Doorstep Collectors?

tallyhoh

What are the rules regarding doorstep collectors? Is it true they cannot call without court permission?

Can someone point me in the right direction???


Thanks in advance

tallyhoh

Splendid--Thank You.:D

Cleosmum

fermi wrote: »

A doorstep collector has no powers whatsoever.

They are NOT a bailiff, so they don't need court permission, but they don't even have the limited powers that bailiffs have.

If one should call (and it's unlikely) then you can simply ask them to leave. If they wont then call the police.

There is an interesting letter here if you get repeated threats of a visit.

Link: DCA -response to threats of home visits

Dont suppose I can use that letter for Southern Electric who are refusing to accept ANY payment offer and are threatening to come and put in a prepayment meter?

fermi

Cleosmum wrote: »

Dont suppose I can use that letter for Southern Electric who are refusing to accept ANY payment offer and are threatening to come and put in a prepayment meter?

Doubt it.

Your current meter remains their property, and if they want to change it I think that they can apply to the court if necessary for access to do so.

At least, that is how it was explained to me a while back in reference to someone else. It hasn't happened to me.

all_hours

the oft has guidelines on what debt collectors can and cant do. if they dont stick to the rules you can report that company and the oft can impose fines up to 5,000.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/resource_base/legal/cca/debt-collection

Cleosmum

In the past they have come out and changed the meter without even telling us. The meter is outside and they just get on with it. As the meter is on my property could I withdraw consent for them to come onto my property?

all_hours

fermi, great template - thank you.:T

davek1

Utility companies can go to court to get a warrant of entry. Beyond that normal debt collectors have the same rights as any other member of the public NONE. If they call tell them to bog off. I had one call once and just said i don't deal with these issues at the doorstep put it in writing. He just wandered off never to be seen again.

Dave