Who are BLS Collections?

BLS Collections are a well known debt collection company based in Oxford, England. They buy debts from companies which supply credit such as:

• Lloyds
• Other high street banks
• Credit card companies
• Loan companies
• Other large creditors

Sound familiar?

If this sounds familiar to you, it is important that you seek debt advice immediately before the debt escalates. My team has lots of experience in dealing with BLS Collections and we can guide you through our processes to stop them in their tracks.

So let’s find out more about BLS Collections and how they work …

How will BLS Collections chase me if I don’t pay?

Creditors such as BLS Collections use computer systems (often known as customer relationship management systems) to keep on top of their debtors. They often follow a debt process which will make them the most profit. These methods are often seen as aggressive and you may have seen documentaries and news articles criticising the heavy-handed nature of debt collectors and bailiffs. Although the Government have come some way to reduce their powers, the main tactic continues: intimidation.

The first point of contact which BLS Collections may use will be an introductory phone call and letter. This is to set out their pre-action protocol. You will usually receive (in writing) a letter explaining the total amount of debt owed, any charges/penalties which may have been accrued and a tight deadline for you to repay the debt in full. The letter will usually mention what steps will happen if you do not pay the debt in full. These steps are usually:

• A home visit
• A county court judgement (CCJ), issued by BLS Collections if you fail to repay the debt within this tight deadline
• A threat of bankruptcy (usually if the debt is over £750)

Letters like this are very standard with every credit provider and not just BLS Collections. It is important to not take these letters personally. There is help at hand, but you should act quickly.

If you have been contacted by BLS Collections, contact us immediately and we will try to deal with them on your behalf.

What rights do BLS Collections have?

• BLS Collections can send letters to addresses where they think that you live, including new addresses which you have not provided to them
• BLS Collections can call you on phone numbers which they believe you to have access to
• BLS Collections can visit you at your home, or appoint representatives to visit you at home
• BLS Collections can add charges, interest and penalties in accordance with the original agreement you entered into
• BLS Collections may have the “right to offset”. This usually happens in situations when you have a debt with a bank, but you may also have money held within that same bank (for instance a credit card and a current account)
• If you do not pay on time, BLS Collections may register a default on your credit file. This sometimes happens very quickly, but you should be given notice of this upfront. If a default is registered on your credit file, it has a very negative effect on your credit rating and your ability to gain credit in the future
• BLS Collections can apply for a county court judgement (CCJ). If a CCJ is registered on your credit file, it has a very negative effect on your credit rating and your ability to gain credit in the future
• If your debt with BLS Collections is over £5000, they can issue a statutory demand. This is usually the first step in petitioning for your bankruptcy. You would need to appoint a legal representative (usually a solicitor) to represent you in these circumstances.