Who are {trading_name}? #
{trading_name} are a Debt Collection company with a company number of {company_registration_number}. Their full company name is {company_name}. They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to collect debts in the UK.
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Will {trading_name} come to my house to collect debts? #
As a debt collection agency, {trading_name} may appoint field agents to make home visits to discuss the alleged debt. These visits can be very distressing for debtor and the entire family. They may also charge for these visits, which increases how much debt you owe.
{trading_name}’s methods of recouping money can have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. You do not have to face them alone; you can appoint a debt advice company to represent your interest.
As a long-established independent debt services website, we have a vast experience of dealing with creditors such as {trading_name}. We make it our responsibility to support individuals who are experiencing their tactics and threats with the debt help they need to get their financial situation back on track.
How will {trading_name} chase me if I don’t pay? #
{trading_name} use computer systems, known as customer relationship management systems, to track activity with their debtors, and to make sure they profit.
Their approach and manner can feel aggressive when you are on the receiving end, and you may have seen documentaries and news articles criticising the heavy-handed nature of some debt collectors and bailiffs when collecting money or assets. Although the Government have come some way to reduce their powers, they still seem to rely on intimidation.
If the company purchases your debt, you’ll likely first hear about this by phone call and letter. This initial message sets out their pre-action protocol. The letter will outline the money you owe, along with any charges and penalties they have added. The company will likely provide a tight deadline for you to come up with the money to repay the debt in full; often seven days. The point of this tactic is to incentivise you to contact them and agree on a repayment method.
The letter from {trading_name} generally outlines two or three next steps, typically:
- A home visit
- A county court judgement (CCJ), issued by {trading_name} Solicitors if you fail to repay the debt within this tight deadline
- A threat of bankruptcy (usually if the debt is over £750)
These letters are standard communications from debt collection parties, so don’t take them to heart.
Can {trading_name} take me to court? #
Yes. {trading_name} may proceed with litigation through the courts as a last resort if you do not answer their calls or other communications, or if they are unable to agree on a payment plan with you.
How do you deal with {trading_name}? #
You can try to work with the company to agree on a settlement or payment plan. However, this can be stressful if they are persistent in their approach and if you don’t know your rights.
Alternatively you can work with an organisation like IVA Advice. We’ll fight your corner and do our best to deal with the collectors on your behalf and minimise how much you have to repay.
We can help #
We bring value by dealing with a variety of debt solutions and a wide range of debt companies. This arrangement means that we will always find the best debt solution for each person, without exception. As we do not have ties to any one particular company, we can work hard to ensure people repay the very minimum.
What rights do I have against {trading_name}? #
As a citizen of the United Kingdom, you have certain rights to protect you and your family’s wellbeing when dealing with debt collectors who are chasing you for money.
- {trading_name} can not harass you. They contact you as many times as they want as long as this is ‘reasonable’. What we define as reasonable does not have any concrete definition, but simplistically this means that you should not feel harassed by them. You cannot use their collection methods as a defence to avoid repaying your debt, but you can ask the company only to contact you in writing. If you take this approach, you must be responsive to these letters.
- {trading_name} cannot speak to your family, friends or neighbours about your debts. This procedure is in line with UK data protection laws.
- {trading_name} cannot pretend that they have powers which they do not possess. In the past creditors have used documents that appear to be official court documents. A law is now in place to prevent this from happening.
- {trading_name} cannot threaten you, abuse you or tell lies to collect your money.
{trading_name} Frequently Asked Questions #
What happens if I ignore my debts with {trading_name}?
If you ignore your debts with {trading_name}, they have the choice of a few different approaches.
{trading_name} may make a court claim against you, which is a cheap but popular way for them to reclaim their money. If they choose this method, you will receive a claim form through the post, and you either have to pay the money in full or register a dispute. If you dispute the bill against {trading_name}, you should take legal advice, as a lot of defences will not work in this situation. A CCJ will stay on your credit file for six years.
Can I write off my debts with {trading_name}? #
It may be possible to write off any debts that you have with {trading_name} if you have a total of £5,000 or more of unsecured debts. Your total debt can include loans, credit cards, catalogues, payday loans, overdrafts and any other unsecured debt.
Who do {trading_name} collect debt for? #
{trading_name} are a collections agency; this means that they can instigate bulk debt purchase from many sources and legally pursue customers for repayments. Some of the most common debt accounts for collections agencies are council tax arrears, parking fines, benefit overpayments, loans, credit cards, telephone bills, water and utility bills.
{trading_name}’s specific clients include Natwest, PayPal and Santander. If you do not meet the conditions of your credit agreement with these companies, they may give {trading_name} the option to buy the debt.
