So scared

chloe1

Hi
Could any of you help me please with a mess I am in.
I had an accident in January of this year and it left me unable to work for a while - things got on top of me and as a result I have missed up to 4 months payments on my credit cards.
A couple of them have now issued me Notice of default. They have given me 16 days to pay an amount that I can't afford. My first question is what can I do? What if I cannot afford it - I simply dont have the money to pay it - can I make an offer of payment (for a lot less than what they are asking for). If not, what next stages do they take? Do they sell the debt to a DCC once the default notice is issued?

Also, a few of my credit cards have gone quiet - done nothing yet apart from nasty letters and phone calls. What are they going to do? How long can they hold payment for?

I am waiting for some compensation from my accident that is literally due in the next few weeks, but I cannot comit to a date to my debtors, as I really dont know when I will get it, just approximate timings.

I am new to all of this and absolutely sick with worry. I have images of someone knocking on my door for the debt, and I cannot be strong enough to deal with this. I have just lost my father and am really struggling. Are they likely to send anyone round at this stage, or would it go to court first? I have no idea of what happens and wonder if anybody could help or advise me.
I know this is all my own fault and I haven't paid, but I honestly could not give them what I dont have.

OberonSH

Hi Chloe,

First off, go put the kettle on, and don't worry.

I would personally send them all a letter, telling them your position, and explaining how you will arrange payment - if you don't kno the eact date tell them, but give as much info as you can, copy of solitors letter etc. Is there anything you can send them right now to show willing? I found creditors were a lot easier to deal with if you let them know what the state of play is. I would also work out a budget, and see what you can aford to pay them every month, if the compensation won't cover it - don;t forget you need some money to live on if you're still off work!

They can't send anyone round at this stage, not legally anyway. Usually that only happens if they sell it to a DCA, or court action is taken (but you have a chance to have your say if things get that far). So don't panic. Just get a handle on things now, before they get worse.

Then once things settle down for you, why not stick around and see if these boards can help you get rid of those credit cards for good, so if *fingers crossed it won't* things like this happen again you'll be in a better position. At worst we can help you spend less cash on boring stuff like gorceries, so you have more cash for stuff like....um....shoes?

mum=money_under_mattress

Hello and welcome.

I'm no expert but i dont think they can knock on your door and demand payment, they need to establish contact with you first.

Have you tried ringing them, and telling them the situation, they may well offer a short term solution.


sorry i cant be more help.

Runnybabbit

mum=money_under_mattress wrote: »

Hello and welcome.

Have you tried ringing them, and telling them the situation, they may well offer a short term solution.


sorry i cant be more help.

Hi, Like Oberon has said, you need to sit down and write letters. From personal experience, and like many here on these forums, I would personally advise from telephoning them. The reason being, they can and will bully you into making payments that you cannot afford to give, you can also look at the CCCS website and Nationaldebtline - who are absolutely brilliant.
All your letters, is possible, send Recorded Delivery so that a paperchain can be proven at a later date if needed. I wish you loads of luck, Babbit x

In_Search_Of_Me

Just popping in to say hi. Are you receiving any payment at all at the moment? It may be if you havent made any payments or communicated your difficulties that they think you dont want to pay? Have you tried any of the free debt agencies such as CCCS or debtplan (numbers at top of page) for advice? It would be a good idea to post incomings/outgings & people here can offer suggestions on how to cut down & the old style boards are great at getting the groceries down & not wasting food & living on (sometimes bizarre!) contents of cupboards! Mostly just wanted to say you are not alone! If you have little to pay then I would send a letter with a £1 token payment and explain the circumstances but dont phone as they will bully you into paying what you havent got - its what theyre trained for!!

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

hi, do not worry about it take a deep breath and deal with it in your own time do not put up with rude phone calls handg up they i assume are unsecured debts , make an offer of payment and stick to it only what you can afford keep money for the important bills etc, depend how long it goes on for dca get called in to collect if that fails they sell the debt to the dca if that happens again pay what you can afford just remember dca have little power other than to ask , just chill out thay want you to panic and borrow money to pay them do not do it , change your phone number if have to then they have to wright.
but mainly think of yourself the boss of barclay card and the like will it his sunday dinner and not give you a second thoght if you give all your money to pay a credit card bill.

excel1

please dont worry it is not a crime to owe money, you deal with it on your terms.As you may have asolution thats good and follow the advice already given here. however if for whatever reason they start pestering before you sort things out, send the telephone harrassment letter to stop calls by recorded delivery and dont sign just type.
If they threaten door collection they have no power and send them this.


Dear Sir/Madam

Account Ref D3/3629906

Please be advised that I will only communicate with you in writing. I have noted your repeated attempts to contact me by telephone over the past few weeks/months and these have been duly logged by time and date.

Furthermore, should it be your intention to arrange a “doorstep call”, please be advised that under OFT rules, you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make an appointment with you.

There is only an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc (Armstrong v. Sheppard and Short Ltd [1959] 2 Q.B. per Lord Evershed M.R.). Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and if you do so, then you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance.

Yours faithfully


bit premature but best to have it if you need it,

chloe1

Hi All

Thanks so much for your help and advise.

I have decided that I will just tell them all when they call that I cannot afford it yet - I will pay a token payment, but it will only be small.

Would they accept £20 on a £300 minimum?

I have today received another default from Mint - I called them and they were fantastic - have made an arrangement to pay what I can afford. However, its only a small debt, so doubt the others will aceept such a small amount. If only all of them were this easy to deal with.

I feel a little better now knowing that they cannot knock on my door for the money. Will they definately not do this without DCA's contacting me with Default first?

But you are right, I cannot pay what I cant afford, so what can I possibly do? I am not avoiding paying, I will pay when i receive money to do so, I just need some more time. They tell me I have had enough time, but it doesnt change the fact that I have no money to give them.

I am so sick of this.

Thank you again for all your help and support - this seems a great site and I will stick around.