It's all getting a bit much!

skintbex

I'm truly fed up now.

A small bit of background - ran up some debt while with my ex - nothing massively extravagant, a car, UK holiday twice a year, buying a house, paying for everything when his cards were cloned, the usual.

We split up. All the debts are in my name......

.....I'm sure you can guess the rest (not that it matters he had no money anyway)

I had a DMP with CCCS but one particualr bank harrassed me day and night for months. In the end I caved in and added the debt to my mortgage (yes, bad idea)

Fast forward 2 years and I'm back in debt, to the tune of £13000. Mostly just to live, very little in the way of costly purchases, apart from a holiday last year.

I've sat down, done a budget, sent it off and requests to make pro rata payments to my debtors.

Basically, every month I pay all the priority bills. The only 'luxury' I allow myself is £14.50 a month gym membership (and that's included in housekeeping)
The rest get split up.

WHat I am tearing my hair out at is the attitude of some of the banks, and I'd like some advice on how to deal with them.

This is what happened after I wrote to them...

Virgin Media - sending me ridiculous threatening letters and telling me they will charge me up to £520 if I don't give them their set top boxback (that is 6 years old!!!) - Very very tempted to send them a very very sarky letter back

Vodafone - not being too bad just have to write to them again I expect they'll be more reasonable.

Smile. Oh my god where do I start? They have been immeasurably rude and unhelpful when I've phoned, so I wrote to them about my credit card and current account (bear in mind this bank have just INCREASED their charges in a big way!!!)
They replied stating they want 3 of the last 6 payslips, my mortgage statement and proof from each creditor that I owe what I say I do!!!!!
Oh, and they're going to close my current account in a few days, because I've breached their terms and conditions.
Just as a bit of icing, I got a phone call at 9PM last night, about my credit card. I told them I'd written in, and the chap did apologise profusely and said he'd have a look this morning.

Northern Rock accepted my proposal but didn't give me their bank details so I'll have to write to them.

Halifax want me to ring them

Not heard from Braemar yet

Natwest - I admit I was shocked. They accepted a token payment without question, and after receiving the snotty letter from SMile they are more than happy for me to start using my current account again. So that was a result.

But I admit I am really really annoyed with Smile. They have belittled me and basically treated me like a child. I am on the verge of sending them a proper vitriolic letter because I refuse to beg to them.

Is there a strategy likely to get someone like Smile or Virgin to behave in a less threatening manner?

bank_of_slate

I'm afraid that they will keep this up in the hope that you'll 'cave' again!
Please do a full SOA and contact CCCs for professional advice. It takes a VERY strong person who knows their rights to handle al this alone!
If you post your SOA we can see if we can help you too.
Sending sarky letters back would probably make things worse and how would it help to resolve things? There's many things that we would all like to say to the various banks and creditors, but guess what? By being a part of this site and tackling the debt we are fighting back BIG time!
welcome!
...Linda xx

rayday2

First thing - Smile are not entitled to any of those things and you must not send them.

What are you using to make pro rata payments and offers - I use the national debt helpline template letters (they get edited!) and there budget sheet - which looks more professional.

I think you have to keep being professional in your language and show them you know your rights. That way they learn you cannot be bullied.

skintbex

Thanks, I'm using an edited version of the National Debtline letters....

Is there any site or anything telling me exactly what SMile ARE entitled to and what my rights actually are?

They gave me 28 days till they close my account which isn't really bothering me at the moment

I rang CCCS who said to offer token payments. Payplan said much the same but actually said it might help just to let them all take me to court!!! That's not something I really want or need, particulary as CCJs won't affect my current job, but may hinder any change of promotion!

rayday2

The National debt helpline actually tells you what they are entitled to know which is basically all that is covered on their budget sheet. So if you are not using that I throughly recommend it works out all the payments etc for you - just reply back to Smile and quote the National Debt Helpline website.

I would also request a copy of their debt guide, costs you nothing and is a huge eye opener into your rights.

Also take a look at which companies sponsor National Debt Helpline and if any of the ones you are dealing with donate money you can throw back at them in your letters that you are following advice from a charity they endorse and support