Overly Aggressive Debt Collector Bailiff

[Deleted User]

steampowered wrote: »

It sounds like the only thing the debt collector did wrong was that he may have been a bit rude to the Op

Perhaps, but isn't that the very nature of his job?

The bailiff will often deliberately disturb non-payers to differentiate those who will not pay from those who cannot.

So I sincerely doubt anything will come of a complaint about alleged "aggression".

NeilCr

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Perhaps, but isn't that the very nature of his job?

The bailiff will often deliberately disturb non-payers to differentiate those who will not pay from those who cannot.

So I sincerely doubt anything will come of a complaint about alleged "aggression".

The bailiff isn’t allowed to force entry

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/stopping-bailiffs/stopping-bailiffs-at-your-door/

Given that the OP says the he was told by the bailiff that he would take goods “whether he was home or not” on the bare facts it would seem that he may have gone beyond rude.

As I said, I’d raise it with the debt charity - it could be part of a pattern. I wouldn’t suggest OP complains directly to Jacobs, himself.

hollydays

I think the comment about “I’ll come and collect it , whether you are there or not” could be upsetting for many people.

[Deleted User]

NeilCr wrote: »

The bailiff isn’t allowed to force entry

I know, but isn't it likely he'd threaten such action in order to intimidate a debtor into paying up?

Certainly nothing I've not heard of before..

I still think a complaint (to whom?) will be futile..

NeilCr

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

I know, but isn't it likely he'd threaten such action in order to intimidate a debtor into paying up?

Certainly nothing I've not heard of before..

I still think a complaint (to whom?) will be futile..

Yep. Of course they do

Doesn’t make it right, though- especially, when they are dealing with vulnerable people (as they often are).

I can only repeat what I said about taking it to the debt charity. We caught out one bailiff because we got the same story about how he was acting from two different clients. We then kept an eye out for other cases. We found a couple - same again and took it to the company. When asked about it it transpired that he had “forgotten” to wear his video recording equipment (mandatory with that particular company) on these visits. They took action.

It may be a long shot but, surely, worth a go. Otherwise the behaviour (and, of course, it isn’t true of all bailiffs) will continue unchecked

Herbie21

John_In_Lincs wrote: »

My original question was should I report this bully of a debt collector?

There is nothing to report.

Taking this following comment of yours into consideration it seems to me that both of you had an argument. A very common situation that happens hundreds of times a day when a bailiff makes an unexpected visit.

He had more than a piece of my mind, but nothing threatening. I basically laid the law down to him. I'm glad I did so, but I must have been in fight mode. I was shaking.

DoaM

And for the uninitiated ... Herbie runs a bailiff helpline so she knows what she's talking about.

unholyangel

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

I know, but isn't it likely he'd threaten such action in order to intimidate a debtor into paying up?

Certainly nothing I've not heard of before..

I still think a complaint (to whom?) will be futile..

They used to threaten such things. But back in 2013 or 2014 I think, there was a change in law for consumer debt. They're now regulated and licensed by the FCA and have guidelines to follow (as well as the changes in the law) if they want to retain their licence.

Part of the changes include that they're supposed to give consideration to any offer you make and take account of your circumstances (so don't push you to make repayments you can't afford or encourage you to take out more credit to pay it off). They also need to give you 7 days notice before they visit (which should include a debt advice leaflet).

They now can't climb through windows either and nor can they enter if there are only children in the property or after 9pm and before 6am. Theres also a bigger list of what they cannot take. Can't contact your neighbours, can't harass you at work etc.


Of course not all enforcement agents are acting as they should be, which is why a lot of the big debt charities called for another reform last year.