DMP

Beck50

One call chasing last night and 3 so far today, twice within last 20 minutes, don't answer but have googled it to be natwest or barclaycard 

Beck50

All, I've been posting messages on here over the last few months and have received various kind and supportive replies, I just want to ask, I'll be 55 next month and I know all the comments about starting my DMP early will remain on my file longer, but now getting constant phone calls and letters about not being able to get hold of me, should I start it now as I've only had one default email and too be honest it's highly unlikely I'll be able to get credit when I'm into my 60's, I'm not giving in but just want peace of mind things are being dealt with, or am I better holding out for longer.

MovingForwards

Block the numbers.
You'll actually be able to get credit sooner, so don't let that be the driving force with starting your DMP before you're ready.

I've had a mainstream credit card with a large satisfied CCJ, defaults and an AP marker. I had a car loan last year with a mainstream lender I'd previously had financial problems with. I even have a mortgage. 

Please stay strong. Keep posting in this thread and everyone will support and encourage you. 

Rob5342

I'd suggest that you hold out until they have defaulted, then you are set up to be in the best possible position for the future. You might not think you'll be able to get credit now, but circumstances may change and who know what you might want to do in the future.

You do get a lot more confident about the process as time goes on. I started straightaway on the advice of Stepchange but I still have accounts that haven't defaulted 18 months later meaning my credit record is being affected for longer, and I now wish I'd defaulted to begin with. I was worried about it to start with and just wanted it started, but now I feel far more confident and have stopped paying the ones that haven't defaulted and think nothing of it.

It shouldn't be a worry really, just block the calls and file the letters which shouldn't be for all that long. Once you start to get defaults you'll get a feeling of satisfaction and can start on the dmp.

It's surprising how quickly it changes from feeling like you are at their mercy to feeling in control of it all. The letters can be worrying to start with, but once you've had a few you soon realise they are all going through the same standard process.

NeverendingDMP

You can ask for your number to be removed from file and have postal or email correspondence only. If they forget and ring again politely remind or ignore and tell them you don't wish them to have your number any more -mention gdpr.most companies are good at following this once it's on their system not to ring/have your number removed.

Beck50

Update on constant calls from the same number over the last 4 days, twice a day on landline and twice on mobile a day, really feel like picking up and telling them where to go, I know I owe the money and they have a right to chase as anyone would do, but letters, emails, texts and phone calls it's pretty obvious I know I'm behind on payments, just default me so I can start my DMP 🤬🤬🤬🤬

Rob5342

Hang in there - they will pester you but as soon as you get a default you'll have a fixed date when it comes off your credit report.

To be fair if you spoke to them they'd probably try and help you by offering you a payment break or a reduced payment plan. To the uninitated that seems very helpful, but as a long term plan getting defaults is far better for you.

When you dofault the letters will start talking about the full balance becoming due. Don't worry about that, that's when you start your DMP up and start paying what you can afford, if they don't like it the account will just get sold to a DCA who carry on taking paymens.

Beck50

Today I've received an email from a company called pspfieldcall.co.uk who are working for lendable and it states that if I do not contact lendable within the next 48hrs one of their field agents may visit me, which I really don't want to happen 😱 any advice.

Rob5342

Beck50 said:

Today I've received an email from a company called pspfieldcall.co.uk who are working for lendable and it states that if I do not contact lendable within the next 48hrs one of their field agents may visit me, which I really don't want to happen 😱 any advice.

There are two things to remember here:

1, These companies operate by taking advantage of peoples ignorance and  trying to strike fear into people to make them pay when they don't actually have to. Note the use of the word may, its obviously far easier to email your standard threat to someone that it is to actually visit them. 

2, They are not bailiffs and have no more right to do anything then you would going to your friends house to ask them for the £20 they lent you.

I'd advise that you either ignore them when they call (if they actually do), or say you will only deal with them in writing and tell them to leave.

sourcrates

Beck50 said:

Today I've received an email from a company called pspfieldcall.co.uk who are working for lendable and it states that if I do not contact lendable within the next 48hrs one of their field agents may visit me, which I really don't want to happen 😱 any advice.

They are one of the few collection agencies that still knock-on doors, there nothing special, they will be working on behalf of lendable, it`s an attempt to get an arrangement made with you.

You don`t have to engage with the agent, they have no more power than you or I do, you can write and re-move their rights of implied access to your property, or simply put a notice to that effect on your door.

The thing is with the FCA`s affordability crackdown, companies are more reluctant to default you nowadays, so this could drag on, you could start your DMP sooner, but making sure you are paying much less than the minimum payment required, but again you do risk AP markers, but defaults should come eventually.

It`s difficult to advise you really, I understand the frustration, but you really can just ignore these doorstep collectors, or, you could try being open and honest with them, I would not open the door, but speak through an open window, tell them what your plans are so that they know they are wasting their time, they will move on to the next client on the list.