Full and final rejected by wescott

Bic_2

This is the first time I have ever posted something on a forum, so I'll try not to screw it up.

I have been trying to outrun a debt from RBS which was passed on to Wescot for the last 3-4 years now, but I have finally decided to try and be rid of it. I havent communicated with them in any shape or form until last week when I sent a full and final settlement offer. I proposed a one off payment of 39% of the £1593.84 total. They didn't go for it. Instead replied with:

"We are advised by our client that your settlement proposal is unacceptable. However, providing payment is received within 14 days, our client will accept a partial payment of £1115.69 in full and final settlement and you Credit Reference File will be updated accordingly."

Any advise on what my next move should be?

Wescot say they are acting for RBS, so should I go straight to RBS?

Should I write back with a counter offer or ask for a CCA to sort out who owns the debt?

Sorry I am a bit dim about all this, but there are so many posts out there which date back quite far, I don't know what info is up to date and valid.

Any advice would much appreciated.

Cheers

stupot_99

So you offered £620 which is 39% and they came back with 70% at £1115 try 50% as a counter offer and see what they say. Have you asked for proof of your liability for this debt or is that not in dispute.

Willing2Learn

Bic wrote: »

I have been trying to outrun a debt from RBS which was passed on to Wescot for the last 3-4 years now, but I have finally decided to try and be rid of it. I haven't communicated with them in any shape or form until last week when I sent a full and final settlement offer. I proposed a one off payment of 39% of the £1593.84 total.

Should I write back with a counter offer or ask for a CCA to sort out who owns the debt?

Hi Bic and welcome to the forum.


I am confused with your post. You state at the beginning you have been trying to "out-run" this debt. This implies that you accept this debt is yours. You have also acknowledged the debt by writing to Wescot and making an offer.

You then go on to ask whether you should ask "for a CCA to sort out who owns this debt".

Are you in doubt as to whether the debt is yours???

Or are you asking whether the debt is owned by Wescot or RBS whilst acknowledging that the debt is yours?

Bic_2

Hey Willing2learn, thanks for getting back to me.

"Or are you asking whether the debt is owned by Wescot or RBS whilst acknowledging that the debt is yours?"

I guess I was asking should I find out if the debt is owned by RBS or Wescott? And does that make a difference?

Too be honest, I don't what a CCA is, I just keep reading posts where people have had their debts written off because of it, and I was hoping that it could be applicable to me.

I knew I would screw this first post up. Damm it.

The debt originated from the reoccurring bank charges, which I was trying to get struck off. But when the banks won in court, like an idiot I just left it and tried to ignore it. The original debt was under £1000, but has over time escalated to £1593.84. I know I have handled this really badly, and now I am just trying to make the best out of a bad situation.

Willing2Learn

Hi Bic,

Contact RBS and ask them to confirm whether the debt has been assigned to Westcot as you would like to settle the account. (Best to do this in writing).

It may be that RBS still own the debt but have authorised Westcot to collect. Depending on who is handling the debt you may want to make a further offer of settlement. Important for you to state that any offer accepted by them is not marked on your credit report as "Partial Settlement" and that you require confirmation of this in writing. They may or may not accept this request.

And you are not "screwing" any posts up. You are asking perfectly reasonable questions.....

fatbelly

RBS still own the debt and Wescot are acing as a go-between on it.

They will get a cut of what gets agreed between you.

Can you afford 50% - £800 in round figures?

You can phone at this stage to finesse the deal but make sure you get confirmation in writing. They do seem to be using the phrase 'full & final settlement' so that's good.

Bic_2

Thank you for all the feed back everyone. I'll try £800 and see if they bite. Wish me luck.

Bic_2

I don't suppose anyone has any letter templates for re'negotiating a full and final settlement offer?

I suck at writing formal letters.

forgotmyname

Just keep it simple.

I have been contacted by wescot regarding debt..account number etc....

They have suggested a full and final settlement of ££££. I can not afford this. But a family member has offered me £££ if it clears the debt in full.

Just keep it simple along those lines. Maybe mention Banruptcy.. If they think your contemplating that they may take less.

Willing2Learn

National Debtline - Factsheet | Full & Final Settlement offers
The factsheet above gives both advice and guidance. It also includes a template.

Good luck!


Edit:

Bic wrote: »

I suck at writing formal letters.

I typically start letters to DCAs with the salutation "Dear fascist bully-boy"

(Just in case, this is a JOKE, a weak attempt at humour and should not be used in actual correspondence with a DCA)

Bic_2

Thank you for the additional help. Awesome to see 'willing to learn' quoting from the young ones.

So, I went back to Wescott with an offer of 50% which they declined, replying by recorded mail with the following statement.

"We would advise you our clients are unable to accept your settlement proposal but as previously advised they are prepared to accept a partial payment of £1115.69 in full and final settlement of your account, the offer to remain open for a further period of ten days. Alternatively, we will accept repayment of the full balance outstanding by installments."

Any ideas?

I can't really afford their proposal at the moment. Is it best to offer a small fee per month until the world ends?

Also, there is a chance I may be emigrating to canada. Does anyone know whether this kind of thing will show up and tarnish a visa application?