APEX - Pushing & Giving Deadlines

The_Lighthouse_Keeper

Hi all,

Hoping I could get some honest advice, no matter how brutal.

Last year I set up a 'Advantage Blue' account with Natwest, which in turn was £7 a month. After a few months I said I wanted to quit it, because my account was going into Overdraft by £70 at a time - because I had two accounts open with them and they were getting muggled. Long story short, I paid this off out of my Fortnightly JSA - Job Seekers Allowance.

After asking to shut it down they said there's a 6 month contract, which I signed - so I can't. I never remember being told that. But left it at that.

Year later after I go back to old place I open Natwest & APEX letters. Saying the account is now £501 overdrawn, the account has been shut, and APEX are now in charge. Please get in touch.

Okay i understand £500 isn't a lot to most people in debt. But it's just as simple as I can't afford that amount at the minute, and I think it's unfair I have to pay it anyway.

APEX are now threatening with CCJ's and If i do not make payment within a few days it'll go further. I said I don't have a bank account, perhaps you could give me a blue card which you stated on the back of your letter - So i could pay it off via there. They said no for whatever reason.

Ended up giving me an Account Number and Sort Code to pay £20 into HSBC, by August 1st. My partners gone in now today and paid that for me, as she's signing on - we're in a joint claim & two kids involved.

They are now starting harass my phone, again. Which I told them I'm no longer using. They said ring back today with details of what Goes in and Comes out of my account so they can figure out a payment.

Our relationship is at the point of Break-Up. Half way between Moving Out & Moving In with someone. Partner takes £50 of my £96 a week. So left with £25 a week, not including transport back and forth.

Grandmothers passed away, mothers had a baby & had my own. The list of reasons go on for being to busy to sort out debt.

But I'm extremely 'peeved' off now, and I just wish there was some way to get all the Overdraft Charges erased, but the accounts closed.

I thought at least if i start making payments now.. it won't go to Court, CCJ on my record for years etc..

Can anyone give me advice, please?

mr.ton

Do not phone them with any details of your income & outgoings, they have no legal authority to see this information.
The most you should be repaying on any debt for someone on JSA is £1 per month - its only what a court would order anyway if it ever went that far.
It will cost them money to take you to court, this is why they rely on threats & intimidation instead.
Do not phone them & refuse to answer security questions if they phone you.
Report them to the OFT & trading standards if they refuse to leave you alone...

The_Lighthouse_Keeper

But if they take me to court, my debt will go even higher? What happens if it doesn't happen in my favor either.. I heard you don't have to go to court to see your case, as it can happen in far away awkward places & your often not needed.

mr.ton

Its very unlikely it will go to court as it will cost them money to take you there.
It wouldnt be worth their while just to get back £1 per month or something like that.
Thats why they rely on threats & intimidation.
Yes there would be court fees added etc....but the full amount would only be repayable at whatever you could afford after all outgoings are taken into account

The_Lighthouse_Keeper

I've agreed to pay this 20 pound two days ago, by August 1st. As a starting / friendly thing

Should I ignore that or pay it?