Debt Collection Firms

domesticgoddess

was wondering if anyone has had dealings with HFO Services or Phoenix ?
If so what are they like?

Thanks

amg4jag

Hi, I am having dealings with HFO at the moment. Out of all my creditors they are the most aggressive. Some A***ole of an american man keeps on calling me and in a very underhanded way threatens to do all sorts, from Charging orders on my property to informing my employer and applying for an attachment of earnings. I saw an IFA only today and from his advice feel i will be able to pay off my debts with equity from the sale of my home. I owe a lot of money to many creditors but HFO is not the largest by any means. I worked out pro rata payment figures as final settlements and out of the first few i have contacted HFO were the only ones not to budge on the figure i had to pay back, the full balance. Even when i'm trying to pay it back he informs me that if i don't do something quickly the file will incur interest if its passed to their solicitors.
However, i don't know what mess you find yourself in but get advice quicksmart from the Citizens Advice or CCCS. The CAB were very quick to inform me of my rights and that nothing can be done by HFO until they apply for a CCJ and that i would still have to default on this before they could take any further action. If i can be of any other help don't hestitate.
PS Through www.SAYNOTO0870.com i found you can call there office on 0208 417 8100 instead of their 0844 number.
Good luck!!

Al

lotty41

I too have had dealings with HFO, they took over my debt from Citi Card of 3500, very aggressive. Turned up at my door and threatened to sue me, which is just what they are doing. Court proceedings taking place right now!!!
I am paying them per month as arranged with Citi Card for the past 18months but HFO say it isn't enough. Cant afford anymore so I guess they will be trying to put a charge on my house when we go to court.

rog2

There are strict guidelines for Debt Collection, which have been drawn up by the Office of Fair Trading, and to which Debt Collection Agencies must, although seldom do, adhere. It seems very clear that, in your case, lotty, behaving in a manner remotely approaching the way that they should, whilst carrying out their chosen 'profession?'

Have a look at the OFT guidelines, particularily those pertaining to home visits, and pressurising debtors into paying more than they can afford:

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/consumer_credit/oft664.pdf

If, after reading these guidelines (I suggest you download a copy for future reference) you feel that these 'legalised bullies' are, in any way, acting outside of the terms of the guidelines, you should report them, initially, to the local Trading Standards, and if their behaviour continues, you may need to report them to the CSA (Credit Services Association) or even the police.