was taken over by a debt collection agency called lowell group and an arrangement was made to pay £21 per calender month. however after 3 months, they wrote and told her that they had reviewed her account and increased the payments to £24.50 or close to that figure. she emailed and objected but they still took the new amount. would she be breaking the law to cancel the direct debit and send them a cheque or postal order for the agreed £21 per month? or does she have no option but to pay what they decide?
2007-06-27 02:45:19 · 4 answers · asked by daftoldwoman 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
It would not be against the law. The agency may or may not accept the payments and decide to sue. However, if there was a letter of agreement to the 21, the agency is breaching that agreement. Collection agencies are scumbags. The other side of it is that they are not asking for MUCH more. If she truly owes the money, it should not be that much of a hardship.
2007-06-27 02:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by Toodeemo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless she has something from the collection agency in writing, she is pretty much stuck with the new payment amount. However she should know that most, if not all collection agencies are heartless and don't have any sympathy toward the people they collect from. If at all possible, she should borrow the money owed from a local bank to pay the collection agency off. She will have to pay interest on the money, but at least she will have a more sympathetic person to deal with face to face.
2007-06-27 10:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by Jackolantern 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can cancel the direct debit any time.
Have her write a letter stating so and mail it "registered" to the collection agency and a copy to her bank, mailed or hand delivered. Be sure to include all the pertinent information including the withdraw references as stated on her bank statements. Be sure to include the account number and all pertinent information.
She can also explain that a check will be sent to cover payments and the amount, by the stated due date.
(Allow ample time for mail delivery)
It may take a month for it to be processed and the withdraw cancled. Once she is certain that the last draw is taken out, (she can verify at her bank), then send the next payment by check on time.
2007-06-27 10:05:09 · answer #3 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like they are breaking the agreement and she would have every right to cancel the direct debit in lieu of a postal order for the agreed amount. She may wish to contact a credit counsellor for more information. This service is free for UK residents.
2007-06-27 09:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