If you ignore your debts with 1st Locate UK, they have the choice of a few different approaches.

1st Locate UK 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 1st Locate UK, 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.

It may be possible to write off any debts that you have with 1st Locate UK 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.

1st Locate UK 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.

1st Locate UK’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 1st Locate UK the option to buy the debt.

1st Locate UK 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.

1st Locate UK is an appointed representative of ABERDEEN FINANCIAL LIMITED which is authorised by the FCA. ABERDEEN FINANCIAL LIMITED are legitimate debt payment collector company.

ABERDEEN FINANCIAL LIMITED, company registration number 06934204, has a registered office address at Third Floor Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1NT.

These are the best contact details for these debt collectors are:

• Phone number: 0800 023 4567
• Online payment: https://www.aberdeenstandard.com (you’ll need your reference number for your 1st Locate UK login)
• Post: Third Floor Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1NT

If you feel that 1st Locate UK 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: 0800 023 4567.
• Post: Third Floor Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1NT

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.

Before paying debt collectors, you are welcome to speak to one of our team of experts by calling 0330 1228447. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines, and we’ll do our best to guide you to the best debt payment solution for you. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll help you to review your income and expenses and find an arrangement that works for your circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Debt agencies have rights to take you to court, but they can’t send you to prison for not making a debt payment.

We recommend that you do not invite debt collectors into your home. You are welcome to call us to understand your options. Bailiffs are only allowed to force entry into your home in very specific debt collection duties including collecting fees for criminal fines, stamp duty and income tax. Even then, this should be a last resort strategy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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We help to connect people who are struggling under the stress of debt, or battling with collectors and companies like 1st Locate UK 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.