I ended up in hospital and thought I would lose my baby!

[389shell]

Our debt was built up over a couple of years due to my husbands new business which was set up as a sole trader.

It was the old familiar story, no money coming in, loads going out, we had our 2 children to feed and a business to run with its own bills. Out came the credit cards which we lived off for ages. I was working part time, but this was just swallowed up as soon as it went in the bank, we never cleared the overdraft and we could see ourselves sinking deeper and deeper into debt.

We put our house up for sale and found one a lot cheaper, the first sale fell through a week before we were due to move, the second the day before we moved (exchanging contracts and moving the same day). We had put all our eggs into one basket and now that had set fire and exploded in front of our eyes.

This is about the time the DCAs REALLY stepped it up. We had phone calls morning noon and night, letters every day, cards through the door, it was horrendous. The worst thing that happend to us was when we eventually re-mortgaged. This took around 3 months to sort due to our terrible credit record, we had just got the money in the bank that day when the Halifax rang. We owed them quite a few thousand and said that we were working out how much we had to pay everyone. This pompous little s**t said 'I am now going to transfer everything in your account to your loan account', then told us our account was now empty!

I was screaming, my husband was nearly in tears as we had about 15 other people to pay, they had all been promised something and we had been putting them off since we had put the house up for sale, they had been waiting for about 8 months.

Eventually we got some of the money back, but my health was shot. We eventually sold the house and paid off most of the debt (moving to private rented accommodation), just before we moved I collapsed at work and was rushed to hospital - at the time I was 3 months pregnant. For 3 years after I suffered heart palpatations and panic attacks.

I am glad to say that now we are in a much happier situation. My little bump is now a very happy chatty 3.5 year old, my palpatations and attacks finally stopped a couple of years ago (no coincidence that it was after I found this site and followed your advise) and the house we rent is in a lovely area.

Don't let the bullies get you down read this website until your eyes bleed, they can only get what you have. We have the legal system behind us just as much as they do, make sure you tell them what you are going to pay at a price you can afford to pay them.

Good luck everyone, I got through to the other side, so if I did you can too.

[Goldlady]

I am so pleased that things have worked out for you. I have been to the dark side and back again thanks to CAG. Now every tale of revenge I read, or indeed help with, makes it all worthwhile. We still own our own house - well - I use the term 'own' loosely as we have an interest only mortgage and would probably be far better off renting.

[389shell]

Thanks Goldlady. I just have a couple of debts now, one from where I used to work because they messed my pay up and overpaid me! I pay them £5 a month - I owe 2.5k.

The other is from years ago, the only one we couldn't afford to pay because they were being arsey about a settlement figure, I told them to hurry up before the money goes, they didn't so now they get next to nothing aswell!

I actually laugh at them now, when they reviewed my account, they wanted to put up my payments by £40 a month last year, all I did was laugh and told them to take me to court for it. I think once you have been to hell and back, the little boys just make for your amusement.

I'm pleased you are OK, again it is only through CAG I am still sane! The revolt has started!

[sequenci]

Glad you're OK now, Your story is very moving.

[389shell]

Thanks Sequenci, I can now see it all for the joke it was. I have just had a threatening letter of another company, I like to play games with them now as I find it quite amusing.

As the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

[sequenci]

Originally Posted by 389shell

As the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I know exactly what you mean!