Correct, I whole-heartedly agree with you. It is a somewhat complex area, but I will knock any door on a SB debt as I believe that everybody should deal with their debt, in whatever way they see fit, i.e: payments, bankruptcy, DMP, CAB, ect ect But if someone tells me they aren't going to pay and they know it's SB then I will leave their premises and makes notes to that effect. Because contrary to belief I am one of the more reasonable debt collectors.

I think you will find that in recent OFT guidelines the pursuit of SBD is not illegal and you can contact a debtor to try and collect the outstanding amount. I think your pertinent comment is: "once advised...you are obliged to cease". If the debtor states this then you are correct, we are deemed to be in direct contravention of the Administation of Justice Act. It is not correct to state that just because a debt is SB, that is cannot be attempted to be collected on. Would you like to re-read the updated guidance on SBD from the OFT? Plus also look at the "Summary of responses to the consultation on 'debt collection - OFT guidance for all buisnesses engaged in recovery of consumer credit debts' " on the OFT website...points 5.46 & 5.47 relating to the collection of SBD. I think you will find that the OFT seeks it fair that as long as attempted contact has been made in the limitation period it would still be considered fair to attempt to collect a SBD although not through enforcement.

Yep, for my sins!

i.e anyone in the debt/credit industry...

Right so let me get this straight, post for your parents is turning up at your address??? Have you considered that they have given out your address?? It seems mightely strange that you have your own address but a letter comes from a DCA for your parents to your address and they don't seem bothered either? Are they running away from their own problems and passing the buck onto you?

Debt is collectable but NOT enforceable. We can attempt to collect but we cannot take you through the courts or take ANY legal action to recover the debt. It is supposedly still on your credit file and you still owe the money. It is more of a moral judgement if you want to pay or not.

No you don't have to provide the information. But the reasoning behind it, is that the creditor can assess that any repayment plan you agree to is affordable to you and they are not putting you into financial hardship. This has been encouraged by the OFT in the debt collection guidelines. Problem is people think we are prying, we are not. We have been advised by the authorities to attempt to do this to make a repayment plan better suited to each individual.

You should apply to the Energy Trust Fund due to your financial circumstances. I do believe that if you have made previous arrangements and failed, it can be in the best interest of the energy company to get you onto a PPM. Ultimately, they have to take into account the "vulnerability" within the household (son on DLA and low income). I have been to warrant on cases like this before, and they have been passed and PPMs have been force fit. But saying that I have had only 1 person turn up in court out of hundreds of court applications. If you are on certain benefits, you could apply for Fuel Direct, where if you are on a qualifying benefit you can have it taken from your government benefits + £3.55 per week removed towards the arrears. It maybe the best option as is a fixed cost.

Biggeorge, This is disgusting behaviour from a debt collector. I would certainly not do this on a doorstep, IMHO, you have done the reasonable action. As a debt collector myself, I always listen to what people say at the door and respond to their needs. It is disgusting that some debt collectors think they can do such things to people, esp. if you are in communication with the company. Good job he got sacked as well.