Collections Agency Have Made An 'Appointment'...

Angel_Rachie

A collections agency has wrote to me saying they have made an 'appointment' to contact me at home next week.

Do you think this means they are going to call in person at my home?

Do I have to let them in? As iv heard horror stories of people letting bailifs in and then they take their belongings away in a van.

I am a young lady living on my own and struggling with anxiety, the thought of them coming to my home terrifies me.

vax2002

It is a standard policy to frighten the ostrich to take its head out of the sand.
BULL !
Now back to basics:
What do you owe to who and when did you owe it .

Angel_Rachie

I do not want to go into details...frankly i am ashamed iv let things get so bad.
Just wanted to know whether I should let them in my home if and when they come next week.

vax2002

Then I can not help with what I dont know about.
Sorry.

McKneff

You are as anonymous as the next person, no one knows who you are.

We cannot help you if you dont give correct details.

We want to help you you have to help us to do that.

RobertoMoir

Angel_Rachie wrote: »

A collections agency has wrote to me saying they have made an 'appointment' to contact me at home next week.

Do you think this means they are going to call in person at my home?

Do I have to let them in? As iv heard horror stories of people letting bailifs in and then they take their belongings away in a van.

I am a young lady living on my own and struggling with anxiety, the thought of them coming to my home terrifies me.

Well the first question is:
Are they debt collectors or are they bailiffs? Before anyone can tell you anything about what to do next, we need to know that.

Debt collectors have no powers / rights to enter your home, or indeed, remain on your property without your permission. They certainly don't have permission to take anything from your home. If one actually calls then tell them to get lost. Only deal with the debt collection agency in writing.

Bailiffs do not usually have the right to come into your home against your will (but might under certain circumstances). They do usually have the right to attempt something called peaceable entry, and may remove goods from your house should they do this (they could also remove a car you own, if it was parked on your driveway or otherwise obviously yours).

If your problems are with bailiffs then we'll definitely need more details of what the debt is and what precise communications you've had about the debt before we can give you any more advice.

taffy056

You need to give some details on what this debt is, people can't be expected to be able read minds here sorry. The advice is dependent on your reply, if you don't reply with at least a few more details nobody can help you.

Angel_Rachie

RobertoMoir wrote: »

Well the first question is:
Are they debt collectors or are they bailiffs? Before anyone can tell you anything about what to do next, we need to know that.

I am unsure if it is a bailif or collector. The company is called 'Reliable Collections Ltd' if that helps.

RobertoMoir

Angel_Rachie wrote: »

I am unsure if it is a bailif or collector. The company is called 'Reliable Collections Ltd' if that helps.

Help us to help you. What is the debt about? Have you been taken to court? Or were there a lot of letters that looked official that you didn't open because you were avoiding a problem?

I'm not trying to judge you with that, but seriously, you're asking us to solve a riddle in order to help you. I like being helpful but its Saturday night and I've got better things to do than play 20 questions, so... y'know.

Angel_Rachie

RobertoMoir wrote: »

Help us to help you. What is the debt about? Have you been taken to court? Or were there a lot of letters that looked official that you didn't open because you were avoiding a problem?

I'm not trying to judge you with that, but seriously, you're asking us to solve a riddle in order to help you. I like being helpful but its Saturday night and I've got better things to do than play 20 questions, so... y'know.

I do not mean to waste your time.

The debt is about a catalogue and the closing balance is 337.70. I have had three letters from them in the space of a week and they have added lots of admin charges for each letter. I have not been taken to court no,...just a lot of scary looking letters. If there is anything else I can share to help you help me then please say.

Bettingmad

For the good peeps to help you it's better to put as much information in one go about your circumstances. I understand your reluctance however bringing everything to the fore is always best if you can.
For starters they have no right of access to your property, they are debt collectors and not baillifs.Send them the below letter to prevent the home visit.


Dear xxxx
Account Ref xxxx
Please be advised that I will only communicate with you in writing. I have noted your repeated attempts to contact me by telephone over the past few weeks/months and these have been duly logged by time and date.
Furthermore, should it be your intention to arrange a “doorstep call”, please be advised that under OFT rules, you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make an appointment with you.
There is only an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v. Sheppard and Short Ltd [1959] 2 Q.B. per Lord Evershed M.R.).
Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and if you do so, then you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance.
Yours faithfully,


Do you acknowledge the debt? If you do acknowledge the debt you need to make a payment arrangement with the creditor. The first thing they will ask for is a Statement of Affairs (SOA) this lists all your incomings and essential outgoings. You will need to fill this in http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html and format it for MSE and post here. Once you do this people can give you the advice that you surely need as you have already made the first step by making this post. There is a solution for everything.

You also mention that you are ashamed at letting things get so bad, we have all been there but you have to come out to get the help and then things get better. I was there one time but now happy to be tackling my debt.