Inside a DCA!

[andrew1]

.........i Just Hope That Everything Turns Out Fine In The End......w.m.

 

ah! - you ole softie

[sosumi]

The fact that the OP seems to think they can add interest and charges when they feel like it, and a visit from a DCA is the norm rather than a rarity, harps back to an earlier time.

 

Read the very first post again.

 

Is it possible that a Credit Today Forum regular has decided to return the compliment??

 

I think OTB had good intentions, but it's just a bit patchy in places.

I think so too DB I think we're all patchy in places sometimes, that's life!

[ScarletPimpernel]

I think that OTB provided a good insight into some of the processes and procedures used in the collections process. Knowing this has certainly helped to inform how I respond to them, and I think I now have a better general overview of how these companies operate. How effective my new tactics (shorter letters and a much quicker advance to contact), are remains to be seen, but so far it looks quite promising.

 

It would have been quite wrong, however, to have seen OTB as some sort of Oracle, and probably unreasonable to expect him to have all the answers to all our questions - and especially unfair to expect him to tell us only what we wanted to hear. I think it would have been highly suspect if he had not, after working in the industry, soaked up at least a bit of their twisted view on right and wrong.

 

Someone from the Credit Today forum? I suspect not - they seem singularly anally retentive, and probably couldn't sustain the pretence for long before revealing themselves in the sort of oleaginous self-congratulatory style that seems to make the CT forum members so moist.

[andrew1]

 

Someone from the Credit Today forum? I suspect not - they seem singularly anally retentive, and probably couldn't sustain the pretence for long before revealing themselves in the sort of oleaginous self-congratulatory style that seems to make the CT forum members so moist.

 

:D

[dannyboy660]

Someone from the Credit Today forum? I suspect not - they seem singularly anally retentive, and probably couldn't sustain the pretence for long before revealing themselves in the sort of oleaginous self-congratulatory style that seems to make the CT forum members so moist.

 

That brightened up an otherwise very slow and boring Monday.

 

"Advance to contact", - letting slip your military background there SP. That's an order I haven't heard for about 20 years, and was usually in response to a group of young WRAC's appearing in view.;-)

[ScarletPimpernel]

a group of young WRAC's appearing in view.;-)

 

Ahhh, the fabled busload of nurses from Rinteln...:grin:

[cashins]

Whatever way up it is, have to say I found some of the info very useful.

 

See the point that If people took it verbatim and didn't stop to think does this make sense and does this check out, could be a problem if it was a 'pup'. Interesting though that given that there are some very knowlegeable folks on this site, no one actually faulted any technical point he raised. (If you recall this was not about right or wrong, it's about the way it is).

 

What has suprised me, is that OTB took umbrage so easily. It is an open forum and with no insult intended, to have work for DCA's over a period, you would have to have the skin of a Rhino anyway.

 

Just a thought, when was the last time you can remember someone from a DCA not trying to get the last word in?

 

David

[sosumi]

SP's posts always cheer me up!

[FANTASY CHARGES]

Whatever way up it is, have to say I found some of the info very useful.

 

See the point that If people took it verbatim and didn't stop to think does this make sense and does this check out, could be a problem if it was a 'pup'. Interesting though that given that there are some very knowlegeable folks on this site, no one actually faulted any technical point he raised. (If you recall this was not about right or wrong, it's about the way it is).

 

What has suprised me, is that OTB took umbrage so easily. It is an open forum and with no insult intended, to have work for DCA's over a period, you would have to have the skin of a Rhino anyway.

 

Just a thought, when was the last time you can remember someone from a DCA not trying to get the last word in?

 

David

 

remember most of these people are self employed that knock on doors

[car2403]

It does make me wondering why someone with so much information that has already been shared has more to give then simply "gives up", though. None of the posts have been personal/derogatory, so I can't see what the issue is.

 

Incidentally, OTB hasn't said he won't be back, just that he's "given up" now... We live in hope.

[The GodMother]

he may have given up because of the bitching.

[pmhcfc]

 

What has suprised me, is that OTB took umbrage so easily. It is an open forum and with no insult intended, to have work for DCA's over a period, you would have to have the skin of a Rhino anyway.

 

David

 

I believe it's becaouse some of us didn't want to play his/her game. If you look at one of the posts where OTB talks about receiving rep points (#117+1) it kinda smacks of head swelling.

 

At the start everyone was praising him/her and telling him/her how good they were etc etc but it's just my opinion that it all got a little too complicated for OTB, after all didn't he/she last work for a DCA in 1997? The DCA industry has moved on quite a lot in the last 11 years. That's probably why he/she wasn't able to answer some of the more complicated questions. I suspect he/she didn't account for the more knowledgable of us (DCA knowledgable) on here.

