Thread: DCAs who send out Statutory Demands purely as a punitive measure / scare tactic

I would be really keen to have all your thoughts on this, i've noticed that more and more agencies are adopting this strategy. I'm about to embark on some work in the day job centered around this and would love to hear opinions and thoughts, especially if it has happened to you.

Thanks

Seq

ps - i don't work for a debt collection agency before you ask!

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Hi Sequenci, pleased to see that you have been "upgraded" to a site helper. You know your stuff!

Can't say that I am able in this instance to help with your research, as I do not believe that I have been a lucky (!) recipient!, but does a Statutory demand come as a letter from the DCA/solicitor, and what sort of wording?

Red

Hi sequenci,


It would seem from reading many threads on this site, that this is a particular tactic of Ruthbridge. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) I have not had any personal dealings with this particular company.

I have, however had dealings with DG solicitors. These usually send a letter threatening legal action in the first instance. If this letter is ignored, or a payment is not forthcoming, then a second letter threatening legal action and application for an attachment of earnings is then sent. Now should you ignore this second letter, they then send the next letter threatening legal action and an application for a charging order. This is the stage I am currently at, so I do not yet know what the fourth threatening letter may contain!


Regards, Jeff.

I have had 2 from Connaught.

Also had 1 from Lowell sent a week after they issued a CCJ claim but before judgement.

What sort of info do you need.

Originally Posted by Jeff2000

Now should you ignore this second letter, they then send the next letter threatening legal action and an application for a charging order.

If, at the time that you take out a loan, this the intention of a loan company should you default, then shouldn't the interest rate be that of a secured loan rather than an unsecured loan, since they intend to get the outstanding balance + charges secured against your house if you default.

I don't see the difference between a secured loan & what they are doing.

Quote:
how do they know if you own a property?

It would show up during a credit reference search.

Meritforce make me laugh, they threaten to seize my assets (haven't got any) arrestment of wages (I don't earn any) and bankruptcy (what, for 200 odd quid??) yeh right!

Originally Posted by itsamomentintime

how do they know if you own a property?

You can do a search of the Land Registry on-line!


Jeff.

I have never received a SD so can't comment from that point of view, but I think it's essential to get that SAR and CCA request in as early as possible and start disputing the debt.

I have ignored all my SDs up to now as I feel any contact could be taken as acknowledgement of service.

I am still here and kicking.

Originally Posted by Belaflat

I have ignored all my SDs up to now as I feel any contact could be taken as acknowledgement of service.

I am still here and kicking.

Hello Belaflat,


Could you elaborate?

How many SD's have you had? How long ago? From which companies?


Sorry for all the questions!


Best wishes, Jeff.

You beat me to it Jeff, loving your work.

Originally Posted by sequenci

You beat me to it Jeff, loving your work.

Sorry!

It just struck me as a strange, but interesting tactic immediately!

It could prove useful to other members.


Regards, Jeff.

For sure,

Via my day job I've noticed that more and more creditors are using these demands rather than going down the route of a county court claim for a money judgment. It's not very nice from the debtor's perspective.

I have had 3 in total, 1 from Lowells and 2 from Connaught.
Connaught sent the first in the form of a simple letter which stated it was a statutory demand etc etc, this was over a year ago.
The second from Connaught was the type which everyone seems to be getting from them, A4, stapled together with little blue triangle and delivered by 2nd class mail and followed up 2 weeks later with a 'Time is running out, contact us now to resolve this' letter.

I would add that I have had no contact whatsoever with Connaught so these were total shots in the dark as they have also tried to contact me at 2 other addresses.

I will PM details of Lowells as I am in dispute with them at the minute and dont want to give too many details.

Originally Posted by Belaflat

I have had 3 in total, 1 from Lowells and 2 from Connaught.
Connaught sent the first in the form of a simple letter which stated it was a statutory demand etc etc, this was over a year ago.
The second from Connaught was the type which everyone seems to be getting from them, A4, stapled together with little blue triangle and delivered by 2nd class mail and followed up 2 weeks later with a 'Time is running out, contact us now to resolve this' letter.

I would add that I have had no contact whatsoever with Connaught so these were total shots in the dark as they have also tried to contact me at 2 other addresses.

I will PM details of Lowells as I am in dispute with them at the minute and dont want to give too many details.

Hi

I have just had a stat demand from Connaught today....exactly the same with the blue triangle....2nd class post,.....


Im sending them a letter tomorrow for the deed of assignment....

Have they chased you anymore with the stat demand????

Also my stat demand has come in my maiden name....you think they would get my name right

Are they real stat demands, or just threats of them?

Those things cost about £150 to issue, to seems an expensive tactic if they're using the scattergun approach. Also, if you issue one and don't follow it through with a BR petition, you lose a lot of credibility with the debtor.