Help needed with Scotcall/debt please!

treblec

Hi all,

i'd like some advice on the above company and this debt in general please, a little background for you first.

A good few years ago my wife got a credit card from her bank at the time, Lloyds TSB, and used it, and eventually got into a bit of trouble with it. She fell behind with payments and the debt wa passed on to a company called Scotcall who i have today googled and been more than a little shocked.

She agreed at the time to make a payment of £50 a month which she did every month, then on her own back upped this payment to £100 a month to try to clear the debt.

This has been going on for about 6 years or so now, with virtually no contact from Scotcall regarding balance or anything. A few days ago she received a letter saying they are not collecting future payments and their client will be in touch shortly to make alternate arrangements. The letter head shows an outstanding balance of nearly £11000 which is way way beyond what the original debt was, and seeing as they have had £100 month for years really upset me.

My wife did end up in trouble yes, but she's very proud and actually wanted to clear the debt properly, but it looks as though this is just nigh on impossible to do this way. Her credit rating is obviously down the pan anyway and she's not fussed about that as she's had enough of borrowing. Is there any better way of dealing with this mess?

Thanks

Jamie

fermi

When the "client" gets in touch I would demand that they provide a copy of the agreement terms and a breakdown of the account, payments, interest/charges applied etc.

See this link for alternate ways to formally request that info if required --> Getting information about your credit agreement

treblec

Thanks for that.

I take it that we're pretty much at the mercy of the new creditors though in terms of whats owed and interest?

I have always believed that if a debts run up you should try your best to pay, my wife is also of this mindset, nd believe me, she has done so here, but i just think that the amount already paid out here compared to the original debt is ridiculous given the balance now of £10800.

As said it was about 6 years ago but i'm pretty sure the original debt on the card was around 6-7000, i just cannot fathom how after £100 a month for 70 odd months she can "owe" £10800.

Is there any other way of dealing with this?

Thanks again

Jamie

fermi

Well, as said you need to get a breakdown of the interest and charges added. And what has been paid off.

Any new creditor is only allowed to add on those if allowed in the original agreement, or that represent actual and necessary costs of collection. They can't just add on any amount that they please.

treblec

Thanks Fermi, sorry to be a pain but should i ask Scotcall for the info based on the "old" account, the new creditor or both?

Cheers

Jamie

happy_bunny_2

Try both, but if they sold the account they might just forward on the request to the new owner.

You have rights to statements of account, which is seen as a reasonable request.

I wouldn't pay them a bean until I get this.

They should include it also with the CCA request, but the level of detail might not be what you need.

propertygem

Recieved a letter this morning threatening to send the debt collector.
I set my phone to record the conversation and called the number.
I was told my previous address and asked if id ever had credit with additions catalogue. I confirmed these but told the lady I had cleared the debt. She wasn't actually nasty or intimidating. I told her id had legal advice to ask for proof of this debt and also advised that they can't pursue me as its been over 6yrs. She corrected me and said they can ask me to pay but not take legal action. I finished the call by telling her no representative or collection agency is permitted to access my property and therefore would be trespassing.
Job done

pauletruth

really wish it was that easy. you need to do that in writing by recorded delivery. first you need them to admit its statute barred. then they can't take you to court. however you still owe them the money unless in scotland. forget about the doorstep collector. not a big deal.

plus start a new thread.

spacey2012

When the new lender writes, demand proof of claim.
That they can prove what they are claiming is owed and they hold the correct paper work and original signed agreements.
It is very hard to obtain a CCJ where a written proof of claim demand has not be satisfied .