1st Credit/Connaught Collections

cathryn01

Hello

I wanted to share my 'experience' of 1st Credit with you all, and hopefully some of you can avoid the un-necessary distress that it has caused myself and my family.

First of all- yes I do owe the money, and second- I have not been able to make regular payments.

Last week I had two documents couriered to me- Statutory Demand under the Insolvency Act. Needless to say I was extremely upset with their threatening letters and phoned them. I was basically told that because I had ignored letters and phone calls that they would make me bankrupt on principal. I asked what they stood to gain as I have no assetts, I said I had a washing machine and a microwave- they replied that they would take them. They gave me seven days to put together a financial statement. In that seven days I have fallen out with all of my family, shouted at my children, and frequently burst into tears as I walked around the house, wandering what else they would take- the bed, the childrens toys etc. I am on anti depressants as it is- the past week I have taken double and wondered how was the best way to end it all.

Today, I was reading on here, and called CCCS. I spoke to a man who was wonderful, I have taken his advice and taken the first steps through their debt remedy. I expected to be crying on the phone in shame today to CCCS, I came off the phone and cried tears of joy that there was a realistic solution to deal with this problem.

1st Credit are awful, they are scare mongering cowboys who want you to borrow more money to pay them. I wish I had phoned CCCS sooner. If anyone else is being harrassed by them, please seek advice from a professional and do not let it ruin your relationships like it did with me, please.

Sorry it is so long winded, and God, if you are reading, Thank you so much.

mojo-jojo_2

Hi there,

finding this site has also been a godsend to me. I suffer depression and anxiety and often don't feel 'up to' posting, but reading other's experiences have shown me I wasn't alone (I used to think I was the only one stupid enough to be in such a bad financial state). The first time I phoned CCCS I cried so much down the phone that they couldn't understand a word I was saying. I had to compose myself and try again, I still cried and felt embarrassed/ashamed but they were so helpful, it was such a relief.
I haven't had dealings with the same creditor as you, but many of mine were awful, harrassing me at all times of the day and sunday mornings (ahem Halifax), using lots of 'threats' that I now know (from reading on here) are a complete load of old twaddle!

I hope you manage to get things sorted

mjjj xx

scooterwife

we've also had dealings with first credit,so I know what you are going through and yes, they can be very very nasty (except for one bloke I spoke to who must have been work experience cos he was quite nice and human!:rotfl: ). We are currently in a DMP with CCCS and they have been very supportive, not judging, just helping. (DFD currently 2032!!!:eek: )

But through reading up on here and 'lurking' we realised that most of what they do is frighten you to make you pay them!
They used to phone us every day, threaten us with legal action, and demand that we borrow money from relatives etc to pay them. They "suggested" that we take another loan through a related company.
we finally got fed up with being made to feel guilty, and said "yes okay, whatever, just do what you like, this is what we can pay, take it or leave it"

We are currently making payments and it has gone a bit quiet. (hope they aren't planning any big surprises thats all)

Sorry, I've rambled a bit, I just wanted to say don't let them make you feel small and stupid, you are doing your best to deal with it. Be proud of yourself!

cathryn01

Hi

Thanks for your replies, exactly like you said mjjj, you think you are alone until you come here. I have done the debt remedy and I have got to call them back- so already I am thinking bankruptcy, but so be it if it is- at least I know now that the washing machine is safe!!

And yes scooterwife, at least I am now doing my best to deal with it.

Thanks again to you all xx

RAS

Cathryn

Can I suggest that you look at the OFT guidelines on Debt Collection, for a Debt Collection Agency and report this mob to the OFT, the Trading standards closest to their office, the FSA and write to your local MP.

You very fortunately spoken to CCCS but this sort of false threat could push people too far and these bullies need to be stopped.

And if BK is the way forward, head over the the BK and Living with it board, where you will find lots of lovely folk who have been through it all and can help you.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/bus...dit/oft664.pdf