I had some problems with debt collectors some time ago, and thought I had resolved the problem. My van has just been removed from a private car park, no notice was given,and according to the document pushed through my door, it has been taken direct to an auction. What can I do now, if it is sold in the auction, they will send me a bill for any supposed shortfall! Can I try to buy it back myself?

Urgent reply needed!!!

What is the debt for?

the debt was for hire purchase,which I got into arrears with. I tried to negotiate with capitol bank (while their thugs were on my premises) and they just kept saying £2003 or the van back. Even though I offered to pay in 2 installments they refused, and just kept repeating the same message. Eventually, it went to court, and I was ordered to pay £500 straight away, and then £230 per month,which I did. I paid well over £2000, and then asked for a statement from the debt agency which was dealing with it (direct and legal) to see how much more I had to pay. They didnt send a statement, but said I still owed another £2000!!! I disputed this, but had onother call from more "bailiffs" who were abusive to me,ie. called me a stupid bitch, said the van was going to be reported stolen and I was going to prison unless I gave them the keys,logbook etc. I just said "bring it on!" Direct and Legal then clamped my van, and sent more thugs round to get the keys etc. The only way I could get them to remove the clamps was to give the bailiff 3 cheques for over £1800, which I did. The first cheque went through while I was still trying to get a statement from them. When I eventually did get a statement there were over £1293 in "costs"... there were charges like £25 letters, £10 phone calls, some of £150 per week for supposed letters I certainly didnt recieve.I cantacted C.A.G. and was sent a draft letter to send to direct and legal saying that I didnt acknowledge the debt to them and asking them for various things, and specifying that all correspondence HAD to be in writung.I have not heard a word since, and have had too many other things to worry about to chase it up.... Lo and behold, my shop is always closed on Mondays, and they came and towed it away this morning. There is no number on the form they left, just a "bailiffss" name and the fact that it has been towed direct to birmingham car auction. I am furious, and now feel really helpless.I would appreciate any help here.. I really dont know how to handle these unscrupulous s.o.bs.

If anybody has read the above, I still need help, the van still at the auctions, but hasnt been allocated for sale yet.I have sent a copy of the letter I sent them in July by fax this time, and a covering letter saying that if they sell the van they are breaking the law, but this hasnt bothered them before...I know that they will say they did not get any letter from me, and since we had a break in lately, I cant even find the post office slip to prove I sent it. What am i supposed to do... and can anybody tell me how I would stand if I could buy the van back from the auction ( obviously for less than they recon I now owe them.) Could they then come and seize goods from my shop for the money, or would it have to go back to court?

Are you in England or Scotland.