Central Debt Collection Services - ignoring my letters

rancid-a

Hello everyone.

It's been over 12 years since I defaulted on a loan with Barclays Bank and I have been making monthly payments to Central Debt Collection Services (who I think are part of Barclays). I have never missed any payments and they have never been in touch either to ask for more money or give me updates.

Recently, I tried to work out what I owe them and I think I may have enough cash saved to settle the debt, I just need a balance from them.

I've written twice to them to ask what the settlement amount is, in the last letter I said they couldn't keep this information from me (data protection act) and said I would give them 30 days to reply. I can't phone them unfortunately as I don't hear so well on the phone.

But what do I do if they ignore this letter? Can I pause the payments?

Thank you

[Deleted User]

You can, but it probably wouldn't be wise.

If you're not getting a reply, your letters may not be getting there. Check you're using correct details, or ask a friend to make the call with you. You can give them permission to speak on your behalf.

rancid-a

Hi.
My last letter was delivered a few days ago according to the Royal Mail, They will hopefully get back to me. I've checked the address, it looks to be the same as the one I used many years ago. After the 30 days have gone by, I'll see if I can get someone to try phoning again, thank you zx81.

sourcrates

Actually I dis-agree with the above advice, I would take time out here.

Central Debt Collection Services appear to be the in-house DCA of Barclays Bank.

12 years is a very long time for a collection agency to keep managing your debt, especially so if they have never contacted you, has it crossed your mind the reason why they are unable to give you any information in regard to the account, may be because they no longer manage it ?, it may have been sold, or farmed out to someone else, and just side-lined, these things do happen.

If it was me, I`d stop paying them, and then see who writes to me, for all you know your payment may not even be reaching this debt, you have had no account statement or anything, in 12 years, you need to stop and deal with this now, you have no idea where that money may have gone to.

A statement is supposed to be provided not less than every 12 months, when a creditor doesn't do this, they lose the right to enforce this debt through the courts, and they also cannot charge you any interest or default sums, for the same period, you really need clarification on your accounts current status before you do anything else.

fatbelly

Yes you've written to them twice with a view to paying a settlement.

Until they reply to these (and frankly one letter would have been enough) I wouldn't pay them or initiate any contact

rancid-a

Hi guys, thank you so much for replying.

It's been about 4 years since I last visited a Barclays branch. One of the customer reps managed to get CDCS on the phone and provide me with a balance and printed info about my account, we also set up a standing order for these weekly payments I have been making. I tried recently to get someone from Barclays to help me again but my local branch never has any staff on the floor, just a teller behind the screen.

I will try a bigger branch, it's easier to get out now that the bus strike is over. A friend also said she would try to phone them for me the next time we meet up.

I cant wait to get this over with, it's my final debt.

Thank you

rancid-a

Quick update from me. I called into Barclay bank today and finally managed to get someone to help me. They got in touch with their debt recovery team and gave me a settlement figure. I confirmed I can call in again on Monday and pay the balance. Thank God that's over.

Thank you