{trading_name} are likely only to pay a few pence per pound of debt they buy from each creditor. They make it their job, to profit on each debt portfolio they purchase from others.
Is {trading_name} a real company? #
{trading_name} is an appointed representative of {company_name} which is authorised by the FCA. {company_name} are legitimate debt payment collector company.
{company_name}, company registration number {company_registration_number}, has a registered office address at {address}.
How can I contact {trading_name}? #
These are the best contact details for these debt collectors are:
- Phone number: {contact_number}
- Online payment: {website} (you’ll need your reference number for your {trading_name} login)
- Post: {address}
How can I raise complaints about {trading_name}? #
If you feel that {trading_name} have not treated you fairly, or you have a complaint relating to their agent or repayment plan, you can raise your grievance in one of the following ways:
- Phone: {contact_number}.
- Post: {address}
Remember to have your debt letter and file number to hand, along with full details of your circumstances.
If you are not satisfied with the response, you can escalate your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service, or the Information Commission. It’s wise to include a copy of any key evidence for your case, so someone else can easily understand your perspective.
How can I pay {trading_name}? #
You can typically pay your debt balance with a debt collection agency by credit card, debit card, standing order and direct debit; they accept a lump sum or part payments. You can often agree on a payment plan by registering for an online account.
If your account has progressed to a bailiff knocking at your door, be sure to confirm their identity before considering paying them or handing over items of property, and always get a receipt. The firm will likely add collection fees every time they visit, so the time to get debt guidance is now.
Where can I get help with {trading_name}? #
Alongside the support and expertise that we offer at IVA Advice, numerous independent bodies can support you with debt matters, such as National Debtline, StepChange and Citizens Advice. By just reading one article or guidelines document from the charity, you’ll see that you are not alone in this process.
Will debt collectors ever stop chasing me for payment of the debt? #
Sadly debt collectors are very persistent in chasing down money. They paid another company for your debt, so they only make a profit if you make a payment that is more than what they paid, plus the operating costs linked to the debt collectors on your case.
Debt collectors may chase you for up to six years, depending on where you are based in the UK and the type of debt.
Can debt collectors force entry into my home? #
Bailiffs can only enter your home if they recovering debt linked to stamp duty, income tax or criminal fines. This should be a last resort option for debt collectors. They can only use reasonable force when entering, which generally means they should use a locksmith rather than breaking down your door.
See the table of contents for more information on dealing with debt collectors.
Why are debt collectors contacting me? #
If a debt collection agency is chasing you, it’s likely because they believe you owe them money for a debt they have purchased from another company.
What if I don’t know how much money I can afford to repay on my debt? #
When calculating what an affordable debt payment looks like for you, it’s essential to list all of your income and expenditure and see what money you can free up for debt repayments without leaving yourself or your family without essentials.
Can debt collectors send me to prison if I don’t pay? #
Debt agencies have rights to take you to court, but they can’t send you to prison for not making a debt payment.
How can I write off my debts? #
Debt companies have rights to chase your for payment for up to six years from the last point that you acknowledged the debt or made a payment, unless they secure a County Court Judgment. Otherwise, debt solutions such as an IVA are one way its possible to write off a proportion of your debt that you can not afford.
What is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)? #
A court can issue a CCJ if a debtor fails to repay his or her creditors. It can harm your chances of securing more credit for six years. You may even struggle to secure a mobile phone contract.
In Scotland, the CCJ process works a little differently and is known as enforcing a debt by diligence.
Will a County Court Judgment (CCJ) affect my credit rating? #
If you don’t make a payment in full for your CCJ within 30 days of its issue then the CCJ will go on your credit report for six years. That is the case even if you repay the CCJ in full in less than six years. This is likely to reduce your chances of securing more credit.
What is an IVA? #
An individual voluntary arrangement is a legal agreement that commits you to making a specific and affordable monthly payment for usually five years, after which time the rest of the money you owe is written off.
75% of your creditors must agree to this arrangement for it to proceed and you must work with an Insolvency Practitioner to be eligible.
How long with an IVA last? #
The standard term for an IVA is five years, but it could be shorter if you overpay, or longer if you agree a payment holiday with your Insolvency Practitioner.
Do IVA Advice have customer testimonials I can see? #
We request reviews from every single customer who we help, some of them have given very detailed feedback on how we have helped them and how it has completely changed their lives (in a short space of time). So please check out these reviews (in the Reviews section of our website navigation) and see for yourself!
Who are IVA Advice? #
We help to connect people who are struggling under the stress of debt, or battling with collectors and companies like {trading_name} to find easy, quick and confidential advice about their debt situation. We are fully independent, which enables us to connect you with the best provider for your specific needs.