Urgent advice required

ScoobyDooLondon_2

I've just been reading the DFW forums and hoping someone can help.

My cousin has confided in my about his debts and is very anxious. From what I've read I'll post a reply detailing all his income and expenditure in the next day or so but for now there is the urgent matter of a Black Horse unsecured loan.

He got a letter 2 days ago asking for immediate payment for just over £10k for the arrears. There is no way he has that kind of money. Whilst I'll be helping him to call Payplan what should he do about the letter, as it threatens court action if its not paid in 10 days (7 days to go) or payment by installments is not agreed.

Now I know it will take time to call Payplan and sort out all his finances. Is there a way he can tell Black Horse to freeze the interest on his account and give him time to talk to Payplan? He has been stupid though, as he's not been responding to their calls.

I've had a heart to heart with him and although he's utterly dejected and downbeat, he is prepared to put things write and face his problems rather than not opening his letters.

So for now, I'm looking for advice I can pass on to him and looking for what he should do next. I guess writing to Black Horse in the obvious thing but I'm not good with letters, are there any sample template letters he can use?

Thanks all.

Macduff_3

When Blackhorse threaten court action within 7 days it doesn't mean that in 7 days your cousin will get court papers. You can call the CCCS helpline on 0800 138 1111 and ask them to send out a Self Help pack - this has the template letters in and they'll send it straight away.

ScoobyDooLondon_2

I rang up CCCS asking for a Self Help Pack as you advised but they say it takes about 2 weeks to send it out..!!

My cousin has made an appointment but its in 2.5 weeks time - is it worth waiting for the CCCS appointment or should he go with Payplan?

The CCCS operator said to give the ClientRef number of the appointment and pass it over to Black Horse - will this hold them off until such time the appointment has concluded?

Thanks again

spud30

I'm currently having threats from Black Horse too.

They have refused my offer of payment, and threaten court action, and legal fees if we dont come to an agreeable proposal within the next 10 days.

They already have a letter explaining we are with CCCS and also my SOA, clearly showing there's nowt more in the budget at the moment. They aren't paying any attention whatsoever, despite cashing my cheque that I sent as a token payment.

I have received a letter, and they are constantly ringing my phone, even on Sunday. Havent got the nerve to answer it, but 1471 says it's them.

Good luck, but Black Horse are my worst creditor so far.

Dr.Shoe_2

Cashing your cheque does imply acceptance of your offer. If they have told you in writing that they won't then you could try to claim a refund? (Cheeky I know but you do have the law on your side)

If you answer the phone, don't let them take control of the conversation. There are magic phrases I have found work well: "Actually, I'm considering bankruptcy at the moment," "I really would like to be able to pay you but I can only spare £XX at the moment," or "I'm afraid I'm totally skint at the moment,". Don't forget to smile because you can hear if someone is smiling on the phone, cooperate as much as you can and agree with everything they say but insist that you cannot afford to meet what they want.

They are trained to assume that the person they're calling can afford to pay and are just dodging their responsibilities. If they ask for preferential treatment point out that it is illegal and by law you can only offer them a pro-rata of your disposible income, shared among all your creditors.