couple of years ago, and youve since moved away and changed phone and number, can the debt collectors still find you and demand money? And what happens if you finally get in contact with them to pay? will you get charged a fine?
2007-02-19 02:00:37 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Yeagh , im not on the eloctoral roll or whatever its called. I was a student and moved. Thing is. I wanted to pay in installments but everytime i called up i got abuse on the phone and they said they couldnt accept small payments and said i had to pay it all off so i gave up. Then i failed to set up a direct debit cos they gave me all these numbers and i didnt really know what i was doing. So i ignored it. But i called again to pay and they said i had failed on the direct debit agreement and i wud have to pay the full amount in 1 go baring in mind i was working a crap student job at the time so i couldnt afford that. So i have ignored them still. But i really shud pay but im scared im in trouble now.
2007-02-19 02:15:03 · update #1
Hmmm. Lots of good advice. Yeagh id better call them up. They already sent me a letter to send me to court but id already left by that point. This is about 2005 now. AARGH. right, well wich me luck
2007-02-19 22:34:26 · update #2
You're best off just paying it now, otherwise the interest will just continue to grow and the bill will be even bigger when you finally get round to paying it.
So, first of all find out from them how much money you owe altogether now with interest and find out how they are adding on interest, so you can try to figure out how long it will take you to do the below and account for that interest.
If you can, try to borrow money from friends or relatives, as they will know your financial situation and you will be able to figure a reasonable way to pay them back. Also look into any small jobs you could do, prehaps see if anyone in your area needs a childminder (you could take work from college\uni if you are still a student and do it when the kids are in bed) or start something like Avon where you choose when you work, and it's not that much - just handing out books, then setting a time to collect them in a few day's time and you can place the orders online. See here for more details: https://www.avon.uk.com/PRSuite/selling/apply.jsp
If this is not an option then call them and ask to speak to the department manager if the person on the phone is not being reasonable, explain your situation to him\her and see if you can sort something out there.
If, after trying both the above, you still are stuck then they always have those ads for reducing your debts on the TV. I know that these aren't always a good option, but at this point it may be your only option, and they will normally freeze the interest.
Good Luck!
2007-02-19 02:04:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most important thing is not to panic. Panic doesn't help, and makes you feel worse. Your phone company wants the money, which is understandable. You also shouldn't think about hiding from them, however tempting it is. You will be worrying about them finding you for ever more.
Get a piece of paper and write down '£200' in the middle of the sheet. Write around the figure all the ways you can get £200 to pay the debt. Think calmy. Ask friends and relatives. Someone should be able to lend you the money. It is better to owe friends money than a debt agency.
I know the situation you are in is making you feel worried. Sorting it out will be such an incredible relief. Good luck.
2007-02-19 14:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by CTU 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you tried to pay and they wouldn't accept then forget it. You moved house changed your number etc. They will have sold the debt to a collection agency, they looked for you at your old address and on the electoral register, couldn't find you and gave up. Debt agencies are gamblers they buy debts off companies then try to recover the money themselves, they give up pretty quick because it's just a numbers game. These things get forgotten about after a while. The very worst that could happen is you got a County Court Judgement against you which can effect your credit rating. But paying now won't change that, you would have got it ages ago. Anyway i think they are written off after 6 years. Don't worry about it, just try to say on top of things in future.
2007-02-19 11:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by jezza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is important that this is sorted as it will be on your credit history. Bad debts will affect you getting loans, credit cards, bank accounts and mortgages.
Try calling them again, even if it is just to give them your new address. They should accept a payment plan from you, after all some money is better than no money from you surely?! If you have some one abusive, ask to speak to the department manager, or write them a letter.
If they have passed it over to debt collectors, it isn't automatically 'baliffs at the door'. They will stop all interests and charges and will set up an affordable repayment scheme for you. They are actually much nicer people than their reputation allows.
Don't let the problem escalate, it will only get much worse and play on your mind longer.
2007-02-19 11:21:28 · answer #4 · answered by Always right 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As everyone says "they will catch up with you in the end". You really should go to CAB and get help to sort this out. If you don't the problem will be that - as others have said - the debt will increase. The eventual cost could be many times the original debt.
Debt collection has got far more sophisticated these days. You say that you are not on the electoral roll. That in itself is illegal and can lead to a £1000 fine [!!}
2007-02-19 12:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by Davy B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They never give up - the minute you register for anything at a new address - they will find you just a matter of time. they shouldn't charge more than the outstanding bill, but there will be an added percentage if it has been passed onto a debt collection agency. you'll probably find it hard to get a bill phone again too.
2007-02-19 12:40:33 · answer #6 · answered by willygromit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be traced by the electoral register, assuming that you are on it. If you make contact with the debt collectors you will not be fined, but you might find that the account has accrued interest, which also needs to be paid. If you have concerns, please contact your local CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) for free advice.
Best wishes, J
2007-02-19 10:07:49 · answer #7 · answered by sirjulian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you have been lucky so far but they will track you down eventually, they can't fine you, however they will add extra charges to your debt for using a tracing agent and maybe legal costs if they issued court proceedings to recover the debt. Just offer them what you can afford to re pay. :)
2007-02-19 10:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by Toria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can find you by the electoral roll. And if they do you will have to pay the money back plus interest and bailiff fines.
But they have to get in contact with you in 5 years or its wiped.
2007-02-19 10:05:04 · answer #9 · answered by scragette2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can!! They do it by the electoral roll....
A friend tried to get away with it, with a unpaid catalogue... it doesn't work.... just start paying it off, even if its in instalments! It will be going against your credit rating as well....!
2007-02-19 10:05:17 · answer #10 · answered by ஐ♥PinkBoo - TTC #1♥ஐ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