Dealing with Debt

AmberSW

After having a slight meltdown and being called by debt collection agencies day and night I finally got the courage together to sit down and sort out all my financial mess. I've written to all the companies I owe money to using the National Debtline's letter templates asking them to hold action on my accounts while I sort out my budget however I seem to be having a little trouble with a company called NCO. I wrote to them a week ago and in between have explained when they rang I would be happy to pay what I owe but it'd have to be in instalments (they said I couldn't pay the £260 in instalments and it'd rise to £960 if I wanted to pay that way as I'd have to buy my way out of my phone contract). They have not acknowledged receipt of the letter I sent and this morning have sent me a letter saying I have 72 hours to pay the £960 or make an arrangement with them which has kinda sent me into a panic - has anyone else had dealings with this company? any advice would be great - thanks in advance

SusieT

Is this a mobile phone bill? I think NCO take that sort of debt so if your account has been terminated they may be demanding payment for the remainder of your contract as well as the arrears. How many months are you behind with your payments and was the contract terminated?
If you don't still have the account then you will be expected to pay for any months left on the contract.

AmberSW

Thanks Suzie, I was 3 months behind when it got put to one company who then sold it to NCO so its now 4 months - basically they wanted £260 immediately which I didnt have and tried to explain to them but their reply was pay it now or it goes up to £960

SusieT

If it is a mobile contract and you can persuade the provider to reinstate the service you may be able to just pay the arrears.
Hopefully someone who knows more than me will be along to help.

AmberSW

they said if I could pay the £260 in one lump it would be reinstated I could kick myself for letting it get this out of hand

AmberSW

the other thing that is getting to me is they're calling me 6 or 7 times a day, do I have to deal with them by phone or can I just do it all in writing? As I said to them I'm happy to pay the debt but if I cant pay £260 in one lump what on earth makes them think I can afford £900+

AmberSW

sorry to bump this up but I have another question, as stated I used National Debtline's template letter to write to the debt collection agencies stating that I am seeking assistance and advice about my financial difficulties, does this mean I HAVE to use National Debtline to do so?

SusieT

On here most people advise using CCCS or Patplan, whichever company you do go with make sure its not one that charges or it will take longer to get yourself out of debt.

Hopefully someone will help who knows more than me.