So scared

peainapod

Just don't sign anything without talking to national debtline first, I know the thought of ringing them can be daunting but I've used them and they were brilliant, they'll tell you exactly what to do and they'll tell you exactly what to expect from this bailiff. Please do ring them, it lifted such a weight off my shoulders when I used them last year.

peainapod

Yeah he's right about the car, well I wouldn't say sell it for £1 but don't let the bailiff know about it whatever you do !

RAS

Read here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2909736

pearl123

Hi Nat, Please don't be scared. Firstly, as everyone has said here do not open the door or leave windows open.
Do visit the Citizens Advise Bureau. They will not only give advice, believe it or not the unofficially gave me the above advice about not opening doors etc.
The CAB can sometimes negotiate payment on your behalf, if not they will work out how and how much you should pay. Where you should pay etc. They are used to this all of the time. CAB is free and good advice. Sound legal advise.
If you want to make a payment off your debt do it officially - please handing money at your door to a stranger - sounds fishy too me. Does that really sound sensible to you. Double check everything - you will after all be paying back alot of money and panicing could land you in more trouble.
Once again keep those doors and window close and pretend not not to be in when bailiff calls around. (I used to duck down and try and keep two dogs quiet as well!) In the meantime seek advice from CAB and your council.
Many people have gone threw this - it not funny but you will resolve this. Chin up it will be sorted.

dancingfairy

Nat - it might help if you could clarify the situation - how much do you think you owe? it sounds like you have fallen behind/missed payments this year on council tax?
Are you getting any discounts/reductions you are entitled to - student discount? single persons discount? disabled bank relief? Are you on benefits at all? - this is especially housing and council tax benefit but any benefits? this is because you can arrange for them to deduct it from any benefits you are receiving and there is only a set amount they can take.
df

dancingfairy

Oh and don't let him in - not to let him use the toilet/phone his boss or anything - hopefully he will realise you know what's what - oh and don't fall for any - I'll call the police (and? you've got nothing to hide if the police did come), you'll go to prison (um yeah right - while this is technically possible it is so so so so so so so so so unlikely it's not even worth worrying about and it's not even up to the bailiff anyway) - stay polite and firm - talk through the letterbox if necessary!!
df

pearl123

dancingfairy wrote: »

Oh and don't let him in - not to let him use the toilet/phone his boss or anything - hopefully he will realise you know what's what - oh and don't fall for any - I'll call the police (and? you've got nothing to hide if the police did come), you'll go to prison (um yeah right - while this is technically possible it is so so so so so so so so so unlikely it's not even worth worrying about and it's not even up to the bailiff anyway) - stay polite and firm - talk through the letterbox if necessary!!
df

I don't know about anyone else but I believe this is not really helpful advice. Re: police and prison. And the only time you go to prison is when every other avenue has been exhausted by the council.
Can I remind everyone that NAT is scared and I don't think mentioning police and prison is helpful to someone who is bound to be very worried! And as for talking threw the door that in my opinion is dumb as well.

Nat87 make an appointment or turn up at you Citzens Advice Bureau and for some sensible advice and support. Plus close all door and windows and pretend not to be in. After all the bailifs will go away quickly if you appear to be out. They can't brake in -it's against the law.

RAS

pearl

Think you have got hold of the wrong end of the stick; DF is suggesting that the bailiff will try to trick his way in by telling her she will go to prison or that he will call the police.

dancingfairy

Sorry - my point was that obviously Nat is worried but that actually she has no need to be and to forewarn her that the bailiff may try and threaten/mislead her but that actually if she knew the facts in advance she would see that this was just a scare tactic.
P.S I have actually read about bailiffs using this disgusting tactic on here.
df

pearl123

Just had a re-read and yes I did scan read dancingfairy advice too quickly incorrectly. My appolgises. I do now see where dancingfairy coming from re being tricked by bailifs.
Avoid contact with the bailifs at all costs. Any contact except perhaps phone contact if necessary (after seeking adivce.)
Seek advice from counsil and CAB.
My appolgies for mis-reading. I would however, strong agrue against talking to bailifs threw doors. I was in this position twice when I was younger.