We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

demands for proof of illness letters

Hi peeps

I have several outstanding debts on credit cards. I recently sent out an updated financial statement showing that I could only realistically afford a token payment of £5 per month which I have been paying for over a year now without fail.

Restons solicitors on behalf of MBNA have written stating that they want proof of my illness which is anxiety and stress which occurred during a domestic violent marriage.

The question is can they actually insist of me providing this information? I have had to contact my doctor requesting that he write me a letter. I feel that this is an invasion of my privacy and do not feel comfortable with giving them this information but they have stated that if I do not give them this information by the 25th May they will proceed with legal action...this has made me feel more anxious even though I know that I will not go to court, and its not a criminal offence etc....

any ideas anyone??

thanks

bf
Total debt £[STRIKE]37864.78 [/STRIKECOLOR=purple][FONT=Arial Narrow][SIZE=1 [/STRIKE][STRIKE] £31681.03[/STRIKE] -[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]£16700
Paid off so far.....[STRIKE]£15495.84[/STRIKE]£20364
«1

Comments

  • bengal-stripe
    bengal-stripe Posts: 3,358 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    ......they want proof of my illness which is anxiety and stress.........I feel that this is an invasion of my privacy and do not feel comfortable with giving them this information

    But it must have been you in the first place, who’d mentioned anxiety and stress.

    Or did the solicitors plug that out of thin air?
  • redpete
    redpete Posts: 4,763 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    If you are using a medical condition as a reason for changing the agreed repayment schedule on a debt then why shouldn't the lender expect to see some evidence that what you claim is correct?
    loose does not rhyme with choose but lose does and is the word you meant to write.
  • KingElvis
    KingElvis Posts: 4,100 Forumite
    MBNA are always keen to collect their debts, they've been warned in the past about it by the powers that be.

    To save trouble, and if you can get it, I would just give them what they want and let them chew on it.

    Good luck........
    "We want the finest wines available to humanity, we want them here, and we want them now!"
  • chattychappy
    chattychappy Posts: 7,302 Forumite
    It's not really an invasion of your private life - you have already given these reasons to them. They are simply asking for evidence.
  • burntfingers_2
    burntfingers_2 Posts: 472 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    But it must have been you in the first place, who’d mentioned anxiety and stress.

    Or did the solicitors plug that out of thin air?


    Yes I told them that I was a victim of domestic violence and that I was finding it difficult to cope with everyday life and that I couldn't bring myself to speak about the situation over the telephone.
    Total debt £[STRIKE]37864.78 [/STRIKECOLOR=purple][FONT=Arial Narrow][SIZE=1 [/STRIKE][STRIKE] £31681.03[/STRIKE] -[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]£16700
    Paid off so far.....[STRIKE]£15495.84[/STRIKE]£20364
  • chanz4
    chanz4 Posts: 11,057 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Xmas Saver!
    it only strenghthens your case for lower payments, it could really help a lot
    Don't put your trust into an Experian score - it is not a number any bank will ever use & it is generally a waste of money to purchase it. They are also selling you insurance you dont need.
  • brewerdave
    brewerdave Posts: 8,985 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Try thinking about your situation logically from their point of view - if you were owed money by a third party would YOU accept such an excuse with no supporting evidence???
  • Dave101t
    Dave101t Posts: 4,157 Forumite
    invasion of your privacy, you realise your using THEIR money?
    Target Savings by end 2009: 20,000
    current savings: 20,500 (target hit yippee!)
    Debts: 8000 (student loan so doesnt count)

    new target savings by Feb 2010: 30,000
  • redpete
    redpete Posts: 4,763 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Yes I told them that I was a victim of domestic violence and that I was finding it difficult to cope with everyday life and that I couldn't bring myself to speak about the situation over the telephone.

    A doctor's letter could well give away less information about you than you have told them yourself.
    loose does not rhyme with choose but lose does and is the word you meant to write.
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 30,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Unfortanately there are a lot of people that make fradulent claims.
    They can simply not take your word at face value.
    I am not sure in what way this is an invasion if you have already told them the problem.
    Just agree to the letter.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.