Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
I am truly saddened by what I've been reading. However, a few points jumped out at me after mulling over the stories.
From what I can see, nobody has made a comparison so far to LBL and a pawn broker.
From the descriptions offered, it appears as through LBL are acting as pawn brokers for cars. This is a reasonably common practice in the US.
I am not sure if these types of agreements would be regulated under legislation and licencing covering pawn brokers, but perhaps its worth considering?
A pawn broker typically offers a sum of money for an item, well below its market value. You have a set period of time to buy the item back, with interest, or the item is sold and you are still left with the payments. The item acts as security.
In LBL's case, they are offering small loans against your car (security). They now effectively own it (until a legal judgement proves otherwise) but agree not to sell it for a set period of time to allow you to repay what you borrowed. If you dont pay, and they make it deliberately difficult for you to do so, they sell it on at a profit.
The similarity seems quite striking to me. I apologise if this post, my first, isnt particularly helpful, but since the point hadnt been mentioned I thought I'd bring it up in case one of our more legally minded members has a view point.
I wish you success in your claims against LBL because it certainly seems like they are misleading customers, at the very least, likely an element of deception also.
Anyone thinking of taking a loan with LBL, even after reading the negative comments, should consider if they would walk into a pawn shop and hand over their jewellery or other personal items for cash to pay for anything but the most essential items. If not, walk away.