Timeframe Debt Collectors Can Call at your House

tortmad

I owe about one thousand pounds to a catalouge. I am not disputing it and have tried to sort out a repayment plan.

The company (Reliable Collections) agreed with me that i could pay 30 a month, I set up a direct debit and the first direct debit they tried to collect was for 80 which they tried to collect 4 days earlier than the date agreed. I ended up owing the bank 60 in charges. This was at Christmas which really caused me problems. I can't afford this. I phoned them and they were adamant that this was the correct date and amount, even though I had a letter from them in front of me with the correct date and amount!! We ended up having a huge argument and nothing was resolved. I phoned again and tried to set up the agreement again and they were really unreasonable.

I got a letter from them on Monday saying they would be calling tonight between 6 and 9. I don't know what to do, can anyone help with a bit of advice please.

Thanks so much.

Tixy

They are likely to call as in phone your house rather than call knock on the door. These letters are usually intentionally vague to frighten you in to panicking and phoning them.

If they do turn up on the doorstop (and its fairly unlikely) and you can be bothered to answer just ask them to leave - they have no rights to refuse to leave if you ask them to. Just say you have no intention of discussing any debt or financial issue with them on the doorstep.

There is a template letter you can send to take away their ability to visit you at home at all - although obviously its a bit too late to stop a potential visit today.

tortmad

Thanks for the reply. The letter definitely said they were calling at the house tonight between 6 and 9. I thought if someone comes to see me then maybe I can sort this out. Now I'm thinking they might just try and bully me and I'm a bit scared. I just want to get this paid. I'm not trying to avoid paying and thought I had agreed a repayment but they didn't stick to the agreement and caused me more debt. I will send the letter tomorrow and phone them again to try and agree an affordable repayment plan. They forced me to agree to the 30 even though I can't afford 30 a month. I have a tight budget but i would have cut back on something to pay this.

Tixy

I would not pay them by DD for the very reason that you've experienced.

I'd suggest writing to them setting out how much you can afford each month and asking for either their bank details, or a paying in book so that you can make payments by standing order or via paying in book.

If you write also include the text from this letter http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=23635529&postcount=60

tortmad

Thanks for your help. I will do that. I won't set up another direct debit with them.

happy_bunny_2

You could also invoke your DD guarantee with your bank using your letter as evidence. You should get your charges back I think and maybee the 80 quid which you can then repay to the DCA. Don't take any crap as its stated in black and white.

happy_bunny_2

Also, how old is he catalogue account you mention and who with?