Is this the norm?

msflowerfairy

I am in the middle of setting up an IVA with Payplan, and to be honest everything is going quite well. (We had our call this morning) We have only received a couple of letters which have been sent to PP, and any calls are received while we are in work.
I am off on leave today, and took a call this morning from Viva la Diva requesting payment. I told the person that i was going through PP and that they would be in touch in due course. I also told her that a cheque for £20 with a letter explaining the situation had been sent and cashed by the company.
This person demanded an SOA from me, which i declined saying that PP will be in touch, she then also refused to put my reference number onto my records, she was sarcastic, rude, etc etc.
She went to end the call, and i just hung up on her...what was her problem, did i owe the money to her personally??

Is this the norm when it comes to catologues?

Can i tell them that i am recording their call? (Thought this may be fun)

Do i have to answer the phone? (It annoys me for the rest of the day)

gastfo

Of course you can tell them: This call may be recorded. Beat them with their own tricks and if they get frumpy, ask them for their name and threaten them with harrassment, blackmail and extortion. That always works.

You do not have to answer the phone at all. I never answer the phone if number is withheld or unknown to me. They can leave a message on the answerphone if they wish. Screening your calls is good for your well being.

catewithers

Unfortunately this is the norm and it really makes me mad! :mad:

You don't have to answer the phone - we stopped doing so because it was all just too stressful. If you do answer the phone and it is a creditor, simply tell them what you did - that you're dealing with PP setting up an IVA and they will be in touch with you shortly. You can also offer them your reference number if they want it to put on your records. Then tell them that you are not prepared to discuss your account on the phone any longer and want all future communication to be in writing. Then hang up on them!!!!

I'm sure others will be along shortly with more advice! Try not to worry - you're totally doing all the right things.

Crown

Hi, this is a pet hate of mine when it comes to Debts. I hate the phone calls!

You are not legally obliged to have to speak to anyone over the phone. A few tricks Ive picked up are

When they they call and ask you to confirm your name politely tell them that you will not and if there is anything they need to discuss put it in writing. They are not not allowed to continue the conversation if you do not confirm you name and security check details as it is against the Data Protection Act.


As already pointed out tell thewm that you are going to record the conversation. you will be amazed at how there attitudes change and thye try all the old cr@pwhen they think they can bully and itimidate you.

Alternativley if you do not wish to communicate with them at all by telephone then send a copy of this letter:


"Dear

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the telephone calls that I have received from your company.

I am now formally requesting that all further correspondence be made in writing only.

I demand that these phone calls stop immediately. I am familiar with the terms of Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970, and the Protection from Harassment Act 1970 and I believe your harassment places you in breach of these acts.

If you continue to call, you will also be in breach of the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1949) and, as such, I will report you to both Trading Standards and The Office of Fair Trading.

Take further note that continued telephone calls after the receipt of a request not to call may constitute a criminal offence under Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

You will be deemed to have been served notice of my request and I will deem it served by (FULL DATE), I am advising you that any calls received after this date will be recorded with the intention of them being used as evidence.


Yours faithfully,"

---

This normally does the trick. Good luck wth it and dont let them Bully you. you have rights!

msflowerfairy

Thanks Guys,

I thought i was probably doing the right thing, but these people always seem to make you feel so rubbish about yourself...how do they do that??!!

I will print off your comments and put them by my phone for support during my next call LOL!!

Bring it on!!!