'IVA Checkline' Spam letter?

wetweekend

I've heard all sorts of warnings about these 'mail-outs' from various sources advising to steer well-clear, which I fully intend to do for my own peace of mind.

Today, a year into my IVA, I've received a letter from IVA checkline

But I just wondered, has anyone had any (even slightly) positive experiences regarding these companies that tout promises of 'up to 100% legal debt write off' and '...you can be debt free in 6 months', as the letter I have quotes.

I've had a quick look at their website and it's just looks like any other IVA company.

:question:

Find_The_Real

Personally I don't think anyone can have a positive experience when they are spammed from the Insolvency Register and I would certainly approach companies such as this with extreme caution and scepticism.

The 6 months bit alludes to bankruptcy which is now incorrect as AD is now a year regardless and also says that you can start a credit repair in 12 months, which as everyone knows bankruptcy is still generally 6 years before anyone will think of touching you.

It's these sort of companies that should be closed down as people who are maybe desperate are likely to think they are ok and use their services, without realising they are being given the wrong advice for their situation.

milliemonster

Let's be clear, there is only one way of legally writing off 100% of your debt and that is bankruptcy.

I am sure that there are people who have taken out Ivas that perhaps bankruptcy would have been a better option, but if you decide bankruptcy is the better option, would you rather pay one of these companies a coule of grand to do it for you, or do it yourself and just pay the £750 fee (or whatever it is)

National_Debtline

There have been several companies that have purported to help people within an IVA over the years, many of which have got themselves into hot water by behaving in a misleading fashion. Here's an example from several years ago: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/ivacouncilmessage.htm

I've not heard of IVA Checkline; I'm not suggesting for a moment that their actions are misleading in any way. That said, I wouldn't suggest stopping your IVA unless you've sought further advice from your Insolvency Practitioner and, if you require a second opinion, a recognised debt advice organisation. Its important to remember that an IVA is a legally binding agreement, and that you should really ensure that you consider all implications before you decide to bring it to an end.

Where bankruptcy is a legitimate route, as the others have said it's quite simple to complete the application process yourself - or have assistance via a debt advice charity at no cost.

Best wishes,

David @ NDL.

wetweekend

Many thanks for the responses.

That's pretty clear, which is why love this forum

DorisTrousers

IVA Checkline are registered in Bournemouth, as, coincidentally, are a lot of historical companies that seem to have done this type of work, effectively ambulance chasing the Insolvency Register to persuade people out of IVA's and into Bankruptcy, for, assumedly, a nice fat fee .

Interestingly, shielded does not say how he or she found IVA Checkline or what their fees were.

Anyway, a quick poke about the internet confirms that they do hold an interim permission from the FCA, and gives you the name of a director, which I won't divulge here. A further trawl reveals 3 people with exactly the same first name, middle name, surname and year of birth as being directors in the Bournemouth area. Two of them have a long history of acting as directors of dissolved or liqudated companies, including a Debt Rescue firm, and an online self assessment firm which can still be accessed even though it is listed as dissolved, that seems very similar to the Government tax websites in style. The 3rd one seems not to have had such a colourful career. I bet he must be fuming at the sheer coincidence of having such bad luck as to be possibly mistaken for the other two extremely unlucky directors with the same full name and year of birth in the same locality. Some very unkind people may even wonder if it was the same man. Not me though, absolutely not.

As ever, make your own mind up as to any next step you may or may not be considering.