Debt Free Direct advert

scootw1

I have seen the advert for Debt Free Direct a few times in the last few weeks and started thinking about it. Am I the only one to think that the Advertising Standards Agency should step in and look into it?

Why I say this is:

1. They say you can wipe out up to 75% of your debts. yes, this does happen in some cases but is a little misleading as some people end up paying a lot more than k this back (I got rid of 33 %)

2. They say you can be debt free in sixty months. Some IVAs state that they can be extended another 6 months

3. "It won't cost you a penny" which is blatantly wrong as you end up paying for their services from the money in the IVA.

Any comments?

Bargain_Rzl

Much as I hate these ads anyway:

(1) and (2) are true. They can write off up to 75% of the debt and you might be able to be out of your IVA in 60 months (though I object to "60 months" - do they think this sounds better than FIVE YEARS!???)

(3), you do absolutely have a point. I was watching one of these ads the other day and thought the same thing. I think it's worth writing to Advertising Standards on that point alone (though I suppose DFD could argue that it doesn't cost anything because you still end up paying back less than you owed when you started

scootw1

Okay, points 1 and 2 may be true but they are a bit misleading. i have now lodged a complaint with the ASA so will let you all know if there is an outcome from that

Broken_hearted

I dislike all adverts like this but when they ask do you have debts over £15,000 I enjoy saying no.

HazelEyes_3

scootw1 wrote:

Okay, points 1 and 2 may be true but they are a bit misleading. i have now lodged a complaint with the ASA so will let you all know if there is an outcome from that

Good idea - at the very least the company will have the hassle of replying to the ASA (who also take into account the number of complaints so if others feel the same way perhaps they should also complain). The website is www.asa.org.uk

scootw1

Had a letter from the ASA this morning. They said they won't be investigating the first two points but there is another company being investigated for the 75% claim.

They are, however, taking the third point further about the claim it "doesn't cost you a penny". So we have a result there anyway.

I'll keep you all posted.

bank_of_slate

Good for you Scoot, I have 1 day a week at home and every other advert is for one of these !@£&%$*&!! companies, even on the cartoon channels.
I hope all their director's legs turn green and fall off.
...Linda xx

PS I have also logged a complaint about this advertisement on the online form, thanks for your link Hazeleyes.

scootw1

martin, if you read this perhaps you would like to comment?

scootw1

An update for you all:

had a letter from the ASA this morning about this advert. i will quote:

"Assessment of complaint
Upheld

The ASA noted that, in an IVA, debtors did not pay fees separate;y but that fees were consolidated into their monthly repayments. However, we considered that the claim "it won't cost you a pennt" implied there were no costs associated with an IVA. because we understood that was not the case, we concluded the claim was misleading.

The ad breached CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards Code rules 5.1 (Misleading advertising), 5.1.1 (Evidence) and 5.2.3 (qualifications).

Action
The ad must not be broadcast again in its current form."

I would say that is a result.

skylight

Great result! You know, I never even thought of complaining, just got wound up!


Also, have you read the small print on the adverts??

This MAY result in your credit rating being affected.

Sorry, but it was my understanding that of course it will affect your credit rating!

Joek_2

Wow! Fantastic result scootw1.

Now if we can get the ASA to investigate Carol Vorderman (possibly for crimes against fashion and common sense...), then it'll be a great day for justice!