Hi all,

I am new to this and would like to ask for some advice.

Unfortunately I got my self in a payday mess, I have had several which i now have payment arrangements set up.

Due to 1 tough month I did not stick to the payment arrangement with WDA and they straight away passed this to DCS (DRS)

The amount that was owed before i failed the payment was £340 - DRS have given me 2 options:

Pay £401 now.

Pay £580 over 6 months

I asked them to have a full break down of the charges added which I got the response of " it's the APR mate"

I wish I could pay the full amount but I am unable to.

I gave them an offer of £40 a month which they declined, I ignored the calls so I could have a think, they repeatedly called my work desk phone which got me in trouble as the calls are monitored. They said they will apply for a attachment of earnings which will be taken straight from my wage (again this does not look good to my boss I imagine), so now I am a bit worried.

If £580 over 6 months is the best option to you guys? then I would go ahead and do this, but without exaggeration I will be eating rice for the next 6 months.

Also does anyone have any experience with this DCA? I talked very calmly and professionally on the phone and the person I spoke to got excited very quickly like I owed him personally money, I asked them to please stop calling my work phone (stupid me for giving it to them on the WDA application) which i got a response we can call your work phone or your employer at anytime we want.

The stress levels with me are on the rise so would appreciate any advice.

Many thanks,

Hi

Im not an expert but as far as im aware you if you hit financial difficulty you tell them what your paying each month as its all you can reaonably afford if they refuse drop the offer as they are doing nothing to aid you.

You can also file complaints to the OFT for those calls as they should not be calling you at work especailly if you habe said not to. Also complian using their own complaints procedure.

Others will be along to asist further.hope this helps

They should also provide you with a full breakdown of charges an not just "its the APR" if you ask they have to provide it.

£40 a month is more then resonable in my opinion. But like i said you TELL them what you are paying as its all you can afford at the moment and as goodwill should stop interest and charges. If they dont drop them to £1 a month as thy are doinb nothing to assist you in time of harship.

I hope that makes sence.

Thanks for the advice!

Quick question, can this DCA apply for an attachment of earnings and take the amount of my wages? they advised me this would be done swiftly.

Not without a court order they can't !

The CAB has a leaflet on AoE's

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/debt_w/debt_action_your_creditor_can_take_e/creditor_takes_money_from_your_wages.htm

Indeed as mk says not without a court order. Its just their usual threat-o-gram nonsence! Plus i think only the Original Creditor can do that.

Thank you for the advice all, you have eased my nerves.

I will stick to my offer of £40.

Next time the call will be recorded (they are warned) so if they get abusive and continue to call at work I will complain

An AOE can ONLY be issued as follows:

The debt is taken to court. The creditor wins the case and a CCJ is granted ( takes a MINIMUM of 30 days after the case is won). You then make no payments to the CCJ. The CCJ then heads back to court and you are invited to explain why you cannot make payments. If you dont attend, or dont inform the court then they have a variety o options at their disposal. This can take MONTHS.

However, if you give them an I&E sheet that shows you can only afford a fivcer a month, then thats all they will tell you to pay, and even then, payment is made by the method of your choosing. Normally Giro/Debit card or standing order.

In short, the creditor/DCA is lying and misleading you and you MUST make full and formal complaints.

Your most welcome.

Well explained renegadeimp.

Also if they ring your work and they disclose any information to anyone but you they are seriosuly in the doo doo!!