Hi all, I'm parkieman. As someone with an adverse credit history, I have used Provident Personal Credit three times in as many years and although I agree that the interest is extremely high, I accept that this is due to my 'high risk' status. I also understand that any default charges are buried in the interest (hence a high reduction should you repay the loan early and in full) so if you default on the payments, you should NOT incur any additional charges. I, myself, have been very lucky to have an extremely amiable lady as my agent over the three years, who has always been very flexible in the past if I have needed to defer a payment by a week or two. I've never had cause to deal with 'the office' and as I have always been upfront with her and told her in advance of any problems I may have paying, she has been flexible in return and cut me some slack. I guess that not all agents are as accommodating as it basically boils down to personality but after three years of a pretty much clear record and open communication, I feel that loyalty really does count for something. If not with the company then certainly with this fantastic representative. Regards parkieman

Hi everyone, I'm parkieman. I'd just like to say a huge thank you for all of your posts! I have been with PTP on-and-off (but mostly on!) for FOUR years now, borrowing anything in the region of £100 - £440. I guesstimate that they have made ain excess of £3000 in interest from me during that time! Like many of you have already stated, it IS a downward spiral - the quick and no-hassle access to ready cash when you need it most is hypnotic and you quickly rely on it as an additional source of income rather than a one-off option to help you out, which is what they sell themselves as! Whilst I accept full responsibility for making that application each time, if they really supported their statement of 'this is not intended to be a long-term financial solution', maybe they should intervene when they realise that customers are requesting reloans before their previous repayment has even cleared! I've NEVER defaulted on a payment, often as a consequence not paying other bills which are in comparison more important (and also going days without eating, begging from friends and family!) - partly because I'm terrified of the consequences and partly because I've become so reliant on them as an additional source of income. I've now fallen into financial difficulty due to a change in circumstances and having spent the last three months begging and borrowing from friends to pay living expense bills (although PTP have always rec'd their money), have realised the only (and most sensible option) is to fall into arrears with them as opposed to three or four other creditors. I'm comforted to know that there are ways to prevent them collecting payment for the last loan, such as the direct debit guarantee, and also that, despite PTP apparant unsympathetic approach to some of you, they eventually refer to a debt collection agency that are reasonable. Like you all, I want to pay my debts and ask for some understanding during these difficult times. It is obvious that PTP do not consider the history of a customer or how much money they have made from them when dealing with defaults! I will have to cancel my DD before collection mid-November to stay afloat and prevent my situation from getting out of control, but can anyone advise if it will help my situation any if I contact PTP before the collection date to tell them, or if it will make no difference at all? Regards and best wishes to all parkieman