American Express / Newman Debt Collection Agents

timbuktu

I’m currently having a tough time with Newman Debt Collection Agents (working for for American Express).

I've written to a number of companies explaining my financial situation and all but one of them have accepted my repayment offer... Newman Debt Collection Agents (for American Express). Even though they've refused my offer I've continued to pay the offered amount each month. Newman have now gone as far as appointing a solicitor who has sent me a letter telling me to pay up or else. What leg do I have to stand on?

I suspect they are trying a heavy handed approach because they only get paid by American Express once they have recovered all of the money.

I've repeatedly asked them for bank account details so that I can set up a standing order and they've refused saying they can't give out this information until I have agreed to pay a minimum of 3% of the outstanding debt each month (at the moment I can only afford about 1% which is what I'm paying each month). I've been using internet banking and done an electronic bill payment to Amex quoting my old card number (they've closed my account) as reference on the payment so I've at least got my bank account recoards as proof of payment.

Are they allowed to withold bank account details when I am at least offering to pay something (even though it's not as much as they want)?

Any help / advice / info greatly appreciated. :A