worried about debt collectors

Skint2010_2

Hi all, hope someone can advise,

I beasically have alot of debt and am now on benefits, debt collectors are getting increasingly more pushy and knocking at my front door which is scaring the living daylights out of me. im worried they will force there way through my door and take my very low amount of things. i am in temporary accomodation while i wait for a flat of my own. what should i do because i havnt had contact with my debtors for years.

Marisco

Hi skint, welcome to the boards. First off, debt collectors have no rights when it comes to grabbing goods, in fact they have less rights than the paper boy!!! If any start "having a go" just call the police on them!! Who are the debts with, how much are they for and how old are they?

fatbelly

Good first point, Marisco.

Second, if you have not acknowledged a debt, by payment or in writing, for six years (5 in Scotland) it is 'statute barred', cannot be enforced in the courts, and Office of Fair Trading Guidelines say they must stop collection procedures if you inform them of this.

DGJsaver

of course ,they could be court appointed bailiffs.....
more info from the op needed...

fatbelly

Third, get some help here. Choose a fee-fee charity like CAB, CCCS or Payplan. Martin's guide is here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan#help

Gothicfairy

It is only bailiffs that take things, not debt collectors.
See : http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk/debt_basics/bailiff-guide.php for what bailiffs can and can't do.

If you are getting visits from plan debt collectors tell them to go forth....

BUT you still need to address the big problem. You are in debt and they are going to want something, how old are the debts ? how long has it been since they last contacted you ? Have you spoken to someone like the CCCS of CAB ? they can help you put together a SOA and get that sent off with a offer of payments ( the debt company does not have to accept it and 2 of mine have refused point blank but at least when it goes to court you can show you did make an offer of what you could afford)

Skint2010_2

Hi Marisco thanks for that it sounds like some better news for once.

Ok my debts, amounts and age and i am currently on income support no other income.:(

DEBTS:

Payday Loans:

Wonga - £200 - 3 Years old (1000%+ apr)
Pounds till Payday - £200 - 3 years old (1000%+ apr)
Payday UK - £200 - 1.5 years old (1000%+ apr)
Handy Cash - £200 - 1.5 years old (1000%+ apr)
Perfect Payday Loans - 2 years old (1000%+ apr)
SameDay Cash - £200 - 3 years old (1000%+ apr)
Cash Convertors - £450 - 2 years old(1000%+ apr)

Catalogues:

Kays £125, Great Universal £175, Additions £130, marshall ward £120 and Premier man £150

Mobile Phones and Internet:

Orange Mobile and MObile broadband - £1100
Tmobile MObile braodband - £655
Vodafone Mobile broadband - £600
Virgin Mobile - £unknown contract ended after 2 months

Bt Landline and Internet and television - £1900

(all 2-3 years old)

Natwest Bank - £500 (overdraft) 1 year old
Royal Bank of scotland £250 (overdraft) including charges £113 - 1 year old
Nationwide - £250 fees
Llyods Tsb - £1000 credit card debt


Paypal and ebay - £100

Rent - £400+ arrears

fatbelly

Hi Skint

Think you should be looking at a Debt Relief Order!

Skint2010_2

What is a debt relief order, is it like bankrupt

Marisco

Have a read through this skint.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1385275

charliemonkeyface

to help stop debt collectors calling at your door amend this letter to suit and send recorded delivery, if they still call at your home after this letter give them 30seconds to leave before you call the police for trespass. i hope this helps you.

Dear xxxx

Account Ref xxxx

Please be advised that I will only communicate with you in writing. I have noted your repeated attempts to contact me by telephone over the past few weeks/months and these have been duly logged by time and date.

Furthermore, should it be your intention to arrange a “doorstep call”, 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 an appointment with you.

There is only 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 and Short Ltd [1959] 2 Q.B. 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, then 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,