Debt Recovery Companies and the way they treat people?

Question

What do you think of debt recovery companies that use fear and aggressive attidutes to try to get payments.
I have heard companies train people to use this approach and would like to know other peoples opinion on this.
For people in debt it can be a very worrying issue, and i know there is other companies/charities that help. But the recovery company even though informed of such help will still use tactics that can cause more stress in an already stressfull situation.
Some might say well people should manage their finances better and not got into such a state. but this is more about the genuine people, who have found themselves in an awful situation through circumstances but wish to resolve the problem. Yet still get spoken to and treated awfully by these companies.

Debt in this country is a big issue. Its not a nice thing to have on your mind, so is it right to be treated this way.

what is your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Having assisted a few people deal with Debt recovery agencies my experience is they tend to act first think later. Their priority is to get a debt paid not to check the accuracy of the debt, the true ownership of the debt or the situation of the individual.

Documentaries have shown the heavy handed tactics that some debt collection agencies may try intimidating not only the debtor but perhaps family members including children.

Where there is a debt issue try and resolve it.

Help and advice from agencies such as Citizens Advice Bureaus or Welfare Right agencies is often useful and they will know how to ensure that the debt collection agencies behave in an appropriate manner,.

Answer 2

If we're talking about Consumer Credit Act regulated loans, debt recoverers behaviour is also the responsibility of the creditor. If intimidating tactics are used the loan company can lose is license. I have a feeling that the companies being discussed are the so-called loan sharks lending less than the minimum CCA amount. Neither they nor the debt recoverers they use are regulated,and their intimidating or violent behaviour is a matter for the police. Moral? Don't borrow from unregulated lenders!

Answer 3

I agree too.

Its the entire culture though... the public have been subjected to intense "propaganda", conditioned by the banks and finance companies through their well-paid advertising and marketing agencies... over the past 30 years (more so past 15)... how taking on debt for whatever you want... is the smart, easy, smiling, great time solution to almost everything.

They push and push and push debt on tv and papers as though its normal living..... smiling gorgeous women, loving happy couples with perfect kids, warm inviting homes, nice cars....... as though its normal living.

However all debt costs more than saving up. Even zero interest deals are (almost always) because the product is at a massive premium that you could get cheaper if you were firm and negotiated for cash (via saving for it).

Its a double edged sword.... smiling fun loving world of debt that invites you in..... pain and misery and fear for those who get in to the debt trap (which is all too easy to do)

Answer 4

They do what works for just that reason-it works. Let's not put all the blame on these folks who in actuallity are helping to keep the economy moving by getting businesses paid for services rendered. If everyone paid their bills voluntarily or had that sense of urgency with regard to earning or borrowing from relatives to meet their obligations, there would be no need for the debt collection industry.

Answer 5

These companies are often just rogues. If you get into this situation the best thing to do is contact the citizens advice bureau.

Debt would not be as big an issue if lenders didnt shove loans on to people who are obviously at risk of being unable to pay them back.

Answer 6

There was actually a show about this about a month ago on 20/20 or one of those types of shows.

If they credit collectors break the law in how they go about getting a debt paid, then the consumer can file complaints.

Having a friend who just lost her husband to cancer and her sudden financial crisis, it just sickens me how many treat her.

Answer 7

My thoughts towards these people are very strong , i had a few problem's as most people do and i turned to a company that was recommended by my bank, and they told me it would take me at least 25 years to pay off what i owed but i didn't have that much, they said they take there % and they write off what you cant pay that's crapp do you no what i done i went to the insolvency people oh what a weight off my shoulders they helped me so much and i don't have to pay anything back .

Answer 8

I agree with everything you have said. These people should be taught a little tact and diplomacy. I can understand how some people do not try to deal with their debt problems when they are spoken to with such disgust and hatred.

Answer 9

Borrowing is far too easy and many people incapable of using the facility sensibly. That is the root cause of the problem, atthough it does not excuse what you are concerned about.

Answer 10

Yep. I agree they cross the line. I once had a dispute and had these folks calling. I got rid of them by convincing them I was recording the call and telling them not to call me anymore. Forever.