Harrassing phone calls

Goldielocks

Hi guys,

OK I have my BR date at the court for 30th August.
I have been getting many phone calls on a daily basis to both my landline and mobile (inc. texts!) - it is causing me a lot of stress at a time when I am already stressed and have had to visit the Drs and been put on anti-depressants.

I wrote a letter last week to each of the creditors basically saying I was experiencing severe financial difficulties and was unable to make repayments - and NOT to contact me by telephone but my post only.

And so what has happened?? If anything - I seem to be getting more calls

Today is Sunday. I have just come home to have my father tell me that he has had FIVE calls for me. Just checked my mobile and I also see 2 missed calls. (As I type this, the phone is ringing again argggghhhhh!!). Now one of them - they asked to speak to my dad by name. When he said yes this is he speaking - they then said is your daughter in!!!! I can only think its a creditor that Dad uses also - maybe Virgin - as I know he has a Virgin card.

I am absolutely FURIOUS. How dare they use underhand methods like this. I feel harassed and stressed out in my own home.

Any ideas what I can do or say to stop these calls? I have never answered any of them or spoken to anyone. I am tempted now, to answer the calls and just say I am going to court on 30th Aug to be declared bankrupt so please do not contact me again. Then put the phone down! Do you think this would have any effect??

Sorry to rant but I am livid. It is Sunday, supposedly the day of rest and I am being harassed by these idiots and now they are even involving my dad (who is fuming!!)

G

Mike_St_Helens

I thought that they were not allowed to call you on a Sunday ?

Goldielocks

Well that's what I thought! And up until now I have not had any calls on a Sunday - but for some reason today, the phone has gone mad.

I am seething that they have involved my dad in this in sneakily asking for him then asking for his daughter! Can they do this????!

Any ideas folks - how I can get through the next week and a half? I'm thinking to just answer and say I am declaring bankruptcy on 30th Aug so please don't call again. Goodbye. Hang up. Any ideas?

G

Mike_St_Helens

Any calls ive had, ive told them they woint be getting anything as im saving up for bankruptcy... Most have been fine, and to be honest a bit startled and they dont say anything. There was only one who said 'well anyway, we will still persue you '... yeah, righto love !

La_Tristesse_Durera

Hiya, sorry to hear about this, I know these calls are awful to receive (especially using the tactics that they seem to have done ie using your father - that's disgraceful).

I'm not in a BR situaion so can't fully understand how you feel. However there was a time where I was getting 15 calls a day, I never ever answered them and in the end turned my phone off most of the weekends. It sounds wimpish I know but at the time I wasn't sure how to sort out my debt (whether it would be loan / IVA / DMP etc).

Eventually I thought 'Why should I feel like this', what's the worst they can do. I'm not going to be scared, and I can't give them what they don't have. Tough. I'm not going to be short or worry about food and petrol for the month just to line these people's pockets. Tough on them.

Once I sorted out my DMP with Payplan I followed their advice, to answer the calls, say that I'm with Payplan to make positive action and to only communicate via writing. This didn't stop them and it took a lot of calls from the Halifax to comprehend this but at least now they don't call. I told them about Payplan etc but it didn't seem to help until I eventually spoke to someone with a brain, not an idiot reading off a screen in India.

I guess it depends on who you've spoken to.

I've had call centre workers say to me;
'Well changing your phone number isn't going to help the situation'.

'Well, neither is calling 15 times a day, is it love'.

I've had enough of them now, and when they call I'll explain that I've explained the situation 100's times and that it's not my fault if they can't understand this. I look back now and think 'Why was I a coward' for months.

Sorry if this seems a bit too 'In your face', but remember, you are in control of the call, you can tell them what you want, you can put the phone down, tell them that you are recording the call and if they call back you will start pressing harrassment charges as you've explained the situation.

One thing I must must must stress is that if you are going to make a payment of any kind then NEVER give your debit card details out over the phone.

I hope you sort it out and that they leave you alone.

keith_lard

Hi
Put your phone number in here

http://www.ukdatait.co.uk/cgi-bin/sgAddNumber.cgi takes 24 hours to kick in!

Also with TPS

http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/
takes 28 days to kick in!

Next phone call tell them they must only contact you through Letter only and that you will respond to it!

call you again 'they' are breaking the law!

k.

LavenderLily_2

Oh hun I really feel for you, what a bunch of underhand b*stards!

I think you have the right idea with just telling them you are going bankrupt on 30th Aug and not to ring you again because you won't speak to them. Then hang up. They will probably still continue to call but just tell yourself that it will all be over soon. Only a week and a half and if they dare to contact you after you have your bankruptcy order then you can just tell the Official Receiver and they will spank them thoroughly.

Good luck! Just keep thinking, "Not long to go now". Don't let the b*ggers get you down!

In_Search_Of_Me

Sending a big hug! I have to say I'd be inclined to just not answer the phone until its done as its stressful enough as it is eh! At the end of the day they keep phoning cos they want money off you; you havent got it so avoid the stress/feeling you have to explain by not answering. Tell people close to you thats what you'll do & get a code - ie let ohone ring twice & ring back is a friendly person. Not sure of that helps but worth a try!! Your bank date is on my birthday so will think of you! A fresh start for you & a new year for me! Fab day it will be for us both! Keep us updated!

rog2

If anyone phones again, tell them that you have written to them, requesting that all further communication is conducted in writing and that they are not just ignoring the OFT guidelines but are, in fact, breaking the law. Then ask for the callers full name and telephone number.
Good luck with the BR.

Goldielocks

Thanks guys for your thoughts and suggestions.

Ideally I would like to just ignore the calls and hold out for the next 10 days. I just ignore the calls to my mobile, but it's the calls to the landline that are a problem. As mentioned, I live with my dad and he is starting to get really p**sed off with it now. Saturday morning, the first one started at 8.01am! Dad was in bed and was annoyed! I've been out all day today (Sunday) and he's had loads of calls. On a Sunday!

If I lived on my own, I'd just unplug the phone - but can't do that here, I have to consider my dad's feelings. It's his house and his 'phone!

I cannot wait until 30th - when I can then answer any irritating calls with "I am bankrupt so kindly do not phone me. Goodbye" ....then hang up. Hahaha!

G

lizzie12_2

Sorry to hear you not able to have a rest from all this on a Sunday of all days. The tip above about a secret code to pals is a god idea. Your poor dad - is he aware of your situation? Mine was brill when i did get round to telling him....
When we were at our most fraught time, we argued like *ell, I found a relaxation tape I bought very helpful at the time.. may be worth a try.

Anyway, lots a luck n hugs for the end of August, keep us updated. Dont do what I did though.... lots a tea and biscuits to see me through.... now at ww to get it all off...

Take care.x