Debt collector visiting to collect cash?

Ross2452

Hi there, I could do with some advice.

I owe council tax arrears that has been passed on to scott and co (debt collectors). I sent them a installment payment offer back in December, and had not heard anything back.

A couple of days ago I got a card through my door, hand delivered from scott and co, asking me to get in touch, so I did.

I spoke to a man on the phone who said I must start making payments to stop court proceedings. Fair enough, I agreed to pay £40 per month. He said he would need to come round every fourtnight to collect cash in person. Immediately I found this strange and asked if I could pay by card. At first he said no it was not possible, then he said I could but he would need to call me up before each payment and strongly advised against it.

I then suggested setting up a direct debit, but he said that was not possible. This I did not accept, and after repeating myself a few times he eventually admitted I could call head office and arrange a direct debit, but menacingly added that if i missed a payment i would have my account arrested.

He also said that because the debt has been un-collected for so long, the head office might not accept a direct debit, cash only.?!?!

As I went to say goodbye he stopped me and told me that the first payment would need to be collected tomorrow in cash at 8pm. Wanting to get off the phone I stupidly said yes. This seems a but strange to me...only accepting cash, outside business hours? Does he get paid commission for each cash pickup or something lol??

To be honest, I don't really want a debt collector at my door. Should I call him back and tell him not to come?

Ross.

antony85

call him back, tell him you are "cancelling your appointment for him to knock" and also tell him you are withdrawing your permission for him to ever knock at your door,

also search round the forum for the letter to send them regarding this, somebody advised me of it cant remember who tho sorry!. basically you can witthdraw your permission for them to come onto your property and knock on your door, and then they can only knock with an appointment, and you do the simple thing of not making any appointments with them! and deal with it all in writing.

cant remeber what the letter says or how its worded, but basically the paperboy has more right to knock on your door that any dca do. only a COURT appointed dca is allowed to knocked at your door!, if things ever get this far screw everything to the wall

never-in-doubt

Letter you seek is here: Dealing with Bailiffs Harassment

Dear Sirs,

Account No: XXXXXXXX

Please be advised that I will only communicate with you in writing. I have noted your repeated attempts to contact me over the past few weeks and these have been duly logged by time and date. Should it be your intention to arrange a doorstep visit, please be advised that under OFT rules, you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make such an appointment with you.

There is an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v Sheppard & Short Ltd [1959] 2 QB 384. per Lord Evershed M.R.). Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and, if you do so, you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance.

Yours faithfully




Sign digitally

gonzo127

this does also sound very dodgy as these companies LOVE direct debits as THEY control the amount they take, and it has not been unknown for them to rapidly increase the direct debit from you without your knowledge, i am wondering if this person is pulling a fast one by either

not actually collecting anything for the DCA and just managed to get your details by what ever means possible and is trying to make a quick buck

or is actually collecting for the DCA however might be taking a bit of the top because what proof would you have of how much he has taken - probably spin some tale about not being able to give a receipt on the doorstep but you would get a statement in the post within a couple of days etc

just one thing to remember NEVER EVER deal with a DCA on the phone or in person, make sure everything is in writing, and once you have a agreement ONLY use a standing order since YOU control the amount sent to them (it also does not contain your signature which a cheque would do)

DGJsaver

is this a court appointed bailiff ?

gonzo127

DGJsaver wrote: »

is this a court appointed bailiff ?

only able to collect cash from the doorstep?

i would very much doubt it, however in this strange world we live in who knows

DGJsaver

just because he may be a court appointed bailiff , doesnt mean he wont try and make the rules up as he goes in the hope the OP knows no better...

RobertoMoir

gonzo127 wrote: »

only able to collect cash from the doorstep?

i would very much doubt it, however in this strange world we live in who knows

For council tax? They're either a bailiff, or a scammer collecting a made up debt.

If I were the OP I would be contacting the council at this point.

DarkConvict

RobertoMoir wrote: »

For council tax? They're either a bailiff, or a scammer collecting a made up debt.

If I were the OP I would be contacting the council at this point.

2nd'ed, you have to be sure.

never-in-doubt

Considering Scott & Co is a firm of Sheriffs Officers i'd really bank on the fact they are not dodgy! A simple google search will tell you they are big old boys - but still, they cannot demand cash payments so long as you have a pre-agreed repayment plan in place.
See here: http://www.scottandco.uk.com/website/wip/scottweb.nsf/index?readform

To set up payments, simply click here for cash, girobank or cheque payments: https://secure.scottandco.uk.com/website/wip/secure/scottwebsecure.nsf/paymentproposalother?OpenPage

And click here to set up a direct debit: https://secure.scottandco.uk.com/website/wip/secure/scottwebsecure.nsf/paymentproposalDD?OpenPage

gilligansyle

DGJsaver wrote: »

just because he may be a court appointed bailiff , doesnt mean he wont try and make the rules up as he goes in the hope the OP knows no better...

This sounds the more likely to me. Contact the council and complain about the attitude of the bailiff and request that they take the debt back.