Final Payment Reminders + Other Problems.

jimpix12

Hi all

My debit card was skimmed a few days ago, meaning my rental payments which are due tomorrow cannot now be paid. I'm in the process of having them recovered, but obviously this will take time with the bank, whilst they investigate.
Anyway, long story short, I've got to pay my electricity bill which I've been putting off since.. erm.. November of last year. :rolleyes:

I cannot afford to spend a penny more than necessary, so I'm putting this off. I just don't want the bailiffs to come round, they've already sent me letter after letter. What is the best course of action for me to take?

I also owe DHL around £50, and they are sending in final demands on a daily basis almost.

Do you think I should just ignore them, and pay when I can ... Or ring up the debt companies and "discuss" this? I'll be able to pay within two weeks maximum anyway, even if my bank don't refund it.

Finally, the most important question: What should I do about paying my rent? I'm thinking of changing the standing order payment date and hoping the Letting Agent won't notice.

Thanks so much for any advice here! :T

immoral_angeluk

You need to tell the creditors involved that you're having problems. Your electric company are likely to cut you off if you don't sort it out soon. Owing DHL £50 is the least of your worries but at least let them know what's going.
Don't worry about bailiffs just yet.. they'll need to have gone to court and got a CCJ against you first but you'd know if that would've happened.
Try calling the CCCS or citizens advice for help and advice on what to do as well.

jimpix12

Hi, Thanks for the quick reply

I just rung up Powergen and said I could make payment by next Wednesday. She was quick to add that it MUST be paid then, I'm wondering if they will then cut off the supply if I don't? It's not a huge problem, I can always borrow this if I need to.

Now, back to the rent... Scary

immoral_angeluk

The scariest bit is hiding your head in the sand. if you call them you often feel a lot better afterwards...

MrsTinks

Call the letting agents and tell them what has happened - ask them for a few weeks extension on the rent payment - they may be sympathetic! After all it's not your fault the money was stolen and the bank is beign slow returning it. But tell them! Just changing the standing order date will NOT impress them! And I can almost guarantee they will notice it's not come in on time... (used to work as a lettings negotiator and we had a few managed properties - I can tell you we knew exactly what had come in and what hadn't!)
And then chase the bank! lots!

davek1

if you dont pay anything else rent, light, gas , council tax are the musts. anything else can wait. Do contact ALL your creditors now and explain the situation. Most will be sympathetic. if possible get a letter of confirmation from the banks.

was the skimming in this country or abroad? If in this country report it to the Police and get a crime reference number ( even if the banks tell you not to) it strengthens your argument to your creditors.

Fully agree with others hound the banks for your money and quickly.

Dave