Allied Debt Collection - how negotiable?

Steve-o

I have a debt from an RBS credit card that defaulted, owing £10,400. The internal RBS collection wanted a full payment of the debt, which there was no way I could do. They passed the debt to the Allied International collectors around November, and I've been avoiding their calls since then (to try to save up the cash).

They called today, and I spoke to them (for the first time). They offered me a final settlement fee of £7850, which I think is a very good deal apart from the fact that I can't raise that amount of cash! I've got £3000 saved in the bank (which I was going to use to pay off another high rate credit card I have), and could maybe scrape it up to a maximum £5000 if a family member is able to lend me £2000 (no idea at this stage how likely that is). Allied have given me until Monday to get back to them, but how flexible would they be with the final settlement amount? Is there any point going to them saying that I can't raise £7850, but would they accept £5000?

GeorgeUK

There is no harm in making a counter offer, even if it's only the 3k you can offer.
I would make sure to mention though that the money is coming from a 3rd party. Don't forget that partial and short settlements are of no use.

I would try to arrange some kind of repayment plan even if you can't settle - and make the payments even if they don't agree to the monthly amount you offer to pay.

Arfhurdaly

Have you CCA'd them?

There offer seems too high at approx 75% of the full debt. I'd offer £5k. You'll probably meet in the middle.

DarkConvict

Doing a CCA to check if it is enforceable is a good idea, if they know they cant force you to pay they will often grab your hand to get any money as you could just refuse to pay and they can't do anything about it.

scottishfreebiehunter

DarkConvict wrote: »

Doing a CCA to check if it is enforceable is a good idea, if they know they cant force you to pay they will often grab your hand to get any money as you could just refuse to pay and they can't do anything about it.

Totally agree with above post as I am waiting reply to my CCA request
I offered payments but have had no written confirmation or agreement from them, and since searching the net i have found they are a nasty company to deal with
The bloke who threatened me with tking my car etc etc \(when he cannot) is now being dealt with as i put in a complaint to the financial ombudsman and then the company have written out to me pretty quickly
Dont let them scare you as some of them are very nasty they do have to take you to court before they can take any assests!
Please dont speak to them over the phone do everything in writing as i found this to be best way

Welshdebtor

I have had dealings with them, I complained to the Original Lender about their conduct and the OL passed it on. Though did get a nice sorry letter from Allied lol

I would CCA them, I did not but was my next plan.