New HFO woes

neilj9570

Hi Everyone,

I know ther is a lot written on here about HFO but can anyone help me please?

I received a letter recently from HFO regarding an old Barclaycard debt. I called these people to try and make an arrangement as I have recently been made unemployed and no way could I repay full amount as they were demanding.

I think I got throught to HFO India, not sure as they didnt answer very professionally and just asked me to confirm my DOB etc.

Once we had established who I was and why I was calling I was subjected to the most un-professional questioning about my debt.

The person who took my call asked very demanding questions about how I had got myself in to so much debt in the first place (serious road traffic accident), how I intended to repay all my existing commitments and why I coudnt repay full amount there and then!!

I got so infuriated with the operator (Shaun I think) that I had to hang up.

I called back and spoke with someone else and eventually after similar questioning I made an offer of £10.00 per month until my cercumstances changed.

They said this was not acceptable and it would be passed to their 'litigation team'.

Sure enough I got a letter a few days later that said as I HADN'T called them they would give me 72hrs notice of litigation.

I called back and once more was probed about current debt, how I would pay my rent etc, etc. The guy was basically encouraging me to stay on the line an he was actually encouraging me to lose my temper!!

I again made an offer of £10.00 per month until I returned to work. He declined this and said I would be taken to court.

I have now received another letter detailing Northampton County Courts fees and their procedure of Litigation over the coming two weeks.

Coincidently, I have a CCJ going back to the time of my accident at Northampton County Court.

Please can anybody help me with what to do next? I dont recall ever being advised of their taking over this debt from Barclaycard.

I have emailed them with my outgoings and have adviswed them that I am currently unemployed.

Many thanks in advance.

Hannah_10

Read this: The Golden Rule and safe payments.

whispywillow

DONT SPEAK TO THEM!!

here is the thread with the template letters to send - make sure you send them recorded delivery so you can prove it has been sent. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/963087

I can sympathise, im having a run through with HFO myself. Not good.

neilj9570

Hi Hannah & Whispy,

I really appreciate your messages. These guys are the worst I have come across. Practicall taunting me on the phone to lose my temper. I will take your advise and not not call them again. Good luck in the future guys. x

whispywillow

P.s, you are under no obligation by law to give them details of your incoming and outgoing money (this has been told to me by another poster) if you are on benefits then all you are required to give them is a token payment, and even the courts (if it gets to that point) will know this. They will know this also, that is why they are panicking trying to get you to pay more. DONT OFFER ANY MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD!! The questions about rent have absolutely nothing to do with them, they are just trying to scare you. When they call say to them:

"I am officially asking for all contact to be made by post". and then put the phone down. After that note all the call times and dates. Make sure you send the letter!

Hannah_10

They are total shtts mate, but here's something that may cheer you up. Do you feel brave?... Having fun with Debitas

neilj9570

Understood. Its great to talk with others who have experienced this lot. Thanks agian. xx

neilj9570

Excelent Hannah :0)

I have had to do something similar with Capquest. They no longer call me x

Hannah_10

How old is the debt? If it was created within the last 6 years of has recoeved a payment in the last 6 years read on. If it's over 6 years old with no payments in that time then stop reading now and let us know.

Ignore that they have declined. Here's what you do...

Write and keep it very short and sweet.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I regret that I was unable to make a payment arangement with you by telephone on (date). I am, as you know, unemployed. I have since taken advice and I am delighted to say I am able to offer you £1 per calendar month, until such time as my circumstances change. If/when my circumstances do change I will inform you. Please find enclosed a (cheque/postal order) for £1 to cover the month of March, serial number (write it in).

Yours Faithfully,


(Never, ever sign this with your hand. Only ever use a typed font).

The author Terry Pratchet describes a character in one of his books as infuriatingly reasonable. Infuriatingly reasonable is the approach you need to master in order to ensure you do not get dragged through court. And that letter above meets the bill I think. I have certainly enjoyed sending it many times.

You see, as long as you are making payments, then they don't have a leg to stand on in court. They know this, they just rely on you not knowing it. Too late, you do now. Which means if you're sending the postal orders (or cheques if you have them) every month without fail then there is exactly nothing they are going to do. Doing anything else would see them out of pocket for costs and they'd gain nothing. They might phone you or write to you, but come back and speak to us again, there will be ways of dealing with that. Every month, without fail, send your £1.

Oh and one more thing. Use registered post. They'll file it straight in the bin if you don't, that £1 is really inconvenient for them.

neilj9570

Hannah, just had a look at my Experian report and it isn't listed on there!! I have not made any payments toward this debt since defaulting.

Hannah_10

How long ago was that?