Tax credits overpayments/Rossendale Debt collectors.

Hayzi

Spoke to someone from Rossendale earlier today. I told them that £50 was all we could afford to pay. They refused and more or less said a bailiff will be calling soon if I do not make an offer to clear this debt within 3 months. I said the bailiff has no powers as this has not been to court yet, using a quote from sourcrates post! They replied that they are private bailiffs do not need a court order.

Whats the private bailiff stuff all about? More scare tactics?

So, if they do come round can they force entry, or gain entry if someone opens the door to them?

Regards...

Grumpyoldmoo

Hi, we had a tax credits overpayment of £1100 & are paying back HMRC at a rate of £30 per month. Phone HMRC, they are very understanding/reasonable on the phone, make sure you have all your paperwork to hand when you contact them.

Hayzi

Grumpyoldmoo wrote: »

Hi, we had a tax credits overpayment of £1100 & are paying back HMRC at a rate of £30 per month. Phone HMRC, they are very understanding/reasonable on the phone, make sure you have all your paperwork to hand when you contact them.

Was your overpayment handed over to a debt collector though?

If so, that is very good to hear.

lhead123

They are not a baliff until it has been to court. A 'private baliff' means a debt collection agency. They cannot force their way into your home, but they may still come to your door and use bully/scare tactics to try to get you to pay sooner.

Stop talking to them on the phone. Send then a letter stating you can only afford £50 a month, you have no legal obligation to give them a breakdown of your finances and you will not be doing that, and also that you will no longer communicate with them by any other method other than in writing. Also make sure they give you bank account details and a reference number that you can do a manual transfer to each month. Do not let them set up a direct debit or a continuous payment authority.

x

rizla_king

Hayzi wrote: »

Spoke to someone from Rossendale earlier today. I told them that £50 was all we could afford to pay. They refused and more or less said a bailiff will be calling soon if I do not make an offer to clear this debt within 3 months. I said the bailiff has no powers as this has not been to court yet, using a quote from sourcrates post! They replied that they are private bailiffs do not need a court order.

Whats the private bailiff stuff all about? More scare tactics?

So, if they do come round can they force entry, or gain entry if someone opens the door to them?

Regards...

Those are complete lies and bullsh!t from Rosendales.

Stop talking to these liars on the phone!!!!!!

Hayzi

Thanks again people.
I'll write a letter tomorrow and send it to them.

Regards...