 

I'm not saying some of his/her postings weren't helpful, because they obviously were, but as Cashins said; he/she did 'give up the ghost' a little too meekly.

 

Ah well,,that's my tuppney h'apenny's worth.

[MATTYFEZ]

I believe it's becaouse some of us didn't want to play his/her game. .

 

I agree 100%, Ive been following this thread with mixed feelings, full points for the information provided, it has been a real godsend, and I tottaly applaude the OP for it no matter what thier motives.

 

Its just a real shame it appears its due to an ego trip rather than any sense of moral obligation....frankly I think its a little twisted.

 

I know a gift horse shouldnt be looked in the mouth, but from my perspective its akin to a super rich celebrity donating to charity and then getting upset when the tabloids dont praise them for being so selfless.

[vinegarvera]

I agree 100%, Ive been following this thread with mixed feelings, full points for the information provided, it has been a real godsend, and I tottaly applaude the OP for it no matter what thier motives.

 

Its just a real shame it appears its due to an ego trip rather than any sense of moral obligation....frankly I think its a little twisted.

 

I know a gift horse shouldnt be looked in the mouth, but from my perspective its akin to a super rich celebrity donating to charity and then getting upset when the tabloids dont praise them for being so selfless.

 

I couldn't agree more!

[Von Greenbach]

Well, I managed to read the whole thread, took some time, but I managed it.

 

I have mixed feelings regarding the OP, initially, I thought OTB was genuine, however as their postings developed throughout the thread, one issue has stood out more than any other, whilst OTB has given advice regarding the regulatory authorities, OTB opinion of them is questionable.

 

For example, OTB reference re TS, blunt knife, similar comments re OFT / FSO, now anyone reading these comments will form the opinion what’s the point of complaining to the regulatory authorities, is / was this a deliberately ploy by OTB? Only the FM knows the answer, maybe OTB will come back and post why they have such a negative view.

There is also something about this post which concerns me, although for some reason, I cannot put my finger on what it is.

 

Sadly, I have read far too many death certificates due to unnatural causes regarding debt to last me a lifetime. Debt can be depressing, but not enough to take you own life.

 

If you reading this, have no one to turn to, no one to talk to, and feel there's only one way out. Then PM me, there is ALWAYS a solution to even the worse financial situations.

 

I assume OTB is monitoring the thread, their profile states last activity: last night (Thursday) 20:59.

 

Just my opinion.

[tiglet]

Indeed - that concerned me too.

 

Anyone who is feeling depressed/suicidal, please do not PM people (they may not be there and we cannot tell what advice you are getting by PM) - do the following instead:

 

Firstly, talk to someone about your feelings - a partner, a family member, a friend or the samaritans AND someone who can professionally help you such as your GP or your psychiatrist. The depression is more important than the debt and it is unlikely you can deal with the debt until you have dealt with the depression. If you feel you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, call the samaritans or if the urge is desperate, phone 999 and get an ambulance - you will immediately get the help you need.

 

Secondly, in order to get the help you need with debt when you are depressed, there is debt counselling and help from organisations such as the National Debt Line, CCCS and the CAB. Of course, there is always lots of help on CAG, but I would ask that you let us know in your post that you are suffering from depression or notify a mod so that they can monitor your posts and make sure you are getting the debt help you need. HOWEVER I must re-iterate that dealing with the depression must come first, no matter how urgent - go to your GP in the morning and post here in the afternoon if you need to - you will immediately feel better that you know help with your feelings is there.

 

A friend of mine attempted suicide last year because of debt worries and now, thanks to medication, counselling and help with his debts, is a much stronger and happier person. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Users - if you get a PM from someone who is depressed/suicidal IMMEDIATELY alert a mod to the fact and do not reply. If you feel you need to reply, simply say you have passed their PM over to a mod.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I will, as a counsellor trained in suicide intervention, just echo Tiglet's excellent advice.

[JonCris]

I agree 100%, Ive been following this thread with mixed feelings, full points for the information provided, it has been a real godsend, and I tottaly applaude the OP for it no matter what thier motives.

 

Its just a real shame it appears its due to an ego trip rather than any sense of moral obligation....frankly I think its a little twisted.

 

I know a gift horse shouldnt be looked in the mouth, but from my perspective its akin to a super rich celebrity donating to charity and then getting upset when the tabloids dont praise them for being so selfless.

 

Matty don't worry no doubt the OP will be off somewhere else having their ego stroked;)

[sosumi]

Originally Posted by onthebrink

If you reading this, have no one to turn to, no one to talk to, and feel there's only one way out. Then PM me, there is ALWAYS a solution to even the worse financial situations.

I agree that's wrong. I also agree with Tiglet completely. Sometimes support forums can get you through the night, but no-one ever knows what's actually going on with someone else and you can't get to know through a computer screen.

