Debt Recovery Plus - not a member of the CSA?

Herzlos

I don't see any mention of DRP on http://www.csa-uk.com/consumer/our-members/

I was under the impression that UK debt collectors have to be registered with them - Is that correct?

If so, does that mean DRPs debt collection activities are illegal?

I do notice that their website only claims membership of BPA and IPC, which means it's acting as a parking company, but presumably that'd only allow it to contact it's own visitors and not those of other parking companies?

Redx

everything I have read about that topic on here over the last couple of years indicated they dropped membership of the CSA (or were never in it)

a forum search may turn up more info

fermi

Herzlos wrote: »

I was under the impression that UK debt collectors have to be registered with them - Is that correct?

No, not compulsory.

Herzlos

So there's no compulsary membership of a debt collections association or regulatory body?

Where would any complaints regarding malpractice go?

fermi

Only for FCA regulated debt. Even then CSA membership is not compulsory. It's pretty amazing in this day and age.

Get this problem with unregulated accounts over on DFW etc. Those companies don't have to use a FCA authorised collector or one in a TA. They often do, but do not have to.

Complaints is a problem with those. Fall back on Trading Standards under things like CPUTR etc is about the most you can often do. Obviously if collecting on behalf of a company and they are regulated or bound by a TA code etc that makes them responsible for the conduct of the agents they employ, then you can try via that route.

fermi

http://www.csa-uk.com/assets/documents/compliance-and-guidance/code_of_practice.pdf

The Credit Services Association (CSA) is a trade
association representing the debt collection and
debt purchase industry and related sectors. The
CSA acts as the voice of the collections industry
and Membership of the CSA is a kite mark of
high standards. Businesses join the CSA to show
their commitment to these high standards.

The ones with 'lower standards' won't bother to join.

fermi

This sort of issue came up with collection of water bills recently.

http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/water-companies-given-greater-debt-collection-freedoms/1165582

Previously Ofwat told them they could not use unregulated collectors.

Now they can, but Ofwat

“encourage companies to contractually oblige their recovery agents to follow FCA guidelines when acting on their behalf” in a move to protect customers.