Iqor debt collection agency

Sharon30

Hi

Looking for some advice please. I currently have an outstanding debt of around £2000 now with the above dca which was originally for a BOS loan. I have been struggling to pay £80 per month to them, I suffer from mental health problems and currently have been signed off work for a year, around march my sick pay stopped and have currently been receiving £64.30 esa per week. I tried to struggle but in july I was only able to make payment for £60, they bullied me over the phone demanding the other £20 by the end of that week as their client won't accept anything less and they are demanding full payment. They said I have already 14 defaults of verbal arrangements with them since they took over account, never knew about this and they said I missed one payment totally in August last year!!! In july my esa was stopped so I had to appeal which caused me to fall behind with other payments which has made things worse. My esa was put back into place but I had to catch up with rent etc!!! This meant that I didn't make any payment to IQOR in august. They are phoning my mobile 3 times a day which I don't answer as i have been really unwell this last few weeks. I received a letter from a solicitors saying they were sending this on IQOR's behalf asking me to get in touch but not to contact them direct and to deal with IQOR direct for the time being. I am currently trying to catch up and I'm 1 month behind in my council tax but so far I've managed to rob peter to pay paul. I know this debt is mine and has to be paid but they want £80 and can't meet the payment as I simply don't have the funds until I get back on my feet again. My health is suffering dramatically, I need to make contact with them but looking for any advice. The original default with the BOS is due to drop off my credit file in November so I don't fancy a CCJ!!! I must have done something correct as pre july IQOR were sending letters saying due to my commitment to date they could offer me a reduction to settle the account in full but i've never had the funds. I'm terrified they freeze my bank account with my benefit in it!!!

[Deleted User]

you need to get along to your nearest citizens advice beareau immediately there will be options open to you depending on all your circumstances and they WILL help.
good luck

fatbelly

Hi Sharon - stay cool!

IQoR are a lying manipulative bunch of crooks. Sorry, I meant to say 'debt collection agency'

That is NOT a priority debt for you. The 'solicicitor's letters' are probably not genuine - just different headed paper. They will probably not go for a ccj but even if they do, you have nothing to fear. Just make £1 per month payment to them for the moment

Council Tax is a priority. Why are you paying any if your total income is £64.30? You should be getting Council Tax Benefit. Anyway, that needs to be brought up to date, as does your rent if you are still behind.

Then you need some support. CAB is a good option as Woodbine says - you can see someone face to face and they are good on benefits.

CCCS/ Payplan are also good but are telephone based.

Another option which may appeal if you would prefer a home visit is Christians against Poverty (CAP). Martin runs through the options here

Whatever, you choose, please keep posting here and please get a fee-free organisation to support you.

I would also advise you to change your SIM and not give iQoR your new number. I know that sounds extreme but they are bullying you and I do not think they will change that behaviour.

MrsTinks

There are letters you can send to stop them calling you - once sent if they cnotinue to phone they are being very naughty and you can grass them up to the powers that be
Check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to - both housing and council tax.

Bank account - is your bank account with the same bank as you owed money? If it is then open a basic account elsewhere - they aren't allowed to touch your benefits but that doesn't always stop them and although you can force them to hand it over it is an inconvenience I think you can do without.

If you are currently struggling mentally and it's been recognised by your GP then you can notify the debt collection agency of this (again I think there is a letter somewhere...) and it will mean they have very little power to hassle you. If they continue to do so then the ombudsman takes a very dim view of that kind of behaviour...
£80 a month... tell them to go whistle Send them £1 token payment and explain that is all they can have as it's all you've got. End of story. They may try threatening some more but the worst they can do is go to court and get a CCJ which given your circumstances will be a lot less than £80 (more likely £1 ) - the only exceptions are that they can try and put an attachment of earnings (tough if you don't have any) or a charge on your house if you own it) unlikely as you state you rent). Leaving them pretty toothless...
You can't go to debtors prison any more (apart from for tax, but only if you WON'T pay, not if you CAN'T pay) so what is the absolute worst they can do to you? In truth? calling you and hassling you is about the worst they can do - and once you take that away from them they're a bit stuffed aren't they?

GeorgeUK

Hi Sharon, you should never feel threatened into paying more than you can afford.

As already suggested, you can inform the DCA that all communication should be in writing only.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11571485&postcount=5
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=14588705&postcount=10

Is the debt an overdraft or credit card?
Have you reclaimed charges on this account yet?