, I have missed several payments. I've sent them two letters telling them whats happened to me, they have never acknowledged those letters, only sending me pre-printed demanding letters and a card saying they have asked someone from Power 2 Contact to come around to my parents house!

This of course is sending me crazy with worry, I already have anxiety and quite probably depression, I can't handle nasty telephone calls, let alone a home visit in my PARENTS' house!! What can I do? Or more importantly, what can THEY do? I feel like no-one has even seen my letters, the Co-Op have seriously messed up their communication with me and now they're sending hired goons around! I can't deal with this. :S

RAS

Hi

Have very little time but Power to Contact have no power and suggesting that they can visit without your agreement is completely in contravention of the OFT Guidelines.

Sol00

I would bet money that P2C will not come to your door, so try not to worry.

First thing to do is start from the beginning. You say that the Co-op have applied charges to your account, so get a claim in for these asap, you may be classed as being in hardship as well. Use this - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges#calc as it will also include interest and then use the template letters to send to the Co-op.

Secondly, send a letter to the DCA and ask them to stop all contact as you are in communication with the bank. You should advise that you'll report them to the OFT if they continue their harrassment.

RAS

You need a new basic bank account and you can claim means-tested JSA even if you cannot get contribution based JSA.

russt2000

One of these blokes turned up at my door , said who he was , as If it meant something , so I just told him only contact creditor by letter and closed the door , they are, just intimidating you .costthem more than the debt they are idiots.

MamboCat

Thankyou for your help, everyone.

I have just had a phonecall with a guy from DWP; I have an interview for JSA next Wednesday, when they will tell me if I can get this non-NI assessed support. I'm not sure if they will ask me for my parents' income or not though. I think at my age they shouldn't take it into account, in fact they want some form of rent from me! :S

I will also inform my parents of these goons and ask them to make sure they don't answer the door to any of them.

Thanks again.