I think I've been conned! Help?

velvet_scars

I am in quite a bit of debt. The same as almost every one in the world these days and I thought it was time to get myself sorted and start paying off some of these debts.

I was given a number from a close friend for a Company at the time called "The Debt Angels" and gave them a ring to discuss my problem. They sent a courier to my house to go through each debt and he gave me some forms to sign. He said the payments would be weekly for the amount of £25 and they would pay each company a certain amount each month. There was a one off fee for £70 which I paid in August.

I didn’t hear anything from them for a while and was contacted today to see how things were. Not knowing any problems had arisen, I simply said everything was fine and they said they would keep me updated as to what was happening.

They told me to ring the bank as they said they had set up a standing order up for £25 a week and I would have to confirm this. When I rang I found out that £100 had already gone out on top of the set up charges.

I then went online to check my bills and found out that the company had taken the set up fee's plus another £30 not sure as to why. I then checked and came across the £100 was under another company name but under the same address. This company is called "Zebra Money Management."

Basically, I’m wondering if anyone has had the same problem from the same company and what I’m meant to do with this?

I’m distraught as I was hoping to get my money matters sorted but now they seem worse!!

Coupon-mad

Some friend, giving you that number!!:eek:

I don't know of them at all but - why on earth would you PAY someone to sort out your debts when this service (EDIT, debt advice at least) is available free?

They are mentioned on this thread I found by searching:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1820411

You could also Google them for info.

velvet_scars

Coupon-mad wrote: »

Some friend, giving you that number!!:eek:

I don't know of them at all but - why on earth would you PAY someone to sort out your debts when this service is available free?

I've never really looked into Debt management companied before so I didnt realise this service was free. Can you give any advice as to what company I can use?

Coupon-mad

Well you could maybe start with reading Martin Lewis' articles on debt problems and free debt counselling. Search the main site for keywords such as 'free debt counselling'. Here's one thread from ML about managing debt (looks like it's only updated annually though):

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

Then read advice on the forums, again by searching for key words but by changing 'main site' to 'forums' (top right above). Read about other people's experiences and maybe post more detail about your own circs.

Best of luck. Hopefully someone else will be along soon with some constructive info about that company. I had not heard of them but it sounds like they are coining it from people like you, who can least afford it.

Ames

CCCS/Payplan/CAB/ or Christians Against Poverty are the recommended ones.

Coupon-mad

Yes, I think some are mentioned here (found this by searching the site so it's quoted from a previous article on MSE by Martin Lewis):

QUOTE
'A number of completely free, charity-based or publicly-funded bodies offer a fantastic service: Consumer Credit Counselling Service, National Debtline, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Community Legal Advice and if you are considering taking out an IVA please read my full
IVA Guide first to check if it's right for you.'
QUOTE


Click on all the blue links, maybe too late for you to read the IVA guide though velvet_scars...

HTH and good luck. Keep posting on MSE.

velvet_scars

Thank you for all your help.
I am replying with a warning to any one using Zebra Management or Debt Angels (Indeed, they are the same company and have the same trading address). They have basically ripped me off for £225.00 now and I was silly enough to trust them the second time around.

They sent someone to my house and made me sign some forms to say I was setting up a standing order for the amount of £25 a week which never happened. They have NEVER set up a standing order, all they have done is take my card details and take money from my account at different times under two different company names to confuse me.

I am disgusted to find out that companies can still get away with this and still little can be done.

All I ask now is a simple question...

What do I do?

I have cancelled my card so that they cannot take any more money.. But how do I go about getting it back?

RAS

Try speaking to Trading Standard, write a formal letter of complaint to the company and if the money is not returned, then report them to the OFT.

dancingfairy

Have you got any copies of what you signed - if you can prove that you never agreed to this it would help your case.
df

dancingfairy

I would also talk to your bank and tell them not to let Zebra or Debt Angels take any more money. I would keep a close eye on your bank account as well as they might still try - if any more money gets taken you can them contact the bank and get them to give it back to you.
I am not sure how the procedures work so am not sure if there are any forms you can fill in or anything at the bank or whether you can send them a letter recorded delivery or anything - at least then if they did try again you would have proof that you had asked the bank to block them.
I would also advise talking to one of the debt charities listed above as they may suggest that you open a brand new bank account anyway as part of getting control of your debts.
df