Student Loan Company and their agents

mikewebs

Hi there

I currently owe student loan comapny for a loan I took out 12 years ago whilst I was in university.

Since then, I have been unable to work for 9 years because of ill health - I am currently retraining but there's another story. Anyway, this week I have had a message for me to ring 0121 number - this message was given to my elderly mother at a different address. I duly rang the number only to be told that I was speaking to NCO Europe and that "they couldn't find me on the system".

When I persisted in order to find out who they were they got very shirty and said they have many departments and do lots of work and so couldn't tell me what they wanted.

I then went to the internet and found that NCO Europe are actaully based in Preston NOT Birmingham. I contacted them. They told me they couldn't tell me anything because I ws speaking to them without a reference number. Now, as I have already dealt with Legal and Trade re my student loan, I used my infinite powers of deduction and realised what was going on. So I persisted and kept asking if they were ringing on behalf of the student loan co. Eventually I wore down my opponent and actually got him to admit that their Birmingham office does indeed collect for the Student loan co I then hung up - tired after an hour's inquistition of idiots.

Now I decided to approach the matter from a different direction and phoned the Student Loan co themselves - 3 phone numbers later I eventually managed to speak to a woman who told me that my account was in arrears again because they hadn't deferred the payments - they say because they hadn't received completed forms - this has happened 5 times now.

I then asked them why they employed idiots as their agents and suggested they use agencies that were registered with the FSA (this was not greeted with too much enthusiasm) I was told that NCO do a lot of work for the Student Loan co - to be honest I am not suprised - they obviously can't manage basic admin work such as updating client records.

I am very concerned that after I told Legal and Trade not to call my mother because she is old, they passed her details on to this NCO mob who had no qualms about ringing her.

I am also concerned about the way my account has been dealt with and don't know which way to turn - to be honest I could slit my wrists at the moment because this mob seem to screw up my deferrment every year. I don't need thsi hassle - my health is bad enough (and getting worse). Isn't it about time someone went into the student loan co and kicked proverbial butt?

Why has it taken so long for someone at student loans to tell me they may be able to defer my repayments for 3 years and then write off my loan because I am in receipt of DLA and Incapacity Benefit (which they knew about 8 years ago!).

Surely someone, somewhere can sort these blooming people out because I don't feel able to do it any more. Why can't you contact someone and sort out queries with one phone call in 5 minutes rather than 5 - 10 calls and 2 hours. Do they not realise how much pressure they put on people who - to be honest - are extremely vulnerable? Or is it a case of not giving a damn?

I am fed up with the Student Loans Co and am so angry.

chevalier

sorry this will have to be quick as i am doing tea.
ref mum and her number being given over. you could check with the data protection ombusdman if this is allowed.

ref the deferment and them cocking up the paperwork, did any of it get sent recorded delivery? ie you had proof you sent it. If they have continually messed up perhaps the financial ombusman might be able to help?

just didin't want you to think you were being ignored:D
chev

WesternExpress

Bumping this up and saying good luck. Don't harm ypurself over this, you are worth more than that.

chunderbowl

i dont know if you qualify but look into the "Statute of limitations" Not to sure of the correct details but can get debt written off if have not paid in last 6 years. Best advise is speak to Cit Advice. And keep the wrist clean dude. It aint worth it. I owed shed loads a few years ago and felt like you but cit advice give the best help, and its freeeee. Good luck

missylou_2

Sadly this does not seem to apply to student loans, (on old style loans they appear to be entitled to repayment until the borrower reaches retirement) , and neither do all the other guidelines that seem to form the consumer credit act, as many borrowers are under 18 when they sign their first loan agreement!

Having had much fun with these highly competent individuals since graduation, (nearly 10 years ago) until last month, I would strongly second the above poster who reccomended that all items sent to them are done so by trackable post. Although even when items are signed for they often seem to disapear internally.

Personal exprience has taught me that calling 3-4 times dailly and requesting/insisting on speaking to a team leader, usually leads to the speedy recovery of misplaced items.