Newbie - legit Step Change advisor question

lulu79_2

Hi all, taking the plunge and looking into my debt. I was on the step change website and answered a few questions which then led to an advisor calling me. We had a chat and he said he thought a Trust Deed might be the best option for me but to get the ball rolling I have to send a photo of my drivers licence, 30 days of bank transaction and wage slips. He sent me a message on WhatsApp requesting this info. I got a message from him yesterday even though he was on a day off and he has messaged today asking if it is possible for me to get the documents across today as he really only has until Friday to get things moving. I dont know if I am just feeling nervous and being overly cautious but is this normal?

Really appreciate any advice. I've taken the first steps to deal with this and it has been scary. 
Thanks. 

monetxchange

Can you ring Stepchange directly by finding a number on their official website (check that it's the right website and look for the little padlock in the address bar that denotes it's safe). Check with them if they've requested it.

Have no experience of this, but this sounds highly suspect - maybe they would need documentation, but an advisor sending you a WhatsApp? I can't believe that would be legit. Don't send sensitive docs until you're certain. If it's all legit, it doesn't hurt to be cautious and check.

EDIT: This link from the Stepchange website confirms this is a scam. They state they would never use an app to text you. Do not send any info to these scammers. https://www.stepchange.org/staysafe.aspx

lulu79_2

Oh my gosh I'm so glad I have been cautious. I feel really silly. In so glad I didnt give away information. Thank you so much. 

Sncjw

How did this happen in the first place please. 

lulu79_2

I explained in my original post how this happened. It would appear it was not a step change site that i did the quick survey. It led to an advisor (turns out not legitimate) calling me to discuss how they could help me.
I didnt submit any of the information he requested and I am dealing with stepchange to investigate further. 
I am disgusted that this goes on, especially as I said I had mental health issues. Everything he said seemed to legit. I just felt something wasnt right when I got the WhatsApp and further messages. 

monetxchange

They are scumbags praying on desperate people. Always keep vigilant - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Come on here to check, a wealth of experience on here to help out. A good indicator for scammers is they always try and push you along to give info asap, when in reality people from Step Change etc wouldn't have any deadline in helping you get started.

As to the root of the problem, the debt, if you posted an SOA everyone could have a look and advise the best debt management option for you. 

sourcrates

Many sites with similar names to stepchange come up when googled, it’s an active scam at present which a few folk have already fallen for, be vigilant !!!

lulu79_2

monetxchange said:

They are scumbags praying on desperate people. Always keep vigilant - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Come on here to check, a wealth of experience on here to help out. A good indicator for scammers is they always try and push you along to give info asap, when in reality people from Step Change etc wouldn't have any deadline in helping you get started.

As to the root of the problem, the debt, if you posted an SOA everyone could have a look and advise the best debt management option for you. 

Thank you. I'll take info from the income & expenditure I did and get back to you. It's scary writing it all out, even for my own eyes. I've spent a long time looking at this forum and it gave me the kick up the behind I needed. 
I was out if work for about 10 months after being off sick long term as a result of workplace stress and bullying. 
I got an "agreement" to leave rather than them fix the problems so that saw me through most of the year. I'd hoped to get back to work by the end of the year but my mental health took a huge dip and then I was worrying constantly about finances. I didnt miss any payments with lenders but I contacted them explaining my circumstances had changed and I was struggling. They were great and a huge support. This virus has obviously impacted everyone and I think I've just been living in a bubble while my cards were on hold. A few lenders suggested Step Change due to having more than one lender, to save me having to make the same call over and over as it was emotionally draining and consumed my mind.
Appreciate the support I've had so far 🙌

lulu79_2

Hello, where would be the best place to show my income and expenditure/ SOA? 

fatbelly

Go to the debt-free wannabe board and click on new thread

ryanm8655

Fill in an SOA on here and then paste in a reply to this thread: https://www.lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.php