Channel 4 Dispatches - Undercover debt collection exposè - Marlin Financial Services

sutton111

fermi wrote: »

Yep. I noticed especially the mistaken assertion that if you make a payment to a debt that is already statute barred, that they can then take you to court because of that. :rolleyes:

I thought the same too!! :rolleyes:

I had a Statue Barred account which I starting making payments on after it was Statute Barred the firm in question was CapQuest. They threatened me with a Statutory Demand so I was sacred and started payment.

I came across this website back in September and found I didn't have to pay, and, well the rest is history. They have gone now and even paid me compensation in return!!

Once Statue Barred always Statute barred!

Wol2

I have to admit to being quite disappointed. Although I;ve never been in a position where I've defaulted on a payment myself, I have learnt so much from the DFW board and my friends' experiences regarding the world of debt collection..........

I am left wondering......Just who was this progranme aimed at and what was it trying to achieve? I have to admit, I was not convinced it was aimed at the people suffering the underhand tactics of DCA's..as I felt there was inadequate constuctive advice (i.e. focused instead of woolly implications)....surely CCCS and other charities should have been mentioned (even if only at the end as sources of information), and surely the helpline number should NOT have been 0845 (alebit reduced charge?).etc etc

In some areas there was inadequate explanation as to the real cirumstance (eg bankruptcy couple - did we actually learn anything?)

Yes its great to get the problem major airtime.....but who is going to act on this information and to whose benefit?

Proof positive that MSE (and all who sail within her) Rock!!

Keep up the good work everyone :T:T:T:T:T

xxx

LilacPixie

I was also confused and disapointed about the whole program.WHy was the first couple, the ill bloke being hounded for 7 months when he had PPI cover?? was the PPI inadequate?? had he been mis-sold etc etc.

The inaccuracy with statebarred debt should never of happened and should of been corrected.

Why no CCCS/CAB involvment explaining how to stop telephone calls etc??

The bankrupt couple well thatwas a puzzle itself. Not quite sure what the point of their story was and TBH i was not sympathetic

fermi

Now available to watch online if you missed it.

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> http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/4od#2929731

scattykat

sorry but i was given the wrong info on statute barred

fermi

scattykat wrote: »

sorry but i was given the wrong info on statute barred

Not your fault at all. Don't worry.

The program makers had professional debt councillors and advisers helping them with the program, and even they didn't pick it up.;) :rolleyes:

You did a fantastic thing by going on there.

scattykat

fermi wrote: »

Not your fault at all. Don't worry.

The program makers had professional debt councillors and advisers helping them with the program, and even they didn't pick it up.;) :rolleyes:

You did a fantastic thing by going on there.

thanks, dn't think i'll bother again xx

basmic

Just watched this on Channel 4's On Demand - here is a link to tonight's program, for those who missed it or want to watch it again: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/4od#2929731

moneybuster

i got the impression they where chasing people who didn't pay each month, not those on a DMP or those who had other arrangements to pay there debt back.


regards MB

iwanttoberich

I think that, while the programme gave the impression they only chase people who aren't paying, in actual fact the companies still operate the same way to all customers regardless of whether or not they are paying.

For example, DLC insist on calling me every couple of months and talk to me as if I am not paying them, and threatening me with legal action, even though (and they admit to seeing it on my file) I have not missed a payment in almost 3 years. They act just like the Mark guy - quoting all sorts of maybe's to me. I let them rant on and then let them know I am not easily intimidated (thanks to MSE) and that they can go ahead and do whatever they feel they want to do.

The programme may not have been perfect in many respects, but at least it shows people in debt what really goes on behind the scenes in a lot of these companies, and that they should not allow idiots who are only out to make their bonuses intimidate them into paying what they can't afford.

However, we should remember that there are some genuine companies out there who are happy to work with you to clear your debts.