Debt Collectors Threatening to Visit House

Runningbackwards_2

Help - Lloyds have handed over my loan to a company called Robinson Waye based in Manchester. I have been avoiding talking to them on the phone as I have seen advised her - I am in the process of getting ready to go bankrupt. They have now sent a letter threatening to send a debt collector to arrange terms on which I can repay the money. This is a laugh as I cannot afford to repay a penny as I survive on benefits.

I act as full time carer for my elderly disabled mother. She will become distraught if people start coming banging on the door - can they do this. If I write and tell them of my situation will they still call?

Please advise me what I can do - thanks.

Bohemian_Raspberry

We're in the same position as you, except we've got about 6 creditors all threatening the same. We've not paid any of our creditor's a many for a good few months now and so far we've only had one collector knocking on the door, and this was only after we received a letter in the post every day for 2 weeks asking us to contact them. When we didn't they sent somebody round.

If I had known it was a debt collector I wouldn't have answered the door but I was expecting a friend round at the same time. I politely told the lady that we hadn't paid and couldn't pay as we are insolvent and will shortly be petitioning bankruptcy. She asked to come in for a few minutes but I told her there was no point, she wouldn't be coming in, I wouldn't be paying as I can't and soon enough they'll hear from my OR. She left and I haven't heard a thing since.

I guess what I'm trying to say is try not to worry too much. We've had threatening letters like this for months and months, and only one company have carried it out and once I'd explained the situation they haven't bothered us since. You can always just continue to ignore them, I'd imagine if a debt collector did come knocking and you didn't answer it they'd just post a letter asking you to contact them

Door stop collection threats to me are just another of the bullying tactics these companies use to get you to pay up.

SkintYokel

Most of the debt collection agencies use the threat of door step collectors at some point but that is all it is, A threat.

Many use it purely as a scare tactic in the hope it will finally make you call them. If they do send someone round then that person has about as much right to enter your property as the Avon lady does. Only a court appointed bailiff has rights to enter your property, these people are NOT bailiffs.

Refuse to allow them entry, refuse to speak to them, ask them politely to leave your property and then close the door. There is absolutely NOTHING they can do!

Runningbackwards_2

Thanks for the advice.

I guess I am panicking at the slightest thing. I just cannot bear the thought of my ma becoming distressed - I also couldn't bear to deal with someone demanding to come in. Just all geting too much for me at the moment I'm afraid. Sitting here in tears which is stupid, but it is all just such a mess

Thanks for the advice. Nice to know what other people have experienced - I had visions of someone coming knocking day after day!

Runningbackwards_2

Should I contact them though? That is what I am wondering? They have now included an email address which I could use (I would set up a hotmail address to use so they couldn't bombard my real email account).

Does it seem like a good idea to get in touch with them or is it just a waste of time?

SkintYokel

I would advise against contacting them. I will stress however that this is purely MY OWN view.

The reason for this is that they will have absolutely no interest in your circumstances and will just try to browbeat you into paying what they want you to pay. You cannot negotiate with them and your own position is usually so far from theirs that discussion is impossible.

You say that you have started down the bankruptcy route? If this is the case then it is only a matter of time before the calls and letters stop. Even if this time is still quite a way away it is getting closer every day

Stay strong and know that you are not alone. There are many out there who have been where you are now and we have come out of it again on the other side.

Tears are not stupid, they're natural. I shed plenty and I'm a 17 1/2 stone bloke standing just shy of six feet (Yes, I know that makes my BMI a bit iffy )

Use the forum for release, post your questions, fears or just rant about whatever you need to; there are plenty on here who will listen, advise or just generally try to make you feel a bit better and a bit less alone.

Like it says in my signature:
"When you're going through hell, keep going. You will get to the other side eventually"

Good luck

Bohemian_Raspberry

It could be a worth a try but I doubt they'd take notice. We've been telling the agencies who are hassling us by phone that we're going BR but we still get all the letters through threatening door stop visits.

SkintYokel

Bohemian_Raspberry wrote: »

It could be a worth a try but I doubt they'd take notice. We've been telling the agencies who are hassling us by phone that we're going BR but we still get all the letters through threatening door stop visits.

Sometimes this will actually make things worse

If they know of impending BR they often step up their campaigns to try to get something out of you before the deed is done and they risk getting nothing.

Tell them you are taking financial advice from one of the professional bodies (NDL, CCCS or CAB) and will be in touch when they have formulated a plan for you. If you have not taken proffessional advice I strongly suggest that you do so as soon as you can.

Runningbackwards_2

Thanks Bohemian and Skint

I think I will avoid all contact and hope that I can get the BR done before the pressure mounts too much.

So good to have this forum to use to seek advice and sound things out - I would be lost without it. I don't post much but read most every thread and have been thankful every day that I found this.

Going to have a cup of tea and try to pull myself together!

Holes_in_my_pocket

Door collectors have no more right then somone on the telephone treat them them same when if can ask to speak to xxxx say no and close the door

Holes_in_my_pocket

Though i doubt if anyone wll call . threats threats threats