So I'd also echo everything Tiglet's said to anybody who feels life's getting too hard for them. Hold on and follow Tiglet's advice.

I was a psychiatric nurse, I've lived with mental illness all my life and survived some very dark places with help from professionals, so I don't say it lightly.

 

If Onthebrink was here last night then I'd just like to thank him/her for taking the time to give so much information.

Earlier this year I think, a DCA manager (?) posted specifically asking what should DCAs do to change. I looked for the thread yesterday but couldn't find it. I think that person and Onthebrink (if not the same person) had good intentions.

[cashins]

Earlier this year I think, a DCA manager (?) posted specifically asking what should DCAs do to change. I looked for the thread yesterday but couldn't find it.

 

Never saw that one S, but there's a thought.

 

Unless a DCA manager can't see what's in front of their nose, why the question?

 

Starter for 10: Stop looking at the problem of how to get that quota of money in on the day and start looking for a solution.

 

Questions:

 

Do you think threat-o-matics work and if so why do they only work once..............?

 

Do you think an initial letter from a DCA should threaten, Court Action, Baliffs, Charging Orders and Bankruptcy before they have even heard what you have to say?

 

Why do you employ staff on commission that will shout, threaten and tell you just about anything to get money in for their quota, when commonsense would tell you that if there was a solution that both parties could live with, staring them in the face, they would never see it?

 

Why do you think organisations like CAG exist?

 

They would need to start thinking out of the box.

 

David

[Werner M]

.......HI ,it's not just DCA's who are obnoxious it's also the original Creditors who bully and treat you like sh.. !!! if you need a little Breathing space because of unforeseen Circumstances....and because of this humiliating treatment we have over the Years kept our Heads down and got to the statute barred stage now....call us Cowards, but I (WE) will not be treated in such humiliating and degrading Ways.!! .....(THANKS CAG) we never tried to avoid our Debts, which are only little in comparison (12000 to 5 different CSA's)

[Werner M]

Sorry I meant "DCA's ofcourse !! .....WM.

[andrew1]

.......HI ,it's not just DCA's who are obnoxious it's also the original Creditors who bully and treat you like sh.. !!! if you need a little Breathing space because of unforeseen Circumstances....and because of this humiliating treatment we have over the Years kept our Heads down and got to the statute barred stage now....call us Cowards, but I (WE) will not be treated in such humiliating and degrading Ways.!! .....(THANKS CAG) we never tried to avoid our Debts, which are only little in comparison (12000 to 5 different CSA's)

 

All you have to do is make them (DCA's) abide by the law and the debts strangely seem to vaporise all on their own without a lot of effort from our side.

 

No doubt that will change, but I see nothing wrong in making companies accountable. after all, these dca's have not had anyone to answer to except themselves for getting on 40 years, it takes time for them to change, but they had had a rude awakening, people are getting debts written off, canceled out and reversed, purely because they have been asked to do what the law says they should. Don't anyone feel guilty about 'looking as though you are 'avoiding' debt, just ask them to abide by the law and nature takes its course. They can't abide by the law as they don't know how, we CAG , the Cabot Fan Club, everyone that follows the advice on here just ask they follow the law of the land, then the dca's will do as they are supposed to, debts won't be written off or cancelled and they'll make loads more money cos they've got it right. Until then, they'll carry on getting it wrong and people like you Werner will think others will believe you are avoiding your debt. Not a bit of it - the dca's are a victim of their own failures. One day they might get it right, but they are a stubbon lot so it will take much longer-keep at it my friends and we'll keep having debt written off. Thank you.

[Goldlady]

I felt guilty about getting rid of so much debt when it first happened. Not any more - particularly as when I worked it out on a spreadsheet I had actually paid back the capital on most of my cards anyway. All that was left was extortionate interest and charges. I had so many bad experiences with DCAs that I was terrified to answer the phone or the door for over 18 months - I still hesitate now before answering the phone:o.

[andrew1]

I felt guilty about getting rid of so much debt when it first happened. Not any more - particularly as when I worked it out on a spreadsheet I had actually paid back the capital on most of my cards anyway. All that was left was extortionate interest and charges. I had so many bad experiences with DCAs that I was terrified to answer the phone or the door for over 18 months - I still hesitate now before answering the phone:o.

 

You'll have to have a psychology lesson then Goldlady. Begin by calling yourself 'Lady of Gold', you have been transformed now, confidence is something you have as a second nature. The next time you pick up the phone you KNOW you can stop the person dead in their shoes if it turns out to be a DCA. How?

by telling them you have a right under the Telecommunications Act 2003 to request everything in writing and that if they telephone you again they are breaking the law. Works everytime for me. Empower yourself and make sure you NEVER, EVER let ANYONE make you feel you are not in control of your own life.

 

So Lady of Gold..onwards and upwards..