Young and in debt and not sure what to do

bethanyg_2

Hi, this is my first post here and I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice.

I'm 20, living at home and work as an apprentice administrator, so not much cash coming in.

I need to save enough money to learn to drive, as I won't be able to move into the job I want to without a car.

However, last September I decided to go away to university after finishing my A Levels, hated it and came home after 6 weeks. As a result I now owe roughly £2000 to student finance and my university. I'm not sure how to go about paying student finance as they keep changing their mind about who is handling my debt, one minute it's the Student Loans Company, the next it's their pseudo-debt collection agency Smith Lawson. And my letters to them keep "getting lost in the post". Do you have any ideas about how to pin them down and ensure I'm paying to the right company?

Also, I'm having problems with my sister stealing my money from me She's been using my card and has stolen, in all about £1000. I've changed my card details but how would I find out what she's signed my account up to? There's things like her mobile phone and bingo sites on my statements...

I need to clear this debt and save some money, so any ideas of how I could do this would be brilliant!

Thank you!

redsaxon

smith lawson is the trading name of the student loan company and they will handle collection if you fall into arrears there contact details are here http://www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=93,3867513&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
(sorry if im not supposed to post external links)
As for your sister...i would call the police to start with! or she wont learn a thing

vuvuzela

Can you check the direct debits online for your account ? If not then go to a branch and they will be able to print off a list. Also, go to https://www.experian.co.uk and https://www.equifax.co.uk and pay the statutory £2 fee for a copy of your credit report.
If you don't have a good relationship with your sister, then consider going to the police to report the theft/fraud. Might have other consequences on relationships within your family though.

bethanyg_2

Going to the police isn't an option, we're quite close and my mum has health problems, so I don't want to cause a scene. I have, however, re-ordered my bank statements so I can add up what she owes me and send her a bill

The student loans company thing is just confusing me, I've heard people say never to agree to things over the phone as calls won't get logged, but letters never seem to arrive? I'm not sure how to go about setting up a regular monthly payment to them.

Thank you so much for your replies!

redsaxon

I wouldnt suggest setting up an agreement over the phone if youre unsure,but at least if you call them you can find out who you are supposed to be paying and when and that shows that your trying to clear the debt before it gets even higher.

Niv

If you have online banking you will be able to see all the DD set up on your account, also you can cancel them online. This would be the simplest way to see what your sister has signed your card/account up for.

bargainbetty

Personally, I'd go online and open a new account that she has no access too at all, not even the account number, and transfer all my own DDs and payments to it - in and out. Close the old account and tell her why.

Ask for a copy of the phone agreement - if that is in your name, call to get it cancelled/reduced and take the phone off her. Sell it to recover your losses. Shut down every other thing that is on the account. Check she hasn't opened other credit accounts/catalogues etc in your name. Check you credit file. Tell her quite frankly that she owes you every penny and will be repaying it, starting immediately. If she tries to take any more money from your account (old or new) you will report her for fraud and theft. She does not have your consent to do it, and if necessary say this by email.

That way, if/when she tries again, you have proof when she screws up your credit that it was her and not done with your consent. This isn't just about her being a bit naughty. She is a thief. I understand giving her a chance, but this was it. You may have to report her to the police - she is unlikely to change unless you force the consequences upon her.

Get your accounts away from her. Ask to collect the card from the bank, so she doesn't get your details, and have all the statements online. Change your password regularly and make sure she knows that you are watching it.

With the student loan, send them each a letter by recorded delivery. When they have signed for it, they are more likely to reply.

Good luck, and I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but there are plenty of people on here who have been chased for years over debts that family members ran up in their names. Don't be one of them. x

DCFC79

Dont leave your cards on view, hide them or keep them somewhere thats locked. You could also do as bargainbetty says and get a complete new account but dont leave your card lying around.

Barbeduk

Fab advice from bargainbetty, I'd do it ASAP if I were you. You sister sounds like a right little madam.

bethanyg_2

I'm not going to the police about her, we're trying to sort it out through the family, and she moved out recently so will have no access to the new card.

Thank you for all the advice though, it's much appreciated

bargainbetty

I didn't say go to the police now, but definitely threaten her with it. She needs to understand this was outright theft and must have a consequence. The debts run up must be repaid to you.

If she does it again, and leaves you with unmanageable debt, you may have no choice. You will have to report it as fraud/theft, or pay the debt, regardless of how much it is or how long it takes.

I hope that it can be worked out throught the family, for everyone's sake.

Best of luck.