I know there are a few threads on similar subjects here, but wanted to set out my exact circumstances to see if anybody could advise on my next course of action.

The usual story, lived in the UAE for four years, topped up a loan to pay for accommodation and expenses.

That was all fine before I was made redundant in early 2017.

With accounts frozen, felt I had no choice but to get my stuff together and return to the UK.

Debt is around 100,000 AED.

I've had all of the normal emails, them trying to call me at my place of work, etc, but now appears they have enlisted the help of a UK company, International Debt Recovery, who I see ran a credit check on me, where I presume they got my address.

Have received a letter from them, where they namecheck HSBC Middle East and ask me to get in touch in the "next seven days".

I have since received a text message from them, too.

What are my options here?

I'm in no position to pay back the £ currently, and I understand that they're not exactly accommodating when it comes to payment plans.

I have taken on a mortgage since I returned to the UK with my wife, but that's only been in the last eight months and it is a first time buyer scheme, so very little/any equity has been built up.

Just looking for some advice really, have read elsewhere that people have ended up bankrupt over this, so must admit I'm slightly concerned.

Thanks in advance.

read as many threads about UEA debt HERE ON CAG as you can.

I wouldn't be paying much attention to what you read elsewhere on certain sites...

it has been proved that most cases you read about whereby 'something' did happen..

were either patsy cases whereby the individual was paid far more money to allow it to happen behind the scenes ,, so these so called 'help' websites get your custom and sc@m yo on fees etc and ofcourse a backhander from whoever too.

or

they were ex employees or relatives but the same MO applies.

dx

You certainly don't enter into any communications at this stage. If you responded, they would just increase the pressure on you, to come to an arrangement.

UAE statute of limitations from memory is 20 years, so the only thing you have to be cautious about, is the potential for the creditor to maintain contact over a number of years and then later to try to take action. By that time, the equity in your property may have increased. This is not to say the creditor would be successful with any court claim against you, but if you wanted peace of mind by getting shot of this debt, then you could contact the original creditor in the UAE to negotiate. You just don't deal with any Debt Collection Agency or any company that advertises online that they help with Dubai/UAE debts.

Hi there,

Thanks for the advice, great to have somewhere like this to get some feedback.

So, they've followed up with another letter outlining exactly what they claim I owe, so that's two letters, a text message and an email.

So is the overarching advice here just not to engage? Worth sending letters back, blocking emails, etc?

Thanks again

I would certainly block and bounce email and put the texts to the usual spam reporting number.

as for the letters, no do not send them back.

Not worth the price of a stamp to engage with them, why do you think that these bandits get employed to chase you?

International law is a funny thing and the dca would never buy UAE debt becuase that would kill any chance of it being enforced.

Sounds perverse but that is because the law differs so much (there it can be a criminal matter and that prevents UK civil court considering anything) between there and here and there is no reciprocal arrangements.

they rely on telling you a load of bull to try and get you to agree soemthing that can become binding.

Thanks very much for your advice, will keep you posted with any updates.

They've tried to get in touch via phone - hung up on them, and now via text, which goes into more detail "contact has now been broke, vague threats, etc" so default next stage having confirmed who I am. This was accidental, kicking myself. 

Some pretty worrying threads on here over the last few months. I wouldn't be able to afford some of the court costs on here, let alone any alleged debt. 

as told earlier

block and bounce all emails

as for text and phone

block as spam and the phone number

don't listen to their threats ..

cant do anything without writing first.

Winny Hill - certainly read a LOT of threads regarding UAE debt on here, you will soon realise that certain users (ahem "DX") have invested their whole life to "CAG" and their user history shows them on here almost 24/7.

This is not normal behaviour! So when certain users (ahem "DX") are proved wrong they can't admit it, because ego is involved. If anyone says anything against their advice they will be deleted because certain users are also "Site Team".

It's been proved that CAG don't know what the hell they're talking about when it comes to UAE extrajurisdiction cases, but like a man trying to read a map with his family in his Ford Mondeo, he can't admit he is wrong and can't lose face, so will continue to drive off in a crazy direction. Advice which won't affect them; but may well affect the innocent poster unaware of the massive site team ego that is CAG.

Be warned! 

Anyone can sue anyone for anything in an english court

. It is only when  a defence is filed that the spurious claims fall apart and the first hurdle any of the overseas debt owners and their lackeys have to jump is showing locus standi as quite simply they dont have it.

Anyone getting into a detailed argument about the actual debt is missing the point and inviting them to drag things out longer than they need to be.

I have seen a few people posting here saying that the debts are enforceable but as yet havent seen a case where this has proven to be true.

The commonest debt surety in Dubai is actually a criminal offence in the UK so no court will entertain it.

It is not possible for a UAE bank to enforce a debt in the UK- that is the law but refer to the first line of this post

Thanks for your reply. Just as an update: had a few phone calls and texts but that's been it. 

you can report to the FCA as harassment but as they dont have a licence for consumer credit or for taking deposits the FCA cant punish them.

Dont let it stop you doing this and copying the complaint to your MP though