How did I get a store card?

01k5deda

Hi, I am 20 year old student who two years ago was sucked into the world of the Homebase Store Card. After being approached by a lovely old lady who worked there she persuaded me that I was the perfect candidate to apply for one of their cards. I explained that I was student who was unemployed and that I was worried about meeting the repayments. She said it would be fine and that the charges were minimal if you were late and that they were very cooperative if you were struggling financially. So, like the mug I clearly am, I signed on the dotted line...woops!

Two years later I have an outstanding debt of £322 with the threat of legal action unless I settle the balance in full. What happened?!?! A whole shed-load of charges, that's what happened. With between £12 and £20 for a late payment, and £12 for every letter they send me, despite me asking to only be contacted via email. They have now passed the debt onto Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited, who are being less than helpful by disguising possible litigation letters in envelopes that make you think its junk mail. Why is it that stores are allowed the give credit to people who clearly cant afford the repayments, and is there anything I can do?!?!

HELP!

Wallhart

I agree that credit providers should be responsible when they give out cards etc but here is the big one. So should the customer.

Is there a reason why you didn't meet minimum payments. First thing is to not hide from it. The debt free part of the site will have people who can provide excellent advice.

These people are paid the number of people etc they sign up so will tell you anything to get you to sign on the dotted line.

Pop over to the other part of the forum. Have you got a parent who may be able to bail you out in agreement that you pay them back.

opinions4u

Why is it that stores are allowed the give credit to people who clearly cant afford the repayments

Which brings the obvious response, "why would somebody who is legally an adult be stupid enough to borrow money when they know they clearly can't afford the repayments?"

Who knew your financial position best. You, or the company issuing the card?

Ilona

That was very unfair of the 'lovely old lady', to target an 18 year old to sign up for a Homebase store card. Did she think you might be into decorating or gardening or something. Most 18 year olds are too busy for home improvements and are out enjoying themselves. You must have needed something though because you started using it.

If the debt is yours you will have to pay it. As someone mentioned, have you got a parent who can lend it to you interest free, it isn't a great amount. Try not to do this again. Never ever sign up for anything in the street, or in a shopping arcade, or in a store. Keep your hands in your pockets and walk on by. I don't care what it is, or how attractive it sounds. They are only there to make money out of you, that's all.
Ilona

archer7

You need to take responsibility for this. You are an adult, and you made the decision to borrow the money. You will have signed a contract where you agreed to them charging you/recovering the debt if you don't pay. You even say that you knew you couldn't afford it when you took it out!

Your best option is of course to pay it. Borrowing money from parents is a good idea, or if you have an interest-free student overdraft you could use that. Check out the debt-free wannabe and they'll give you some tips on managing your money so this won't happen again.

KingElvis

Not only that but it will have totally mullered your credit history for 6 years +

[Deleted User]

KingElvis wrote: »

Not only that but i will have totally mullered your credit history for 6 years +

Blimey. Remind me not to get into your bad books.

KingElvis

Deleted_User wrote: »

Blimey. Remind me not to get into your bad books.

I am the credit score terminator :rotfl:

Seriously though, he'll be down into payday territory after these antics with that shady store card.

[Deleted User]

There is another strategy available to him though, assuming he still has the store card...

Go into Homebase.
Buy a hammer.
Pay for the hammer on the store card.
Threaten the cashier with the hammer and demand £322.
Take the £322 to the customer services area and pay off the debt.
Return the hammer unused for a refund.

Probably best to go to a different till for the refund though, in case the poor cashier starts getting nervous.

KingElvis

^^ then report promptly to the nearest police station for a good shellacking.

!!!!!!, I mean really, how did I get a store card? you signed for it ding dong.

Dave101t

woe is me, they keep handing out money and credit cards and loans, i know i cant afford it, but ill take it all anyway!

learn your lesson, why do you think they hire nice old ladies?