Literally Worried Sick Over Philips Notice Of Distress Warrant!

Clairebearx

Hi everyone,

Hopefully someone can help me with this as it's really upsetting me. My boyfriend and i got back yesterday after being away for 3 days and found 2 letters for him from 'Philips'. They say they have been instructed by someone called North East London after a non-payment of a magistrates court fee and have sent us a 'Notice Of distress Warrant'. My boyfriend called Philips immediately as he has no idea what this could be about. Philip's said it's something from 2008 but they didn't know what the fine was for and we would have to contact the courts to find out but in the meantime don't be surprised if a bailiff came calling that night or tonight. This in itself scares me as he's off working away for a couple of days I'm alone in the house and Philips told him that they can force entry whether we liked it or not!!!!

Also the two letters received are absolutely identical apart from the money that's owed. One letter states £352.50 and the second £427.50. These came within 3 days of each other so he asked why the price was different and they said its a £75 charge for sending out the first letter!! Does this mean we'll get another letter charging us £75 for the second letter, then another £75 for that letter and so on, can they do that because where would it stop?!

He's been trying to contact the courts today to at least see what its for etc but were having no luck getting through, he'll keep trying.

I feel sick to the stomach and can't stop worrying. What if they come round and force entry while i'm here alone? I'm currently seeking care for depression and i can't tell you how sick this is making me.

Please any advice at all would be appreciated.

Superbiatch

Nobody can force entry, so please do not worry about that. Someone who knows more about the companies you mention will be along shortly, but please don't stress and just don't open the door if you are at all worried about who is knocking.

Now to find out what this debt is for, do a search on the forum for the companies mentioned as I've definitely seen something about them before so might give you an idea.

Sorry I can't be of more use, but by doing some reading on here I'm sure you will get some answers

Lucy1010

Clairebearx wrote: »

I feel sick to the stomach and can't stop worrying. What if they come round and force entry while i'm here alone? I'm currently seeking care for depression and i can't tell you how sick this is making me.

Please any advice at all would be appreciated.

They cannot force entry, it is against the law!

Forced entry includes pushing past you once you have opened the door to them, or leaving their foot in the door to prevent you closing it. Such action would make the whole process illegal.

Call 999 immediately if you see them trying to break in.

Read this http://http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/DebtsAndArrears/DG_10034289

McKneff

Please stop worrying, if anyone comes round they cannot force entry, it is against the law. You should not have been told this.
Did you get a name.

Dont answer the door, keep windows shut, and if you want to talk to them do it through the letter box or an upstairs window.

Wait for more help on here.

Dabooka

I had dealings with Philips from a previous owner of our house. I think they were based in Teeside and were chasing money for the DVLA in my case, so it might be linked to that? They were certainly able to tell me what the debt was about in the letter.

Otherwise heed the advice above regarding gaining entry.

Good luck, and don't worry!

Clairebearx

Thank you! I've been up all night worrying. I just wont answer the door if i'm not expecting anyone. I do have a rather large dog that always goes a little mad when there's a knock on the door and hopefully nobody in there right mind would hear that and then decide to force entry anyway!

McKneff wrote: »

Please stop worrying, if anyone comes round they cannot force entry, it is against the law. You should not have been told this.
Did you get a name.

Unfortunately my other half didn't get his name but the man told him to re-read the letters we received as they state they can force entry under the DVCV act. Like were supposed to know what that is!

I'm also sure i've read somewhere on here that they can only add charges to the original fine if they actually remove and sell any items from the property but 2 days after the first letter was sent the 'outstanding amount' went up by £75 and we were told it was a fee for getting the first letter! Surely that's ridiculous?

RAS

hi

got to go but read this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3081366

There is an Act BUT in practice it is almost never used and it does not apply in the way he suggests.

Please both of you stop talking to them and write. They like phone calls because they allow them to suggest dire things can happen when they are technically possible even if almost never happen.

BF needs to ring the court on Monday and find out what it is about.

Demand a full list of charges as well.

dancingfairy

Hi - I would try National Debtline's website - they have factsheets on loads of things and probably have advice on dealing with bailiffs etc - you could always ring National Debtline?
You could also try Bailiffadviceonline- they do charge I believe but they seem to know the ins and outs of what bailiffs can and can't do.
df

Clairebearx

That's all put my mind at some ease. The BF had been trying to call the courts all day to find out what the actual fine is for but we've had no joy so we'll be back calling them on Monday. I suppose when we find out exactly what it's for we can go from there.

Neither of us will be calling Philips again, there just bullies. Making you panic and worry with what 'could' happen all in order for you to pay them and there charges asap. They obviously work on the element of fear and the more fearful they can make you the easier it is for them!! Anything that needs to be said will be written down and going via recorded delivery!